As a Politics and International Relations student, breaking into aid and development requires a mix of academic knowledge, practical experience, and networking. Here’s how you can strategically position yourself for a career in this field:
Identify Your Focus Area
Aid and development cover a broad spectrum. As a politics student, you might be particularly suited for:
Humanitarian Policy & Governance – Working with governments, UN agencies, or NGOs to shape aid policies.
Conflict Resolution & Peacebuilding – Supporting post-conflict reconstruction, diplomacy, or mediation efforts.
Human Rights & Advocacy – Campaigning for policy changes in international organizations (e.g., Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch).
Development Economics & Social Policy – Tackling poverty, education, and health policies in developing countries.
Climate & Sustainability Policy – Addressing environmental issues in the context of development (e.g., UNDP, Oxfam).
Tip: Identify a niche that aligns with both your interests and the job market.
Gain Practical Experience (Internships, Volunteering, Fieldwork)
Many development jobs require experience, so gaining hands-on exposure is crucial. Consider:
Internships with NGOs & Think Tanks
- Apply for research or policy internships with Oxfam, Save the Children, the ODI (Overseas Development Institute), Chatham House, or the UNDP.
- Government-affiliated internships (e.g., DFID/FCDO, European Commission, U.S. State Department).
Field Experience in Developing Countries
- Look for summer placements or volunteer programs with organizations like VSO, Peace Corps, or smaller grassroots NGOs.
- If you have already done teaching placements in Panama and Thailand, frame this as valuable fieldwork experience in education policy and community development.
University Research Projects
- Get involved in research on development policy, migration, or international aid at your university.
- Writing a dissertation on an aid-related topic could boost your credibility.
Model UN, Amnesty International, or Student-Led Development Projects
- Leadership roles in relevant societies demonstrate commitment and teamwork.
Build Technical & Regional Expertise
Many development roles require specific technical knowledge or a regional focus.
Regional Specialization: If you’re interested in working in Africa, Latin America, or the Middle East, gain experience related to that region (e.g., learning local languages, researching policies, networking with diaspora communities).
Skills to Develop:
Data Analysis & Monitoring – Programs like Stata, SPSS, GIS (used in impact assessment).
Project Management – Knowledge of logistics, budgeting, and reporting is crucial (e.g., PRINCE2 certification, PMD Pro).
Grant Writing & Fundraising – Many NGOs rely on external funding. Being able to write proposals is a valuable skill.
Network & Use Job Portals
Most jobs in aid and development are not widely advertised, so networking is essential.
Key Networking Platforms:
- Attend development conferences (e.g., Bond Annual Conference, Devex World).
- Engage with professionals on LinkedIn and follow organizations on Twitter.
- Join alumni networks – Many universities have career services that connect students with professionals in development.
Best Job Boards for Aid & Development Careers:
- Devex (www.devex.com) – The biggest platform for international development jobs.
- ReliefWeb (www.reliefweb.int) – UN-affiliated site for humanitarian work.
- Bond (www.bond.org.uk) – UK network for development NGOs.
- UN Careers (careers.un.org) – For positions in UN agencies like UNICEF, UNHCR.
- Idealist (www.idealist.org) – Good for entry-level NGO roles.
Tip: Follow recruitment cycles. The UN, for example, has Young Professionals Programs (YPP) and internships with strict deadlines.
Consider Further Study or Fellowships
While not always required, a Master’s in Development Studies, International Relations, or Human Rights can help if you lack field experience.
Top Master’s Programs for Aid & Development Careers:
- University of Oxford – MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy
- LSE – MSc in International Development
- SOAS, University of London – MSc in Development Studies
- Sciences Po (France) – Master’s in International Development
- University of Sussex (IDS) – International Development (very well respected in the field)
Alternatively, consider fully funded fellowships:
- Chevening Scholarships (UK) – For leadership roles in development.
- Fulbright Program (US) – Funds postgraduate studies in international development.
- World Bank Young Professionals Program – Entry path into global development.
First Steps You Can Take Now
Find an Internship – Apply to policy, advocacy, or research roles.
Volunteer with a Local or Online NGO – Start small but meaningful.
Start a Blog or Write for Publications – Demonstrating interest in development topics can help.
Improve Your Skills – Take free courses (Coursera, FutureLearn) on humanitarian aid, policy analysis, or data science.
Network on LinkedIn & Attend Events – Reach out to professionals in the field.
Final Thoughts
Getting into aid and development is competitive, but with the right experience, skills, and networking, you can break into the field. Start with internships, gain relevant technical skills, and build connections with professionals