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Shaun Harris

July 21st, 2017

Insider tips – how to get a job in International Development

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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Shaun Harris

July 21st, 2017

Insider tips – how to get a job in International Development

0 comments

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

International Development is a popular career area amongst LSE graduates. Here LSE alumnus Lee Bailey (MSc Development Studies 2013), who is Director of Communications at the Natural Resource Governance Institute, gives his tips on how to get started based on his experience in the sector:

1. Establish a Twitter footprint

Use this to reflect your international development interests and growing expertise. Follow relevant organisations and individuals and you will soon have a real time feed of goings on in the sector (including job opportunities). Start retweeting and even providing your own (carefully considered) commentary.

2. Visit and work in the field

If at all possible and keeping in mind the pitfalls of ‘voluntourism‘.

3. Volunteer your time

For example to an NGO in London that does work that interests you. Even a short stint can enhance your CV and sharpen your understanding of the field.

4. Be persistent

While you don’t want to annoy people, they have a higher threshold for annoyance than you think. If you reach out to them in a sincere and informed way, they will be receptive to your requests for an exploratory coffee or an offer to volunteer your time.

5. Join relevant groups/lists

For example the London International Development Network, and the Guardian Development Professionals email newsletter.

6. Learn another language

Preferably by immersion.

Finally, don’t forget we have a wealth of specialist information and support on our website.

 

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About the author

Shaun Harris

I am the Deputy Director of LSE Careers

Posted In: International development | LSE Careers

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