[ID:6101]Most young people with international career aspirations fall into one of two categories: those who want to travel the world, helping the needy and those who wish to lead the glamorous lifestyle of a jet-setter. International development is where those in the first category tend to make their livings.

Many international development workers are full-blown idealists, wanting nothing less than to save the world – but while idealism is a beautiful thing, realism is crucial when embarking on an international career.

It is possible for a committed individual to make a living in international development; there are hundreds of non-profit, international and non-governmental organizations around the world. These organizations vary in size, capacity and mandate, but they all require educated, cross-culturally aware individuals to work for them. These individuals must have outstanding communication skills and be capable of working both on the ground in developing nations, and in management or administrative positions.

Being an international development...