Working in the development sector is fun. The sector has expanded dramatically over the last two decades.
Working for a Non-governmental organisation (NGO) allows one to make a difference, help people in distress, and cause positive change in communities around the globe.
The sector has gained enormous popularity among the youth of Bangladesh in recent times, especially communications.
Diversity, impact, and promises
Wahida Zaman Shithi, a Communications Specialist, finds the industry flourishing more than ever as many professionals are joining the sector and thriving in their careers.
It is a place where one can contribute to bringing impactful changes in people’s lives. Communication is one wing to reaching to them, to bring out their voices in front of others, thinks the Plan International Bangladesh professional.
“Anyone passionate about communications with the slightest interest in working for bringing positive changes in the society will be keen to join the sector.”
Shahadat Apurbo shares similar sentiments. Communication, according to him, is a field that is crucial in all sectors, from corporate or government institutions to universities.
NGOs work to promote human development. And communication is the most effective instrument for bringing stories of human struggles, needs, and achievements, thinks the BRAC professional.
However, he believes that the diversity of work is what draws young people to this sector. Most other jobs, in his perspective, involve a set of routine tasks.
"I cannot recall repeating the same task twice in my four years of professional experience. One day I am collecting a story from a Rohingya refugee, the next day I'm gathering information from duck farmers in a haor region. Every day brings fresh experiences," Shahadat explained.
Move up the ladder
Aside from the desire to make a positive difference, what draws young job seekers to the NGO sector is the opportunity for growth and better salary.
According to Shahadat, the pay scale of communication in NGOs or INGOs starts initially from Tk 50,000. This can rise up to BDT 70,000-80,000 within four to five years.
He believes that opportunities for advancement are abundant in this industry. "There are diverse positions in communication jobs. Starting as an associate, you can advance to a manager, country director, and so on.”
In Wahida’s opinion, however, pay, benefits and promotions depend on the organisation’s policy and structure. Every organisation has their own policy and organogram. One must do some background research while exploring the options and opportunities.
Jack of all trades
“Working in the communication field provides a birds-eye view,” said Shahadat while explaining the relationship of the communication department with other ones.
“I have worked with all the programs for various purposes. This has helped in gaining a thorough understanding of all divisions. And later on, it assists in switching to any other division. I have seen many people move to the international field, microfinance etc.”
Job switching is a common phenomenon in this industry, mentioned Shahadat. Nevertheless, changing it after the initial period, a mid-career jump can be tough.
He advises that gaining three to five years of experience might help one in the transition to other developmental divisions such as health, mental health, psychosocial counselling, and various sectors.
Opportunities abroad
Globally, the development sector is a prioritised one, opined Wahida. Working experience in this sector gives us greater chances to get scholarships or admissions in developed countries.
Also, in INGOs and UN bodies, the chances of applying for global positions or moving to other countries is also good.
“As Bangladesh is developing, our human resources can be counted as a skilled force than many other countries who may prefer to integrate this force in their own country,” she remarked.
Especially, following the Rohingya crisis, people who have experience in this emergency response can certainly be considered humanitarian experts with increased chances of getting recruited in other countries, according to the young communications specialist.
"If you achieve a higher academic degree like a master's or PhD while having work experience from Bangladesh, your chances of getting into NGO bodies will be improved," Shahadat explained.
Several NGOs working in Africa, Kenya, Somalia, and many other developing nations prioritise experience with emergency response to humanitarian crises. There are plenty of chances in North America and Europe for anyone looking to relocate to first-world countries.
Skills and academic background
Dismissing the misconceptions of a communication degree is a requirement, Shahadat said that students from Anthropology, Sociology, Bangla or English literature, can also work in this sector.
“Being a diversified sector, it encourages societal, anthropological, folk culture, copywriting etc. knowledge and skills,” he added.
A degree in mass communication is ideal, but a degree in the social sciences can also help qualify for these positions.
"Even MBA or marketing degree holders come to this industry since they have marketing, advertising, and copywriting skills," the BRAC professional explains.
Applicants mostly come from communications, research, marketing, English, Bangla, photography, videography, graphic design, economics etc., Wahida remarked.
“The development sector in our country will be shrinking in future. With Bangladesh’s graduation from LDC, many areas may face a decrease in funding. While Communications as a sector is blooming in different branches, it might not be an expanding place in the development sector for long,” Wahida expressed.
“But for every communications enthusiast, NGO is a wonderful place to grow,” she concluded.
