BY YULIA BUYNOVA
Yulia Buynova is a first year MA candidate concentrating in International Development and Economics and an Editor at SAIS Perspectives.
SAIS Perspectives International Development Panel
On March 26, 2021, the SAIS Perspectives staff organized an informal conversation with four former SAIS students, in order to share their respective experiences in navigating the job market after graduation.
As the imminence of graduation is upon second-year students, the anxiety from both navigating the job search and entering the professional world steadily rises. To alleviate some of the stress and provide advice on life after graduate school, the SAIS Perspectives organized an International Development Career Panel on March 26, 2021. Markus Specht, Editor-in-Chief, gave introductory remarks, and Hayden Hubbard, a Senior Editor, moderated the panel.
The panelists discussed the importance of continuously networking and building professional relationships, especially in times of COVID when face-to-face conversations are absent. For the first-year students, the takeaway was that summer internships can often lead to full-time job offers the following year. Still, more importantly, it is necessary to take every opportunity to establish relationships and learn from the supervisors and colleagues.
Four young professionals and SAIS alumni from a variety from professional backgrounds shared their experiences and advice. We’ve listed them below:
Ashley Augsburger - Humanitarian Protection Advisor at USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance
While on-boarding due to COVID-19 can be difficult, scheduling one-on-one virtual ‘coffee’ chats can ease the transition and help build stronger relationships.
It is essential to always keep things concise and not schedule a meeting for an issue that can be communicated via an email.
The humanitarian-development industry is undergoing major transition, witnessing the decolonization of aid and increased emphasis on localization. More and more, organizations are looking for partnerships with local staff and organizations on the ground and moving away from extractive relationships with receiving countries.
This and next generation of young professionals should and will push in this direction of inclusiveness and diversity at all levels. `
Marcus Holmlund - Senior Economist and Research Program Manager at the World Bank
Today, professionals need to step away from the “always on” mentality and separate personal and professional lives as lines turned blurry even more during the pandemic.
Routine and predictability can help to support your mental wellbeing but also give cues to your team about your regiment, when you are most productive, and what to expect from your work.
The future of the industry will see focus on environmental and climate aspects of projects.
Today, we see a bridge between humanitarian and development actors, especially in fragile and conflict areas. There is a shift in the responsibilities in these regions, as new collaborative programs are introduced. Also, current crisis has prompted many innovations in all spheres that are likely to become big opportunities to make important gains for our lives as we move forward.
Don Shin - Associate Director at the US International Development Finance Corporation
Even if you have zero international job experience before coming to SAIS, there is a way to get into career in international development. There are different starting points and path towards your goal.
Starting in private sector can set you up with skills and knowledge and help you move towards your desired position even without field experience.
It can be helpful to focus and target your career search, network with people within the agencies you have your set your mind on, learn about their priorities and ways they work to make sure it is the place you want to work at.
Ridwan Sorunke - Senior Manager at Procter & Gamble.
Emotional intelligence became even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Understanding how to engage with people, developing soft skills, polishing your communication abilities is a priority in every profession.
As young professional, you need to ensure that organizations see your value. Keep doing your work and make sure that people see your accomplishments even when you are working from home.
Look out for organizations that are working in fields, such as COVID-19 or gender equality, that are actively receiving funding right now and are likely to hire new specialists.
Once more people get vaccinated, especially in developing countries, the industry is likely to see an influx of field positions. Reach out to people and discuss the prospects to get closer to new opportunities after graduation.
We would like to thank our panelists for taking the time to share their experiences.
Each career development path is different with varying opportunities and obstacles, but we can always find ways to learn from each other and listen to those who walked through a similar path.