Jake Suddaby volunteered with RedR and attended a number of RedR courses before getting an internship place on Save the Children UK’s Logistics Skills Development Programme © Jake Suddaby
Becoming an aid worker
Are you interested in becoming an aid worker but don’t know where to start? Let us help you take the first steps towards a rewarding career.
Un-like other careers, there is no linear progression or straight-forward route into humanitarian work, however the following advice will help you get started:
Look at what skills would be most beneficial overseas and develop those
There are opportunities in many different areas of relief work, from water and sanitation to communications, programme management to shelter. It is important to consider where you feel you and the skills you have best fit in.
Attend training courses to learn about humanitarian work
It is not enough to simply have a particular skill or profession, it is also vital to know about humanitarian values and principles and the structure of the sector. Many people opt to undertake a Masters in a field relating to humanitarian work. Alternatively, attending an introductory course, such as RedR’s one-day So You Think You Want To Be A Relief Worker? workshop or five-day Essentials of Humanitarian Practice course, will provide you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your career and help you understand the contribution you can make.
Research into the humanitarian sector and keep abreast of current issues
It is important to understand how the sector works and know what the current issues facing aid workers are. Regularly check news and other information websites, such as www.alertnet.org.uk and read books and other publiactions relating to aid work and development issues to develop your knowledge and understanding.
Network
As with many careers it is not always ‘what you know’, but ‘who you know’. Take as many opportunities as possible to network and meet those already working in the sector. One of the key benefits of attending workshops and other entry level RedR courses is the chance to network and hear from people who have actually been out in the field.
Gain experience
Look to gain as much experience as possible. Travelling or undertaking voluntary work in countries where humanitarian work takes place, or working as a volunteer for an aid agency in their headquarters shows commitment. Jake Suddaby, made the switch from the corporate sector to the humanitarian world and started off by volunteering with RedR. Read Jake’s story.
What do I do now?
Attend a course
Visit our course calendar for further details of our next So You Think You Want To Be A Relief Worker? workshops or next Essentials of Humanitarian Practice courses in our London offices.
Speak to us
Give us a call on +44 (0)20 7840 6000 and we can provide tailored advice.
“The workshops are a great way of bringing people with different ideas together and give participants the chance to meet people who are already working in the disaster relief sector.”
Paul Byars, participant on So You Think You Want To Be A Relief Worker? workshop
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Related pages
Training courses
- So You Think You Want To Be A Relief Worker? (Course Fully Booked - Waiting List)
- Certificate in the Essentials of Humanitarian Practice (credit-rated)
- So You Think You Want To Be A Relief Worker?
- Essentials of Humanitarian Practice (5 Days)
- Certificate in the Essentials of Humanitarian Practice (credit-rated)
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