- Name: James Richard McArthur
- Age: 28
- Current location: Burlington, Ontario, Canada
- Home town: Burlington, Ontario, Canada
- Education: Honours Bachelors of Environmental Studies, Geography and Environmental Management Co-op with a Specialization in Geomatics; Diploma of Excellence in Geographic Information Systems (GIS); MSc. Environment and Human Security, United Nations University, Bonn Germany.
- Current position: DRR Research Analyst, UNDP, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Organization description: The United Nations Development Programme was formed in 1965 and is active is 170 countries. Through training, grants, and expert advice, it supports developing countries around the world.
- Bio: After completing his undergraduate degree with a specialization in geomatics and geographic information systems, James found himself working all over the world as a lidar and photogrammetry product analyst with Teledyne Optech. After realizing he could combine his skills in remote sensing with his passion for international development work, he completed his Masters at the United Nations University in Bonn, Germany, an experience which allowed him to intern with both UNDP and UNSPIDER.
- Countries I've worked in: Namibia, South Africa, Indonesia, New Zealand, Germany, Norway, Bosnia and Herzegovina, United Kingdom, Canada, USA
- Sector / subsectors: International Development, Geography, Mapping, Remote Sensing
- Areas of expertise: Sustainable Development Goals, Disaster Risk Reduction, Crisis/Emergency Management, Geomatics (GIS, Remote Sensing.
- Country: Bosnia & Herzegovina , Canada, Germany, Indonesia, Namibia, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, UK, United States
- Region: North America, Africa, Europe, Oceania, Asia
- Sector: International development, Science
- Degree subject: Environmental studies, Geography
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Who are you and what do you do?
Meet James McArthur.
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How did you get to where you are now? Tell us about your career trajectory.
From transmissions towers and pipelines, to analyzing flood plains and military applications, James describes the range of ways airborne surveying is used and how his hard skills led him to travel around the world - from Namibia to the United Kingdom.
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How did your work with remote sensing for a private company lead you to development work with the UN?
While working all over the world, James helped a team map the aftermath of Hurricane Yolanda - an experience that made him realize he wanted to apply his skills to the international development world. He tells us how he found his dream Masters program.
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What was the application process like for the United Nations University?
James tells us about the importance of real world experience when it came to being accepted at the UN University, and how his undergraduate program helped set him up for success.
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Anything else as far as the application process went? Any interviews?
James tells us about the essay writing component of the UN University application process.
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Before interning with the UNDP, you volunteered with UNSPIDER. How did that come about?
Find out why James says you should always be doing something on the side.
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So what exactly did you do to take advantage of access to the UN Bonn campus?
James tells us how he walked into the UNSPIDER campus and offered to work part-time as an intern.
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Why did you choose to focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina?
James tells us about the work he was doing in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the UNDP.
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Tell us about an average day or week at the UNDP.
James tells us about maximizing field work, meeting with local government and quantifying impact.
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What’s out there in your field? What are the various streams you can get involved with?
James tells how the field of remote sensing has absolutely exploded, and can be used as an entry point into everything from humanitarian aid, city planning and military defense, to environmental sustainability, climate change and smartphone apps.
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What’s your best advice for someone wanting to get their foot in the door in this field?
Hear James’ best advice for finding your place within this field - and how he found his.
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Do you have tips for landing that first job or internship?
James tells us the one thing he wishes he took more seriously as a teenager, and other tips for making yourself the best candidate for your dream job.
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You have a background in geography, and are now working in humanitarian aid. What particular degrees or subjects are beneficial in this sector?
James talks about how to get a master’s degree without breaking the bank, and how the subject of that degree can include just about anything.
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What are some of the professional challenges of working internationally?
James tells us a story that starts with a helicopter, and ends with a pilot in Namibian jail. He underscores the importance of making sure your you stay safe, and on the right side of the law.
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Your pilot was jailed in Namibia!? Can you tell us more about what happened there?
Flight plans, work permits, and court dates, oh my!
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What about the personal challenges of working internationally?
James tells about being offered a position in Mosul, Iraq and the reason he may not be able to take it.
