Michael Bear at Humanitarian Relief is running a series of posts profiling what it’s really like to work at various large international aid and humanitarian organizations. Something we harp on quite a bit here at Working World is the need to look at the full picture when it comes to a job or an organization. Yes, the title sounds important, but what really will you be responsible for in this job? Will you enjoy and thrive on your daily activities? Is there room for growth? Yes, this particular organization has a mission you admire, but does its organizational culture match the working environment in which you see yourself? What about professional development? Salary? Benefits? Safety and R&R (aspects unique and important to aid jobs that might send you to dangerous and difficult locations)?
So Michael is right on in delving into the depths of these aspects of international aid work—knowing the full picture is important. Start with CARE, then IRC, then Oxfam. Michael says more, including UN agencies, is to come.
Tags: International Aid
Sherry came to my school today and spoke about working world and the nonprofit organization she is head of. She inspired me to consider going abroad when deciding on a career choice. Some of her experiences that she mentioned sounded so fun. She really lived the culture, she became part of the culture when she visited places. That’s what I would like to do…experience other cultures. Her job sounds like such a big opportunity to see the world. Even while working, who knows maybe one could see the world in a different way while working. I think instead of worrying about the whole picture, one should think about the task at hand and take things one step at a time. I really enjoyed Sherry’s presentation and I hope to experience some of the places she got to experience.