I think it’s important to keep in mind field work is never as glamorous as it looks. I know I’m guilty of misleading people on my social media accounts too, but for every day I was off seeing elephants (a total of 3 days out of my year there), there are dozens of other days where I was simply hot and sweaty,…
Kiri Dicker – Director at Think Out Loud International
I think networking is important, but more-so later in your career than at the beginning. At the end of the day, you need some experience and all the networking in the world is not going to get you a job if you have no experience. I think in your early career, mentoring is more important than networking. Name: Kiri Dicker…
Julian Doczi, Senior Research Officer – Water Policy Programme, ODI
Fewer people probably dream about doing accounting or IT for the UN than about being a humanitarian field worker, but either type of career is equally valid and important in development. Name: Julian DocziNationality: Canadian / Hungarian Current Position: Senior Research Officer – Water PolicyOrganisation: Water Policy Programme, Overseas Development Institute (ODI) Qualifications (and University): M.Sc. Climate Change and International…
Brendan Rigby, Managing Director, WhyDev
Stop and ask yourself Why? It takes more than passion and wanting to make a different to truly make a difference. The sector needs creativity, innovation and a bucking; it needs those who are not satisfied with the status quo and just continuing how things are currently done. Are you that person? Name: Brendan Rigby Current Position: Managing Director Nationality: Australian Organisation: WhyDev Qualifications…
Debora Di Dio, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist, UNICEF
My suggestion to young graduates looking for jobs in development is to ensure you are able to demonstrate some critical skills such as flexibility, adaptability to ever-changing and complex environments, as well as research and communications experience in multicultural settings.
Jennifer Ambrose, Research Analyst & Editor-in-Chief, AidGrade & WhyDev
A lot of organisations that take international volunteers are problematic as development actors… It’s critical to do your due diligence when choosing an organisation, and try to assess whether they’re doing effective work in the community.
Weh Yeoh, Managing Director, OIC: The Cambodia Project
There is a pervasive myth that it is foreigners like myself who are creating change in poor countries. The reality couldn’t be further from the truth… Studying development and working in Cambodia has taught me that my role is to support those people making the change, like my Cambodian colleagues.
Melanie Oliver, Regional Justice Process Assistant, Australia-Asia Program to Combat Trafficking in Persons
The best advice I was given when looking to get into human rights was to volunteer as soon as possible in something that interests you. The skills you learn will be transferable to human rights or development.
Matthew Ho, Resource Economist, Secretariat of the Pacific Community
Be prepared to apply for lower-level positions in development even if you’re experienced in another field.
Emma Jones, Program Assistant, Advocates Coalition for Development and the Environment
Being in the places where the roles are available will ensure that you will meet the right people whilst staying informed about the sector. Securing employment or an internship is much more effective when your CV is handed directly to someone or placed directly onto a director’s desk instead of arriving to a full email inbox.
