International aid/development worker : Entry requirements

A degree in social sciences or a relevant vocational subject is a common precedent to this area of work, although some posts don’t require a particular degree. In particular, the following subjects may increase your chances:

• international development/development studies;
• human rights;
• languages;
• economics;
• social policy;
• water/sanitation engineering;
• logistics;
• medicine, nursing and other health-related subjects.

Routes into this career area vary depending on the relevance of the degree discipline.

Entry without a degree is unlikely unless applicants have substantial relevant experience.

The Development Studies Association (DSA)  maintains a list of relevant undergraduate courses, postgraduate taught courses and postgraduate research opportunities. It is extremely advisable to obtain some paid or unpaid work experience in development before committing to a postgraduate course. This provides context for further studies and also helps to identify the most relevant academic and/or professional qualification to undertake.

A postgraduate degree may be desirable or essential for many posts depending on the specific job you are seeking. It is also possible to pursue postgraduate courses in international development management, international development studies, international health management, aid management, global social policy and other development-related courses.

Ultimately, however, the key to getting that important first post in the sector is relevant previous experience. Obtaining relevant voluntary or paid work experience is essential during and/or following study, either overseas or in the UK. Most university Students’ Unions offer opportunities to volunteer. Internships can often be taken during summer vacations. Formal internships schemes are more common in larger charities such as Oxfam , Christian Aid  and People and Planet . Organisations such as Volunteering England , Volunteering Wales , Student Volunteering Scotland  and WorldWide Volunteering (WWV)  provide information and advice about getting involved in volunteering. There is also a student-led global network called U8: Global Student Partnership for Development , which provides ways for students to learn about and engage with development issues.

Applicants need to recognise that it is a challenging and competitive career area to break into. It is extremely important to do some research and raise your level of knowledge and understanding of how the sector and organisation operates before applying.

Candidates need to show evidence of the following skills and personal qualities:

• the ability to relate to and communicate with a wide range of people;
• problem-solving skills and the ability to operate effectively under pressure;
• the ability to build and maintain effective relationships in changing teams;
• management of both people and projects and the ability to motivate others;
• the drive and determination to achieve results and initiate action;
• the ability to manage the workload, prioritise tasks and delegate when necessary;
• cross-cultural sensitivity;
• self-awareness and organisational awareness;
• patience and a willingness to adopt a long-term view;
• the ability to learn and to acquire new skills rapidly and the flexibility to transfer learning from one situation to another;
• operational decision-making skills;
• a willingness to live and travel in basic conditions;
• languages - French, Spanish and Portuguese are often requested and knowledge of Arabic, Russian, Chinese, Swahili or other African and Asian languages may be advantageous, depending on the region.

Most routes to gaining overseas experience require some self-funding. The Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO)  runs a two-year programme open to applicants with relevant post-qualification experience. VSO’s Youth for Development (YfD) scheme is a one-year overseas programme for 18-25 year-olds that provides an opportunity to work with its partners in over 40 countries. 2Way Development  is a UK-registered social enterprise that places volunteers with established development charities in Latin America, Africa, Asia and the South Pacific for a fixed fee of £750.

A background in areas such as finance, IT, fundraising, HR or marketing may offer an alternative entry point into development agencies for those seeking to work in development without being directly involved in managing overseas projects.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.