International development naturally attracts individuals with an interest in the social sciences, but the sector does provide opportunities for a broad range of skilled professionals. In fact, while some employers previously favoured those with an academic background in global studies, the demand has arguably shifted to recruiting candidates with hard skills, or a specialization within the field. Educational qualifications are considered along with practical work experiences, including those gained through interning or volunteering abroad. Some areas of specialization, required qualifications and potential jobs are explored later in this section.
Although professional expertise may vary widely among international development and aid workers, they do have some personality traits in common. Regardless of whether you are working behind a desk in a North American head office, or in the field, people are the strength of the sector.
Wanting to “do good” is good, but it’s not good enough. Practitioners must have a sense of humility and leave ethnocentric attitudes at homes. Knowing how to work across borders and through cultural differences with respect and patience is essential. Development and aid workers typically demonstrate strong intercultural competencies, including the ability to communicate cross-culturally.
In the humanitarian sector, we’ve gone from uber-specialization to wanting more of the “competencies” and softer skills. You can be a great specialist in your field, but if you’re rude and impolite, you’re not going to get anywhere. If you can’t communicate with other people, you’re not going to get the job done. And if you piss off the local staff, then you’re more of a detriment than a help to the project.
—Recruiter for a large humanitarian organization
