Routes into international development

Many graduates start in an NGO; you will find few graduate training schemes, those that exist have early application deadlines. Generally organisations recruit as and when they have vacancies. Most recruiters in this sector are looking for:
1. Skills - these may be “hard” technical skills such as to work as a specialist in public health or they may be “soft” skills, such as teamwork and communication. Increasingly, recruiters are placing an emphasis on hard skills, especially for jobs “in the field.”.
2. Academic training/intellectual ability - typically a good undergraduate degree (typically 2.1 or better) or, very often today, a master’s degree. You also need to have good written English.
3. Relevant work experience - gained through volunteering, internships or paid work. It is advisable to gain development experience before undertaking a master’s degree.
4. Fit - will you fit into the department and the organisation to which you are applying?
5. Passion and commitment - are you committed to the cause?

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