The Launchpad by Second Day

Overall estimated read time: 37 minutes

Last updated: July 2021

International development is an expansive and complex field. Under the broad title of “international development” (or IDEV), lie opportunities as diverse as humanitarian work, economic research, government policy, public health, international education, and more. It is important to approach the IDEV industry with eyes wide open. On the one hand, academics, politicians, and NGO employees have contributed to some of the most significant advances in human prosperity in the past century. Many humble, empathetic, creative, tough individuals can find career, personal, and ethical fulfillment through IDEV work. But on the other hand, the international development field has been criticized for perpetuating colonial-era systems and employing staff who act condescendingly to the people they work for and with. This field is rapidly changing and it appears to be changing for the better. Many IDEV organizations have a renewed focus on hiring local staff in the countries they operate in. While this trend is long overdue, it does reduce the number of jobs available to non-locals. IDEV is a crowded field, especially  for US-based roles, so it’s important to enter into your IDEV job-hunt thoughtfully and deliberately.

Ask yourself: how important is it to you that the work you’re doing has an international scope? Are you willing to spend significant time living abroad and ingraining yourself in foreign cultures and languages? Because sub-issues of IDEV, such as poverty, illiteracy, and hunger, are also domestic issues, you can have direct impact within the US and avoid some of the more difficult elements of international work. But if you feel that you grow best outside your comfort zone, are willing to listen and learn from local experts, and are excited to immerse yourself in a new community, IDEV could be the place for you. Clearly identifying your commitment to international development and maintaining that motivation will create a sustainable career in IDEV. If you’ve got a fire in your belly and are ready to do what it takes, there are lots of opportunities to dive in and make a difference!

To inform our work, Second Day has spoken to experts in the field and gathered the best information out there for upcoming and recent graduates. First, the guide will take you through the different entry-level positions to look out for in this field. Then, we’ll provide tips on actually getting those jobs in IDEV. We’ll finish with our next three steps: actionable items you can take to make progress towards finding your first job in the field. Let’s get started!