Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Project Directors
For entry-level positions in international development and humanitarian logistics, Tony suggests volunteering as a crucial first step, even in politically sensitive areas or within local communities, because "the entry point...was at the point of volunteering, not necessarily going for a paid job." This mirrors Tony's career trajectory, as volunteering for about four years ultimately led to the role of project director, demonstrating that offering services for free can be a valuable pathway to a fulfilling and well-compensated career.
Volunteering, Humanitarian Logistics, International Development, Entry-Level Positions, Career Path
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Tony Anammah
Project Director
Global Logistics and In-Country Support Services Provider
University of Nigeria
Masters in Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, University of Salford Manchester, United Kingdom
Medical, Sciences & Related
Consulting & Related Professional Services, Manufacturing, Operations & Supply Chain
Operations and Project Management
Video Highlights
1. Volunteering as an entry point: The speaker emphasizes that volunteering is a valuable entry point into international development and humanitarian work, suggesting students offer their services for free to organizations they admire.
2. Gaining experience through volunteering: The speaker shares their personal experience of volunteering for four years without pay, which ultimately led to their current position as a Project Director, highlighting the long-term benefits of volunteering.
3. Opportunities in various sectors: The speaker mentions opportunities to volunteer in national development, communities, and humanitarian logistics organizations, indicating a wide range of avenues for students to gain relevant experience.
Transcript
Q10: Entry-level positions
National development always presents opportunities for volunteering. There's a constant need for someone to contribute to a quota.
Some areas are politically sensitive, so I won't mention them. However, there are needs where anyone traveling to those extreme points requiring volunteer services can help. Even within your own communities, there are places where you can volunteer.
Many organizations in humanitarian logistics and international aid typically have needs. They welcome an extra hand. Much like my own career, my entry point was through volunteering, not necessarily a paid job.
I suggest anyone looking to get started knock on the doors of organizations whose work you admire. If you're in international development or humanitarian work, offer your services for free. You will eventually get paid, but this is a good starting point.
As I mentioned, I've already shared my story about how I began in my current field. I volunteered for up to four years without compensation. Today, I'm a project director, still doing what I love, which I was doing for free before. Now, I'm paid fairly well for it.