Skills were a big focus at this week's Positive Change event - a career conference for the many people looking to break into the international development sector.
Vicky Peaple, programme officer from the donor organisation STARS Foundation, talked about the importance of (often overlooked) need for admin - you could be organising and dealing with paperwork, applications and people, after all - alongside analytical and finance skills. This is all on top of contextual experience gained in the field and the standard passion, drive and commitment stuff.
CARE International's human resources director Harbinder Kaur went on to say, yes, experience and qualifications are important but candidates need to put more emphasis on skills when applying for roles.
There was also lots of discussion about how competitive international development is; a masters degree and long stretches in the field volunteering might stand out in other sectors but these are actually pretty standard fare across the budding international development workforce.
So, if your skills inventory is looking a bit scarce - and you want to find out how to give it a boost - or are wondering what is the specific skillset is for a role you've got your sights on, join our panel of experts - featuring speakers from the Positive Change event, 12 October at 1pm.
Our panel:
Julia Lalla-Maharajh, returned volunteer, VSO - a development charity that sends volunteers abroad
Shelley Reynolds, marketing manager, VSO
Ben Paine, development director, Medair UK - which delivers life-saving relief and rehabilitation in disasters, conflict areas, and other crises by working alongside the most vulnerable
Kevin Cusack, director, World Service Enquiry - an organisation that provides information and career advice to people who want to volunteer or work in international development
David Lale, chairman, People Unlimited - a not-for-profit recruiment specialist
Katherine Tubb, cirector, 2Way Development - a specialist international volunteer agency, placing skilled volunteers with established NGOs running sustainable development projects
The discussion is now open for your questions - so get posting!
