A career path beyond the national borders towards reputed organizations in the development sector is envisioned by many. However, our youth are found unacquainted about the navigation process of global jobs in this sector, ultimately deserting their dreams.
On this account, Youth Policy Forum (YPF) organized an expert panel webinar titled “Working Across Boundaries: Tips for Global Jobs” The webinar was presented by the YPF Mentorship and Skills team on 29 May 2021, 08 PM Bangladesh standard time (GMT+6).
The panelists included: 1. Naved Ahmed Chowdhury, Advisor for the YPF Mentorship and Skills Program, who has been working in International Development for the last few decades. 2. Dilruba Haider, who is currently working at UN Women and has 24 years of experience in the global development sector, was present at the panel too. 3. Dr. Saiful Qayyum, who is a public health specialist currently serving at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as a Senior Regional Technical Officer. The expert panelists gave invaluable advice to land and sustain a career in International Development. Around 3,800 individuals joined the Facebook live webinar and asked the panelists relevant questions.
The session began by welcoming the guests and presenting a brief account explaining the purpose, activities, and vision of the YPF Mentorship and Skills Program. The panellists commenced the interactive session by sharing anecdotes of their own academic and professional journey, and discussed various essential aspects that students and professionals who want to pave a career path in the global development sector might have many questions about.
Mr. Naved sheds light on the facilities in the development sector and the lucrative job opportunities it offers. He emphasized that before pursuing a global job, it is important to gain field experience at the local level.
Academic study prepares individuals with foundational learning and helps gain knowledge in a specialized area, but there’s more to it. Ms. Dilruba stated that if the students or aspirants want to establish a career in the development sector, they should consider studying the subject they wish to work in regardless of their academic degree. She also suggested not to join the development sector perceiving it just as a job, but to join with passion and sincerity, and truly feel for the cause.
Dr. Saiful shared his opinion with the live audience that extra-curricular activities such as volunteering, debating, and involvement in different social projects demonstrate the passion for development work and help individuals sensitize to other cultures. Soft skills such as a polyvalent and committed mindset, communication, leadership, and analytical skills enable aspirants to go a long way.
The panelists discussed entry-level jobs and various parameters such as job growth, security, financial, and work satisfaction at organizations like the United Nations. Towards the end of the session, Naved presented critical insights on building a great CV and acing the interview for global jobs.
