Having graduated in 2018 with a BA in Social Anthropology, Carole now works at UNICEF. Here she offers some valuable insight into her career in International Development after studying Anthropology.
I still remember the precise moment when my university counsellor at school said to me: “Considering what I know about you, your background and your interests, I think you should consider studying Social Anthropology at university”. It was the best advice she ever gave me.
I moved around a lot for most of my childhood and adolescence, and naturally became very interested in the concept of “culture”. I experienced a different country, language, and school system every three to four years growing up, and even travelled to Nicaragua to work on an education project when I was in middle school. All these experiences made me reflect a lot on what I had seen, and I wanted to understand WHY such social and cultural differences existed around the world. So, when I discovered Social Anthropology and read the course description, I thought: “This is what I have been looking for”.
I decided to pursue Social Anthropology at LSE due to its reputation as a global leader in the social sciences, particularly in anthropology. The university's emphasis on rigorous academic enquiry, coupled with its commitment to addressing real-world issues resonated with both my academic and personal aspirations. Additionally, LSE is a very international and dynamic environment to study in, and the Anthropology department is well-known for its dedicated faculty and diverse student body, which provide an unparalleled opportunity to engage with a wide range of perspectives and ideas. Finally, I wanted to experience life in London, which offers access to rich cultural resources and opportunities for fieldwork.
What career path have you taken since graduating from LSE?
After graduation, I initially worked for two years for a social mobility charity in the UK and my initial interest in education became a real passion. I obtained an Executive Coaching Diploma when I realised the power that coaching could have in helping people of any age reach their potential. After that, I decided to pursue a master’s degree and take my career to an international level, so I studied International Development at the University of Edinburgh. It wasn’t easy at the time due to the pandemic, but I eventually found a new work opportunity with the UN, which is where I currently work. I started at UNESCO in Paris working in skills and workforce development and later came to Bolivia to work in early childhood development with UNICEF. It’s been a great path so far, and I look forward to seeing what will happen next!
How has Anthropology prepared you for your career in International Development?
Anthropology emphasizes understanding and appreciating diverse cultures, beliefs, and practices. In international development work, having a deep understanding of the cultural contexts in which projects are implemented is crucial for success. Having an anthropological mindset is valuable when navigating cultural differences sensitively and effectively, enabling someone to build trust and rapport with local communities. Another key skill we learn when studying Anthropology is critical thinking, challenging assumptions and interrogating underlying power structures. This is invaluable for identifying underlying issues in a specific social context, adapting interventions to local settings, and addressing unintended consequences in international development projects.
Can you tell us about the work you do in International Development and what you enjoy most about your work?
I am very passionate about education, particularly working with and for children and young people to help them achieve their potential. In the last five years, I have worked as a coach and programmes lead at a social mobility charity in the UK, in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at UNESCO, collaborating with the private sector to implement skills’ development trainings for young people to help prepare them for the workforce, and in early childhood development in Bolivia, where I am currently based. I work at UNICEF and support with the implementation and monitoring of our early childhood development programmes that promote nurturing care practices with a gender perspective. What I love about this work is the variety, the ability to move around the world, to learn or improve a language, and discover a new culture every time. It can be very challenging but it’s always equally rewarding.
How can Anthropology students prepare and build a career in International Development?
I would suggest the following to current Anthropology students:
- Seek opportunities for fieldwork or internships in diverse socio-cultural contexts, either domestically or internationally. Field experience provides valuable firsthand exposure to different cultures, communities, and development challenges, helping you develop a wide range of skills.
- Develop language skills: Invest time in learning a language spoken in a region of the world where you aspire to work. Proficiency in local languages can enhance your ability to communicate effectively with community members and understand their perspectives better. It will also increase your competitiveness in the job market!
- Acquire research skills: Try to pick one or more courses that focus on qualitative research projects, such as ethnography, participant observation, and qualitative data analysis. These skills will be very useful if you ever go to work in the field as a development practitioner.
- Gain technical skills: In addition to anthropological knowledge and skills, try to find a volunteer or part-time opportunity outside of your degree to develop other skills that are in demand in international development, such as project management, monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, or grant writing. These will be useful once you start your career.
- Network: Don’t be afraid to reach out to people on LinkedIn or at LSE networking events to connect with professionals working in the field of international development. Take part in online webinars or events to find out more about the different paths you can take in this career. This may come in handy in the future!
- Stay informed and engaged: Stay updated on current issues, debates, and trends that interest you the most in international development by following news sources, online forums, and specific organizations on LinkedIn.