The development sector involves international organizations, government departments, social initiatives, and big cross-border charities, all working to improve people’s lives. If you consider getting a career in this industry, this article makes an excellent place to get started. Here, we highlight the things you can do to get into the development industry. Let’s get started.

Do Comprehensive Research
The first thing to do is to gather as much information on the development sector as possible. You need to have a good understanding of the industry’s current requirements and priorities. Besides that, it’s essential to know what skills you need to possess to be useful in the sector. Furthermore, make a point of understanding your skills as this will help you learn where in this broad industry you can fit well.

The development sector presents tons of career opportunities for qualified and interested persons. It would help if you researched to discover what roles you can take up in the industry to have a smooth career life. The roles you can find in the development sector include:

• Field-based work
• Research roles
• Technical positions
• Support and administrative roles

Visit the organizations (or their websites) you want to know the specific positions you can fill.

Education
While some jobs might not require an education in development studies, you need to have an undergraduate degree in another discipline to boost your chances of landing a role. A Master’s is a plus.

Relevant placements and internships have also been shown to increase the chances of getting a role in the development sector. Behind this is the idea that these programs offer you an opportunity to gain necessary practical experience in the industry. Consider having an internship or experience in the development sector if you want to accompany your application with an excellent impression. Some organizations demand this from their applicants.

Network
People in the development sector will readily share their experiences and tips during seminars, conferences, and other meetings. Make a point of finding out when such events are held and attend them. Doing this puts you in a position to interact with professionals in the sector one-on-one. This way, you can easily build a network of contacts to inform you whenever a suitable role arises.  And don't forget to have a business card ready with your full name (e.g., Sam Mull) to hand out at networking events.

A good application, related experience, and education will only get you so far. With networking, you can be sure that you’ll seal the deal.

Volunteering
The development sector is always interested in people who have a passion for the responsibilities that come with the job. Given this, you need to show that you are dedicated to the industry’s cause to beat other applicants. You can do this by having an excellent volunteering history. It shows that you are enthusiastic besides proving your experience beyond doubt.

It is easy to bypass the significance of volunteering when it comes to landing a job in the development sector. The truth is that it can get you far along the way, especially if you are considering shifting careers. It proves that you went out of your way to volunteer while managing your full-time job simultaneously. A history of volunteering in your country or overseas will be a plus when applying for local or international positions, respectively.

Be Open to Other Options
Like many other people considering jobs in the development sector, you might find that you are only limiting yourself to working for an NGO. However, many other players in the development sector can give you a job. These include multinational consultancies, overseas government departments, and commercial operations. You can get an idea of the wide range of options you have in the development sector by checking various job boards or organization websites.

Consider the Less-Known
The UN, Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières, Amnesty, and CARE are some of the big names in the development sector. This popularity, among other reasons, makes them quite competitive to get into. Many applicants want to join them, meaning the screening and selection process is sure to be rigorous.

To boost your chances of landing a role in this competitive industry, consider applying to less-known organizations. Doing this assures you of a better chance of getting a job and provides you with an opportunity to gain relevant experience. This experience can give you an edge when applying to the big players in the future.

Final Words
If you are looking for a career in the development sector, these tips are sure to be useful. It also helps to keep up with the latest developments in the industry as this will ensure that you make informed decisions. For more, please feel free to continue the conversation in the comments sections below.