AFRO-NETS> RFI: Jobs in the Development Sector (5)

[Richard Powell <R.A.Powell@exeter.ac.uk>]

RFI: Jobs in the Development Sector (5)
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I empathise wholeheartedly with previous contributors to this subject.

I also have two Masters degrees; entering the development (specifically 
population / reproductive health field in my case) has, however, proved 
desperately impossible. You are invariably caught in the Catch-22 posi-
tion: we will not employ you without relevant (often overseas) experi-
ence, knowing that without being offered a position a person can never 
acquire that experience.

I am more than prepared to accept relatively junior positions on the 
understanding that they will lead to a position I am wholeheartedly 
committed to. From a UK point of view, however, it appears hopeless. 
Our principal Governmental employer (the DFID, formerly the Overseas 
Development Administration) admittedly advertises vacant posts in the 
national press - but each of them appear to require a minimum of 10 
years experience.

How do energetic newcomers enter this sector? I am utterly convinced it 
has very little to do with individual merit and ability; rather, it's 
the old 'who you know' approach to employment. And if you don't know 
anyone in a vaguely powerful position ... forget it. If you're going to 
network, network with the right people!

Yours disheartedly,

Richard A. Powell

--
Richard A. Powell BA MA MSc (Exon)
Research Fellow
School of Postgraduate Medicine & Health Sciences
University of Exeter
Wonford House Hospital
Dryden Road
Exeter, UK, EX2 5AF
Tel: +44-1392-403640
Fax: +44-1392-403421
mailto:R.A.Powell@exeter.ac.uk
Visit our web site at: http://www.ex.ac.uk/dmh
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