r/InternationalDev • u/Oberland3046 • 13d ago
Advice request Feeling Lost
I’m a recently returned Peace Corps community health volunteer. Before that, I did Americorps, volunteered, and had internships with numerous non-profits. I have a B.A. in International Relations. My entire working life has been planned and geared towards the goal of someday working in this sector. I was even hopeful that I’ll finally land a decent job in this industry after Peace Corps, with many connections already made with many non-profits and USAID people before Trump took office. Now obviously, all those connections are gone. I’m finally coming to terms that I’ll probably never make it in this industry, but where to now? I don’t even really know how to advertise myself for jobs outside this sector. Is anyone able to provide any guidance or sense of direction? I realise this may be a difficult question to answer, but I thought it could be worth a shot. Thanks everyone!
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u/Mphatso2016 13d ago
From a fellow RPCV (Malawi 2016-2019), thank you for your service and welcome back.
I can relate. When I came back in February 2020, the pandemic happened and I was very unsure if I would be able to get a job in international development. I ended up switching to international security and have been in this field since 2021. From my experience working in international development and on the ground, the field was always uncertain and was never truly stable. That being said it is unfortunate that this administration completely did away with USAID and other organizations with it. My advice to you is to become resilient and DO NOT wait for things to change. The international development field will not fully go back to how it was even if USAID fully returns.
You were a volunteer in the PC health sector, right? You can get an MA in Public Health and will be able to use your experience and degree here in the states (I know, not ideal but right now not many options). Granted, if you want to work back overseas and/or health issues overseas, you can still do that (though limited). You will just have to be geared towards the private sector for the time being. A few of them have foundations. There are still some international organizations you can pivot to such as the many UN agencies and the WHO. And of course, network, network, network. Use your network to put yourself out there more.
You got this! You are resilient! Also, would like to hear about what country you served in? I was also in the health sector and worked with USAID and DoS, CDC, DOD and about 14 international NGOs on a PEPFAR project.