Are you wondering how to become a humanitarian aid worker and what the best degrees for humanitarian aid work are? Well, you’re in the right place. Humanitarian aid is a field that welcomes individuals from a wide range of academic backgrounds. For many United Nations jobs, the academic requirements typically state: “Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.”
What does this mean? It means there are many degrees that can open doors to a career in humanitarian and international aid work. Let’s dive into the details.
Top Degrees for Getting a Job in Humanitarian Aid
- Human Resources
- Finance
- Administration
- Engineering (Public Health, Civil, Environmental, Water Resources)
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Midwifery
- Nutrition
- Education
- Social Work
- Public Health
- Linguistics
- Logistics
- Security/Policing
- Agriculture
- Psychology
- Law
- Communications
- Economics
- Political Science
- Project Management
- Human Rights
- Software Development
- Public Relations
Getting a job in humanitarian aid can be a challenging endeavor. However, by pursuing a relevant Master’s degree, you can set yourself apart from other applicants. How? A degree that aligns with the sector allows you to highlight your specific skillset. Generalist programs like a Master’s in International Development or Humanitarian Action may offer valuable knowledge but can lack the focus needed to demonstrate your unique expertise. While these degrees can open doors, they might require additional effort to clarify the specialized skills you bring to the table.
That being said, nothing rivals field experience. Regardless of your degree, gaining hands-on experience in the field is what ultimately propels your career forward. It’s less about the specific degree and more about the tangible skills and contributions you bring to the humanitarian sector.
I wish you the best of luck as you pursue a degree that excites you and aligns with your career goals. If you’re interested in more tips, check out How to Get a Job at an International NGO or How to Get a Job at the UN!
Looking for more insights and resources to kickstart or further your humanitarian career? Explore more on The Global Humanitarian Blog for expert advice and actionable tips.
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Please note: the views and opinions expressed on this blog are that of my own and do not represent the opinions of any agency mentioned.