Are you a university student that wants to work for the United Nations? Or maybe an international NGO like Amnesty International or the World Wildlife Fund? Or just wants to work overseas in a developing country?
As a current seeker of a job in international development, I have compiled some tips to assist students looking to pursue this career path. So many of the skills and experience required for jobs in international development can be gained while you are still in school – it’s never too early to start preparing! And bonus – these skills are incredibly transferable if you decide that an international career isn’t for you after all.
1) Choose your study path appropriately – I’m assuming you’re majoring in something like business, political science, public policy, international development or cultural studies. These courses seem to be most in demand for international jobs, but most of the time, the degree you achieve doesn’t really matter. Only make sure that you are studying something you enjoy and that is related to your eventual career. Want to work for Doctors Without Borders? A degree in medicine, nursing or health sciences. Want to save the rainforests? Study environmental sciences or sustainable development.
2) Plan to get a graduate degree – If you want to work for the UN, or eventually progress to a management position in an organization, plan to pursue your Masters at the very least. Some organizations even require a Masters for entry-level positions. Whatever you study, choose courses with an international focus on your area of interest, and remember that graduate degrees are expensive! Look for scholarships, bursaries and funding that may be available.
3) Study abroad – For a semester or a year, immerse yourself in another country and culture. This experience living overseas will prepare you for culture shock and working aboard, as well as develop your intercultural communication skills.
4) Join clubs or student organizations associated with your desired career – Join the Model UN, or Amnesty International, or the Association of International Studies, or OXFAM. If your favourite organization isn’t represented, start your own club. Get a leadership position and organize events, fundraisers and awareness campaigns, coordinate with other clubs and the school administration, and build your resume!
5) Volunteer – Show a passion for your field by volunteering with the local branch of an international organization. If you live in a town where international opportunities are not readily available, volunteer locally in your field. Want a job with UNICEF? Volunteer at the children’s hospital/museum/library, or at a home for parentless children. Want to work with CARE International? Volunteer at the women’s shelter, food bank or soup kitchen. Try to volunteer for the same organization(s) over a period of several years to show consistency and commitment.
6) Work abroad or in relevant jobs – Apply to get credits through international internships, or spend your summer break building houses in Haiti. International work experience is key to many jobs in international development. If that’s not a possibility, find a job with a non-profit that will give you experience writing reports, developing projects, and fundraising – all great skills to get you an entry level job.
7) Look into scholarships – The Rotary Club, for instance, has a fellowship that will pay for your Masters abroad in international relations or peace studies. There are many grants out there if you do the research to find them.
8) Learn another language – This is so important! Fluency in English is essential, but knowing another language automatically puts you a step above other applicants. The six official UN languages are probably the place to start – English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Chinese. Be prepared to be tested on your language ability for some jobs!
9) Travel and learn – Overall, do as much as you can to learn about other cultures. If you can’t travel, find other ways to engage the international community. Participate in local cultural festivals and events, or become a mentor/guide to international students. Make your entire resume a demonstration of your commitment.
Key Skills to Learn and Demonstrate:
· Project management
· Statistics
· Writing skills
· Fund development/grant writing
· Ability to build partnerships
· Collaboration with national governments and international organizations
· Ability to organize large events/conferences/projects
· Administrative skills
· Computer skills
· Critical thinking
· Adaptability
· Intercultural communication
Of course, the above lists are not exhaustive and every point is not necessary for every position. However, in my search for entry and mid-level jobs in international development, these seem to be the skills that appear again and again. Hopefully this post will help students and other job seekers to pursue their career in international development.
