Preface: sorry if this doesn't belong here, I'll remove it.

Hi everyone, I am not in humanitarian aid or development, but I'm a university student that will be starting a 4-month internship at a remote Native settlement in January. My formal role will be more related to the business dealings at the settlement, but I will also have informal responsibilities such as helping out elders with work, as well as leeway to take initiative and create my own tasks.

The settlement deals with problems such as higher than average crime rate, alcoholism, abuse, etc that has been passed down for generations and I want to do what I can to improve the town for the current generation and the next. This is my first work experience and I am hoping to receive any advice about how I can best support this village of around 700 people.

My current ideas involve sourcing sporting equipment for the kids from charities, trying to record the history and teachings of elders (though I am unsure how to do this as of now), teaching some supplemental courses at the school on topics they might not have (I'm guessing they may not have computer science courses, and I have experience in the subject), as well as helping people out with other things (reviewing resumes, helping kids with college applications, etc).

I would welcome any advice at all about more ways I can help out at the settlement, or ways I can change or implement my current plants. TIA!

Hi, I was wondering if any of the more seasoned people on here had any good tips or tricks for de-stressing or decompressing after returning from more intense deployments (whether due to the nature of the work or the type of context such as conflict zones). This year I have had several roving deployments to Ukraine and some of the hotter spots in the Middle East. I love my job, but I am feeling a little fried and would love some insight on how other people mange, as I want to prolong my career in this sector as long as possible.

So after some discussions previously on this subreddit regarding what degree would be best to study...

(For context, I was looking at studying either Social Sciences or an Open Degree, I am now instead going to do a BA International Relations but going the Development route)

I was given advice to look into public/ global health. Are there any good non-uni level qualifications for this?

The prison have been operating since 1987 built by the Assad regime

Hi everyone,

I have a degree in Political Science and have always been passionate about entering the humanitarian sector. For the past 2.5 years, I’ve been working in risk analysis and compliance, which has given me solid experience in research, critical thinking, and understanding global systems.

However, I’m struggling to break into humanitarian work. Most of the job postings I come across require either a master’s degree or extensive experience in the field, and I currently have neither.

Do you have any recommendations for how someone in my position could get started? Are there entry-level roles that could help me build the necessary experience and network?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated—thanks in advance!

Okay so I've built an Open Degree that I think would be the most useful with the modules available:

• Science & Health: An evidence based approach
• Encountering Psychology in context
• Global Development: Poverty, Inequality, Sustainability
• Public Law (because it delves into Human Rights
• Infection, immunity and Public health
• Public Health: Health promotion and health security
• Approaches to mental health

For going into the humanitarian world, I think i have built the best degree I could.

• Public and International health modules
• Psychology module
• International development module
• Law module which delves into human rights
• Mental health module

I think this is a great all-round humanitarian degree. What do you think?

Hi Reddit,

I’m currently serving in the RAF as a Logistics Specialist and will be leaving at the 12-year point after a decade of service. My goal is to transition into the humanitarian sector, ideally within logistics.

I have £6,000 of funding available through Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCs), which I can use for qualifications, or I can trade them in under the Further Education Higher Education (FEHE) scheme to fully fund a degree.

Here’s my current qualification profile:

6 x GCSEs (A*-C including English and Maths)

4 x Level 2 Diplomas in Warehousing & Storage, Lean Organisation Management Techniques, Business Administration, and Principles of Team Leadership

1 x Level 3 Diploma in Stock Control & Accounting

Currently studying: Level 3 ILM Diploma in Leadership & Management, and Level 3 Diploma in Cost Analysis

My initial thought was to pursue a degree in Social Science with a specialisation in development (5-6 years part-time). However, I’m wondering if it might be better to focus on building on my current qualifications using my ELCs to gain Level 5/6 certifications in logistics, leadership, or something else relevant.

My main considerations are:

1. Time & Return on Investment: Would a degree make a significant impact in my field of interest, or could targeted qualifications provide similar results more quickly?

2. Relevance: Is a Social Science degree the right fit for humanitarian logistics, or should I focus on logistics-specific training?

3. Employability: How would hiring managers in the humanitarian sector view a degree vs higher-level certifications and military experience?

If anyone has made a similar transition, works in humanitarian logistics, or has advice about the most effective qualifications for this sector, I’d really appreciate your input!

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone.

I am, as many currently, deep in the trenches of searching for a job. 7 months in, and I am starting to question my decisions and is hoping for some advice from people on the other side, or with more experience within humanitarian aid and Non-Profit than I have.

Background:
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Human Rights. I have 1.5 years of experience in project coordination, which includes my internship at a non-profit, where I worked as an M&E Officer, helped coordinate a new project and its activities, and structured the initial MEAL components of the project. It also includes my current role as a volunteer coordinator for another non-profit, where I handle administrative tasks, manage data and budgets, and write project proposals and reports for a specific project. Additionally, I currently have 1.5 years of experience in Logistics and Supply within hospitals and clinics.

I am at the moment employed in a Dialysis Clinic in the position of Medical Logistics Officer for a year now, going steady. They seem very happy with the work I am doing, and asked me whether I wanted to commit for another year or two, and if so - they would be happy to support me in terms of courses and educations in relation to further developing skills within my position.

The situation:
I want to work in a humanitarian organization. My initial interest lies more in project coordination and the work I have been doing on a volunteer basis, than within Logistics and Supply. But as I currently only have experience as part of my internship and volunteer basis - I feel my chances to get employed within this line of work is barely reachable at the moment. I am figuring that my way in could be Logistics and Supply, as I have strong, actual experience within this line of work, and is currently getting more, and then pivot years down the line to what I would like to do more. Does this sound reasonable? I figure the key is actually getting in.

I am currently searching for jobs both within coordination, and logistics - but I am having issues with call backs and interviews. My questions are these:

1. Is my work experience at a hospital and clinic within Logistics, where I do tasks such as ordering, procurement, keeping records etc transferable to a non-profit organization? Would I profit to commit at the clinic for a while longer, develop my skills and earn experience and hopefully skills that would support my job-hunting efforts in the future within non-profit? Is this a reasonable way in?

2. How much experience within Logistics is necessary for a junior position in today's job-climate? Any specific certifications, courses and what-not that would be valuable for me to push for - if I end up staying and being more educated at the clinic?

3. Is the volunteer experience as project coordinator valuable enough to continue - or do I focus my energy on the clinic, and then pivot later on in my career towards what I really want to do?

As you can probably hear - I get the feeling I am swaying in-between two sectors, and it feels a bit all over the place. Especially as rejections come flowing in from various non-profits, and I don't even manage to land interviews.

Any suggestions, new ideas or perspectives are most welcome.
Have a great day!

Hello everyone im in the final year of high school right now and would like to pursue something that gives back to the community but slightly confused as to what to choose as a degree in college to get a job later in an international organisation. I am trying my best to research properly and im completely new to knowing about the whole process any sort of types will be very much appreciated . I have taken up humanities in school ( history , political science , english , economics and psychology ) and i am based in india . how should i start out ? What should be my future degree ? Etc thank u so much

Hi everyone!

I am strongly considering getting into the humanitarian field but I'm not sure if I am qualified.

I have bachelors degree in non-profit management and minor in urban planning from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU. (2020)

I have 1 year of experience as a case manager with the department of child services .

and 3 years of teaching experience.

I am also rescue diver certified with PADI and used to have a wilderness first responder cert until it ran out a couple years ago.

I also have like 10 years of experience working at summer camps but I'm not sure if that counts or not.

I enjoy working with kids and would love to help others in the field or do something with policy.

I have lived abroad but only for 6 months in Italy - but I have traveled quite a bit.

The only languages I know other than english is rudimentary Italian.

I would love any advice on what I need to do or what I am qualified for in this field!

Thank you!

Hi I’m wondering if anyone knows the name or where I can find the information about this campaign group I saw on a news report or video online? The ones I saw were in the USA and advocating for 1% of certain countries budgets to go to humanitarian aid as well as making things more transparent so people understand how this helps not only countries receiving aid but a country who provided it too for reasons such as preventing another global pandemic. I can’t remember where I saw them discussing it but it was a really interesting and valid point they were making, I’d love to read up about it more and share it! I think they were groups of people who worked in fields relating to issues affected by lack of aid? Can’t remember for certain though. If anyone possibly knows what I’m on about or knows possibly a better group to ask in please let me know, thanks! :)

Hi everyone!

I would like some advice on how to move back into the humanitarian field, specifically PSS, child protection, or mental health research? Any recommendations for online certificates or diplomas that you believe would be valuable to do while I'm in my current job to enhance my cv?

I am a 27 year old female, and I have a bachelors and masters in psychology. My masters was specific to children and young people.

I volunteered with refugees for around 2 years during my bachelors, specifically providing PSS in informal schools.

During my Masters I volunteered at a charity shop (save the children), and I was working part time at schools and nurseries with kids. I also worked on a mental health research project as an honorary research assistant at a university in the UK. Following that, I worked with an international NGO as a social emotional learning assistant, i provided PSS to young people affected by war, I also worked on an education project in an emergency setting and helped educators learn more about working with vulnerable groups etc. Following this, I did a diploma in trauma informed practice.

After leaving this job, I worked in research at a public health institute, and I have been working there for around 1.5 years. Despite my love for research, I feel like working in public health, infectious diseases, capscity building etc, moved me away from humanitarian work.

I want to go back to working in the humanitarian field, even as a researcher but I am not sure how I can be a good candidate after leaving the field and doing something completely unrelated.

Thank you in advance!!

I’m looking at getting into the humanitarian field and I’ve always wondered whether aid workers have a home base? Is it possible to work say in the Middle East then live in a cheaper country like Bali during RnR?

Hey guys. i’m in chicago (lincoln park) & am beginning to realize how intensely im drawn to doing humanitarian work (or giving back in general). having my day to day job is bringing me into depression, id love to give back into the community & be compensated for it so i can sustain my life (rent & bills & groceries) while also doing something that gives me purpose. moral of the story… where are some places that pay for your help? i volunteer as well, but i need to get out of my current job and into something that can sustain me while still giving back.

i am open to a whole lot of anything. i don’t have much experience building or engineering. i love animals, i have experience with kids, food banks, & food drives. i enjoy writing, painting, arts & crafts as well as outdoor activities & sports! SA is the only topic i don’t feel comfortable helping with. willing to travel but definitely only in chicago

Hi everyone,

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The survey takes 5 minutes, and your insights would be incredibly valuable. All responses are confidential.

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Thanks for your help!

I am going to assume that when you are working in a conflict or hazard country for an NGO or doing academic field research, your ass is in that compound and does not leave. I imagine it is not a chance to see/experience a country. Would I be correct in that?

Hello!

I'm concerned about the state of Taiwan following Trump's presidency. Does anyone have any information on humanitarian aid groups that would help to protect Taiwanese civilians in case of violent conflict with China?

I feel like this might be a bit of a silly question, especially since I’m aware of the history of U.S. military involvement in many developing countries, but are there any humanitarian aid jobs that actively look for military veterans? I served for four years, didn’t deploy, and now I’m finishing an MS in Sustainable Management. I’m interested in getting into the field, maybe in something like monitoring and evaluation, but I’m open to other entry points as well like volunteering perhaps?Just feeling a little lost right now so I’ll take any advice :-)

Hi everyone, I'm a UK based nurse (pre and post operative care) who has recently dropped out of medical school in my first year as it is not what I want out of a career.

I've always wanted to do humanitarian work in some capacity and want to explore this as nurse. How do I get experience in this field to build my credentials and knowledge base ?

Hi! I have no idea where to find a legit place on the internet to donate to.

I want to donate to a charity that aids in helping people in forced labour, like Temu.

Anyone know of a safe site/charity?