How to become an Aid Worker

How to become an Aid Worker Want a career where you can really make a difference? You should become an Aid Worker… Aid Workers help to provide care and develop sustainable solutions for people affected by emergencies, or for those living in developing countries.Work in this sector is diverse, and could involve dealing with a variety of developmental and environmental issues â€" as well as natural disasters and war. Many Aid Workers are also responsible for developing projects to improve problem areas such as education, health, human rights, and sanitation.Although most Aid Workers operate on the front-line, administrative positions are available in the UK.Typical duties for an Aid Worker could include:Assessing emergency situations and distributing aidCarrying out assessments to understand needsResearching project requirementsMaintaining safety and security in unstable areasManaging projects and monitoring their effectivenessSourcing and collecting equipment (e.g. medicines, tools)Handling budgets and assigni ng resourcesIs it right for me?Aside from excellent problem solving skills and the ability to work well under pressure, you’ll also need to be able to communicate well with all kinds of people â€" no matter what situation they’re in.Passion and enthusiasm for the cause you’re supporting is also essential, as it’s this drive that will help you to plan and implement projects that will really make a difference to people’s lives.And, as you’ll also rely on the support of your team, the ability to work well with others is key.To become an Aid Worker, you’ll also need to be:Willing to live and work in undeveloped areasAble to prioritise and delegate tasksPatient and organisedMotivationalAble to make decisionsGoal-drivenCareer Progression Team AdministratorUp to £18,000 Project ManagerUp to £30,000 Field CoordinatorUp to £40,000What's it really like? Aid work is extremely rewarding, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. It took a few years of volunteering and hel ping out with various projects both overseas, and in the UK, to get where I am now. My day-to-day could involve anything from handing out care packages and working on large healthcare projects, to pushing for funding and sponsorship. Strategic planning is also a big part of what I do, as it helps to manage disasters effectively and create long-term solutions. The hardest experience so far was providing aid after the Nepal earthquake in 2015 â€" but it was also the most rewarding. Thinking that I helped at least a few people deal with the disaster is incredibly humbling. Get qualifiedGaining relevant work experience (alongside a degree related to your field of interest) is essential if you want to become an Aid Worker. Many local and international internships are available, and volunteering is also a great way to build your practical expertise.