How to get your global development career off to a good start

Landing a job in global development is tough, and the first few years of your career may also be very challenging as you learn what it means to work in this particular sector. Paths to a career in this competitive sector often involve balancing a weekend job with a full-time internship before spending months, or even years, overseas to gain the field experience that will allow you to specialize or move up the career ladder.

While this career can be quite demanding, it can also be very rewarding. We spoke with early career development professionals to hear their advice for others trying to get their development career off to a good start.

Getting your foot in the door in global development can be tough, and before you land an entry-level position with any organization, chances are you will have to prove your worth volunteering or interning for little or no money. Almost everyone in the global development sector has served their time as an intern, either working in the home office or overseas.

This article is exclusively for Career Account members.

Unlock this story now with a 15-day free trial of a Devex Career Account.With a Career Account subscription you will get:

  • Full access to our jobs board, including over 1,000 exclusive jobs
  • Your Devex profile highlighted in recruiter search results
  • Connections to recruiters and industry experts through online and live Devex events
Start my 15-day free trial