On February 15, our virtual Career Fair gathered nearly 40 exhibiting organizations and over 500 attendees from around the country and across the globe.
In the day's opening panel, speakers shared how they chose their career paths, what barriers they faced, and what advice they have to succeed in international development. There are so many extraordinary and unique opportunities in today’s international development field. From NGOs to consulting firms, government agencies, the private sector, universities, small businesses, large corporations (and more), it’s rare that you find two career paths that are the same. Take a look at some of the key points our panelists shared:
- Avoid approaching networking as a transaction, rather build your network genuinely and with sincerity. The quality of your connections matters more than how many networks you have.
- Build your narrative. Try not to regurgitate your resume when meeting new connections; instead, focus on telling others how you got into your work and why you want to pursue it; why is this a passion for you?
- Having the desired skills for a role is just one part of being a good fit. Be open to becoming comfortable in different cultures and environments, embracing local knowledge and customs.
- Focus on the transferable skills needed for your career in international development - you don’t always need to leave the country to connect with the communities you want to serve.
- Remember to not lose your voice, your power, and your critical thinking - don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo.
Watch the full panel below for more advice and insight on taking the next step in your professional development journey.
We’re honored to provide a space for the international development community to connect, share, and grow. Thank you to all the recruiters, representatives, panelists, and attendees who were able to join us. We hope to see you again at a future event.