How to think like a partnerships professional

Public-private partnerships are proliferating across government, embedded in NGO culture and finding their way into the private sector. But there doesn’t seem to be one path into that job series, Jim Thompson, director of innovation at the U.S. Department of State, told Devex Impact Associate Editor Adva Saldinger. “We have not yet set up what the criteria is for hiring a public-private partnerships person,” he explained, adding that he only knows of two people who have gotten degrees in the specific field of partnerships. READ: The undefined path to a career in partnerships It remains a tough space to break into, but there are definitely more opportunities becoming available — although you don’t have to be sitting within a partnership unit to take advantage of them. Thompson encouraged professionals in any sector to think about what they’re doing right now, who else is interested in it — then brainstorm what they can bring to the table and what you can offer them as an opportunity to work with you. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or budding development professional — check out more news, analysis and advice online to guide your career and professional development, and subscribe to Doing Good to receive top international development career and recruitment news every week.