Ask Devex: Transitioning into and within the development sector

In this month’s Ask Devex event, Kate Warren, Devex’s executive vice president, weighs in on some of the most pressing questions global development job seekers have about transitioning into and within the development sector. Hosted by Julie Weber, talent innovation specialist at Devex, Warren answers questions such as how to transition into development from the private sector, transitioning to and from a development consultant role, and how to tackle gaps in your CV. “There is increasingly, not only an acceptance, but even an appetite for people who have private-sector and different background experience in development,” said Warren. “There’s a lot more partnership and overlap with the private sector, the worlds are really merging more.” Transitioning professionals undoubtedly do need to gain an understanding of how the development world operates, however, which can be very different from the business world, she continued. Another factor to be mindful of when looking to make a transition is the difference in language and communication between the two sectors. “If your resumé is filled with corporate speak, it really won’t resonate with somebody who’s reviewing CVs for development jobs,” Warren said. Consider how you talk about your experience, and make sure it is transferable across sectors. On the question of gaps in CVs, common for many people due to a range of personal factors, Warren advised: “It is something you want to address in your cover letter, but you don’t want to dwell on.” How to approach gaps can vary depending on the context, but it is always important to evidence you are keen and ready to re-enter the workforce, and use the key qualifications section at the very beginning of your CV to ensure that is the first thing recruiters see. Make sure to watch the full webinar below for further insights into these career questions and many more.