Working in the Developing World | James Jacob | TEDxSt Clares Youth

TL;DR

Consider working for a development agency or small charity in your 20s to make a small difference in the world.

Transcript

Transcriber: Anna Cherepanova Reviewer: Jiwoo Park When I left university many, many, many, many, many years ago, I didn't know what to do. And I wrote to a number of my fantastic professors for advice, and one of them was nice enough to write back to me and said, “You should go into working for a development agency or small charity”, and I emailed... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 Working for a development agency or small charity involves typical job responsibilities but also unique challenges and added accountability.
• 🛟 The experience offers individuals the opportunity to gain perspective, make a tangible difference in the lives of others, and appreciate the impact of small actions.
• 🏑 Personal growth, cultural immersion, and understanding the complexities of global issues are key benefits of working in this field.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired the speaker to work for a development agency or small charity?

The speaker was inspired by a speech where Tony Benn stressed the importance of making the world a better place, which resonated with him deeply. This led him to consider working in a field where he could make a difference.

Q: What are some unique challenges faced when working in a development agency or small charity?

While the job involves typical tasks like emails and meetings, there is added accountability and the need to handle unexpected situations, like dealing with a poisonous snake on a sports field, highlighting the unique challenges of the work.

Q: How does working in this field provide perspective and personal growth?

Working in a development agency or small charity exposes individuals to different cultures, realities, and challenges, helping them gain perspective and appreciate the impact of small actions on those in need.

Q: What are the key considerations for individuals thinking about pursuing work in development agencies or small charities?

Potential workers should assess their willingness to take on responsibility, deal with potential mistakes, and understand the significance of making a small difference in the lives of those in need.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker shares his experience working in development agencies and small charities in Africa, highlighting the challenges and rewards of the job.

• Working in this field involves typical job responsibilities like emails and meetings, but with added accountability and unique challenges.

• The speaker emphasizes gaining perspective, helping people in need, and making a small difference in the world through this work.