The greater Pacific and Oceania region may be the least populated, but it lies at the forefront of sustainable development projects. As such, experienced professionals and junior development consultants from this highly sought-after region know that the development of their careers holds paramount significance.
However, enhancing their skills, developing their networks, and staying on top of the latest trends in their field is the only way to remain ready to address the complex challenges of the future and to secure their jobs in the aid sector.
In this article, we will share five invaluable tips for experts from the Pacific region who want to boost their career in the international development sector, and directly contribute to solutions that positively impact their communities and, indeed, the entire world.
See also: Five benefits of DevelopmentAid database for experts
Tip #1: Continuous Learning and Skill Enhancement
Studying to earn an advanced degree is only the beginning for a true professional as continuous learning and skill enhancement is a lifelong part of a career in sustainable international development.
There are a number of ways that experts can enhance their skills, including by enrolling in education and training programs in order to stay abreast of best practices and the latest trends. Other methods include participating in collaborative projects, taking on a mentor or becoming a mentee, and participation in workshops, seminars, and “breakout sessions” which can provide invaluable hands-on experience and knowledge sharing. Lastly, there are now a wide variety of online courses available as well as articles and academic literature for experts to benefit from as they adapt to the ever-evolving field of international development. Junior-level consultants must not underestimate the power of volunteering or internships with various donors and NGOs working in the sector. Learning the skills right on the ground is one of the best ways to gain knowledge.
Tip #2: Networking and Building Professional Relationships
As the old saying goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together,” and this is definitely true in the tightly-knit world of international development. For experts from the Pacific, where countries are often geographically far-flung from one another, it is especially important to engage in networking and building professional relationships.
And one of the best ways to join in with your fellow peers and network with industry insiders is by registering to become a member of DevelopmentAid. With the largest professional network of development professionals, DevelopmentAid allows experts from the Pacific and Oceania region to make connections all over the world. These connections allow experts to share insights, innovative solutions, and best practices as well as fostering collaboration and partnerships.
Being a registered expert with DevelopmentAid also opens the door to lucrative professional opportunities from all of the biggest donor and aid agencies, which rely on DevelopmentAid to find, screen, and hire candidates on projects big and small. Who knows? Perhaps that dream job or conference invitation you’ve been waiting for is only just a few clicks away once you become a member.
Tip #3: Leveraging Memberships and Certifications
Speaking of memberships, it is essential for career-minded expert professionals from the Pacific and Oceania region to keep their memberships and certifications up-to-date. Certifications serve as a reliable indicator of your expertise in the field as well as your commitment to best practices, which is why so many donor agencies and development partners look to them as assurance that you have the requisite skills to address today’s complex global challenges.
Memberships in organizations like DevelopmentAid can also open doors to career advancement opportunities as they are recognized worldwide as being a trustful indicator of professionalism and expertise. Memberships also provide ample opportunities for peer-to-peer discussions, collaborations, and the sharing of tips, information, and opportunities that simply cannot be found elsewhere.
And last, but certainly not least, being a member of respected organizations like DevelopmentAid is a clear signal to the world that you are either a true professional in your field or have serious ambitions to become one.
Tip #4: Taking on Leadership Roles and Responsibilities
Some days, it feels like you are studying for your degree one day, and then you are collaborating on an important international project the next. As your expertise and experience grow, one of the best ways to boost your career is by stepping up to the plate and taking on more leadership roles and responsibilities.
In order to have a greater impact on sustainable development, experts from the Pacific and Oceania region should actively seek out opportunities to take on added responsibility and demonstrate their capability of effectively managing teams and complex projects. Hand in hand with taking on leadership roles is focusing on building strong communication and interpersonal skills so that your actions have a far-reaching impact on the world of sustainable development.
Registered DevelopmentAid experts are regularly invited to free webinars, workshops, and conferences which are ideal for building those all-important leaderships and interpersonal skills. That’s why the most senior and well-respected professionals in the field of international development are proud to be members of DevelopmentAid’s elite group of experts.
Tip #5: Stay Abreast of Current Developments
Whether it’s news, developments, or the latest trends in best practices and implementation of sustainable development projects, savvy experts from the Pacific and Oceania region turn to DevelopmentAid.
Registering as a member is fast, easy, and free (for junior-level consultants), and opens the door to a wide range of news bulletins, updates about donor procedures, regulations, and the latest in best practices for professionals working in the field of international development. Registered experts also get unlimited access to white papers, policy and strategy documents, and op-eds from some of the most influential professionals working to make the world a better place.
Registered DevelopmentAid members can also customize their news alerts, allowing for the utmost flexibility when it comes to staying abreast of current developments, job openings, and informational reports from the United Nations agencies, multilateral development banks, sovereign donors, and international NGOs.
If you are a development professional from the Pacific and Oceania region, the best way to boost your career, form those all-important professional networking relationships, and stay on top of all of the latest news and developments is by registering with DevelopmentAid today.
See also: The easiest way for development experts from Latin America and the Caribbean to boost their careers
