Introduction

This is a sector where it’s important to use a variety of approaches to job searching. This means applying to advertised jobs on industry specific websites such as Devex, keeping an eye on CareerHub, but also reaching out to new or existing contacts in the sector. LinkedIn is a great place to start and you’ll find hundreds of LSE alumni working in development organisations listed on the site.

If you’re looking to gain experience

If you’re just starting out then doing some volunteering whilst you’re at LSE is a good way to gain experience. You could also get involved in a student society that focuses on development.

If you’re early on in your career

Although there are a few structured graduate schemes, for example in DFID, some development consultancies and in a number of UN organisations, the vast majority of entrants to the sector start off by volunteering or undertaking internships and then progress to permanent positions.

If you have more experience

Most positions are gained by applying to advertised jobs or using personal networks. For more senior jobs, specialist recruitment agencies such as Oxford HR may be useful.

If you’re changing career

People often move into this sector using existing relevant experience, for example moving from working in HR in a corporation to HR in an NGO. For moves that involve a change in role as well, it’s often necessary to take some stepping stones to gain relevant experience. This could involve volunteering or perhaps taking a more junior position.

Not sure what to do next?

We’re here to talk over your career plans with you. It doesn’t matter what stage you’re at, so don’t feel you have to have it all worked out. You can book a one-to-one appointment with a careers consultant on CareerHub.

There are a huge number of different job roles in this sector. We’ve outlined some of the major functions, with links to where you can find more information. If you can, try and talk to someone who’s doing the job you’re interested in, so you get a real flavour of what it’s like.

• Advocacy– involves running campaigns and developing strategies to influence organisations and individuals to effect change and promote an organisation’s goals.
• Communications–an increasingly important area for any organisation, the work involves deciding how to present key messages and information to internal and external audiences. Visit our Careers in Media & Communications page to find out more.
• Consultant – depending on the amount of experience you have, the work can range from preparing bid documents for projects to developing policy and delivering projects on the ground for clients. Most consultants work either for a consulting firm, or in the case of those with relevant expertise, as freelancers.
• Fundraising– work can range from putting together bids for grants from donor organisations, to marketing to individuals and event organisation. Often overlooked as a career option, this function has a comparatively large number of vacancies compared to other roles. Found mainly in NGOs. Visit our Careers in Charities page for more information.
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning – roles involve conducting research into programme effectiveness and impact. Mande is a good source of additional information.
• Policy & research – roles involve researching development issues and formulating policies. Most often to be found in NGOs, government departments, multilaterals, think tanks and academia.
• Technical specialists – such as medical professionals, engineers and accountants. Often to be found in humanitarian (emergency relief) work. Relief web is a good source of information.

Corporate functions (HR, IT, Finance) – ensure organisations are governed efficiently. It is not unusual to gain experience of these roles in other sectors and then transfer across. Visit our Careers in Business page to find out more.