Careers with Global Impact: Working in International Development

Written by Nicole Estwick, Careers Consultant at UCL Careers.

As part of the UCL Careers with Global Impact series, individuals working in global job sectors are sharing their careers stories, advice and tips.

The first area we’re focusing on is International Development where we caught up with Fabiana Maglio who previously studied at UCL’s Institute of Education (IOE) completing an MA in Education and International Development in 2015 before moving onto work in the sector.

Fabiana Maglio- Senior Specialist in Education and International Development

Outline your background and your current role

I am an independent Senior Specialist in Education and International Development with significant experience consulting donors, UN agencies and NGOs. In my work have advised governments and conducted assessments and evaluations in both development and humanitarian contexts. I have also trained field teams, designed and undertaken education research in different humanitarian and low resource environments, including the Middle East, West and Central Africa, East Africa and Asia.

In my current role I am supporting international organisations, agencies and donors to design global research and policy initiatives related to education and social justice whilst also writing a book on my experience of being part of the humanitarian response to natural disasters and complex emergencies.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into the international development sector?

Looking for an entry point, gaining work experience and an effective CV are the key challenges of getting started in the sector.

My advice, first and foremost would be to grow and nurture your network. This will expose you to new opportunities and will help you find a mentor to guide you in building your career. Do not be shy to reach out and ask for advice. If at first you don’t succeed, approach a new mentor. You’ll be surprised how the great mentors are eager to help and support students.

Having or learning more than one foreign language can also expand your chances of success in this sector so look into how you may be able to upskill yourself in this area.

Finally, completing work in the field is essential. This can be done through volunteering and internships. There are several reputable organisations offering openings for professional growth to young candidates. Although opportunities are often voluntary, these experiences aside from being extremely rewarding and life-changing, are one of the best ways to learn about the unique challenges that exist in low- and middle-income countries and will increase your chances to get a job if the opportunity arises. So, start saving for international opportunities, either before or after graduation.

Describe the skills you have developed and how this is useful in your current career

Studying at the IOE provided me with the knowledge to work in complex and challenging educational contexts. Having that academic underpinning gave me confidence to consider different perspectives and utilize the skills learned at global level to fit the needs in humanitarian settings.

What qualities or attributes do you need to work in the international development sector?

Operating in the humanitarian sector can be extremely complex and challenging. It is not only about delivering immediate relief essential to community survival, but also providing physical, social, and cognitive support to those in need. It includes a significant commitment to operate in hostile, resource-limited settings in order to address children’s needs, such as overcoming high levels of emotional distress, and combat marginalisation and exclusion.

Ultimately individuals working in the sector should demonstrate a passion to make people’s lives better, commitment, flexibility, self-motivation and a level of resilience to overcome the challenges that will arise in your work.

Thank you to Fabiana for sharing her career story and tips for getting into the International Development Sector.