New year's resolution 2: to get my first job in development

I've just graduated from my undergraduate degree and I want to work in global development. Will doing a masters help me get a job? I know there is a lot of competition around from highly qualified international candidates.

The dilemma faced by graduates who are setting out on a career in the international development sector is pretty stark: do I aim for an entry-level job in the sector and then study for a masters, or get a masters under my belt and then aim for a more specific role in the sector? The dilemma is one that is faced particularly by those aiming for a career in policy, advocacy and campaigning although the number of employees in other support roles with international development qualifications is steadily increasing.

A recent advert for an internship in ActionAid's strategy, planning and accountability team attracted applications from 100 candidates. Of these, 98 already had a masters, a PhD or a law degree; the remaining two were studying for their masters in international development. Ten years ago, possession of a masters degree appeared in the desirable criteria section of the person specification for jobs in the sector. Today, although it is unlikely to feature in the essential criteria, given the volume of applicants, the first round of shortlisted candidates is often mostly composed of those with a masters.

Having spoken to a number of recruiting managers on this subject, their general preference is to appoint someone with experience in this or a related sector rather than someone who is fresh out of university with a masters; although they do recognise that someone with experience and a masters will probably have a head-start over a candidate with no postgraduate qualification. As a rule, the only roles where candidates will not be considered without a postgraduate degree are those that demand a high level of research ability.

Recruiting managers are also keen to recruit team members that clearly know the career path they intend to follow. This can be demonstrated either by a masters, or by acquiring experience in another way – through a volunteering role (particularly in the field) or perhaps in an internship.

If you intend to study for a masters, make it specific rather than general, so focus on the particular area of international development that interests you. This might initially limit your options, but it will ultimately help you stand out from the many others with an international development masters.

Graham Salisbury is head of human resources at ActionAid UK. He tweets at @grahamsalisbury.

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