From today Orissa POST is starting a new series titled ‘Career Pick’ where every week, this newspaper will discuss about a profession through the voices of people working into the sector. The column will discuss about the career prospects, challenges in the sector and current scenario. In the maiden edition, OP discusses the career prospects in developing NGO sector. Experts’ views-
Ghasiram Panda, Programme Manager, Actionaid
Career in NGO sector is getting diversified with passing days. Now people interested in making their career in NGOs have options of working on diverse issues ranging from health, development to child rights among others. NGOs from local, national or international levels are now available for the young minds to opt for. The profiles differ from documentation, advocacy, study to action-oriented initiatives. What I have seen is that many young qualified people are now coming into this field with aspirations. However, a degree in social work and rural development are often preferred by the NGOs.
Benudhar Senapati, Programme Manager, Childline
Career in NGOs is a tough path to take. There are diverse topics where people work. Certain fields in this sector often comprises days when people working here are exposed to very dark sides of life. As a child rights activist we often see issues of child abuse and trafficking. Often we have seen parents and family pushing their wards into immoral acts. As NGO workers were are engaged in persuading this people who are tough to pursue. Besides we have to deal with police and courts to carry forward our fight for justice. So, in short, the work includes persuading tough people and officials.
Asit Kumar Behera, Programme Manager, Swabhiman
When someone wants to pursue their career in NGO sector, he/she must keep in mind that here only your passion and determination will keep you ahead. Many people interested to work for the society join this sector with a noble thought of serving the people. The whole work involves knowing your sector well and also then pursuing your works with the authorities concerned. Many a times you have to convince the policy makers about some issues and rights, which many are totally unaware of. Sometimes people have also to go ahead and organise some events and workshop to create awareness in the society.
Laxmipriya Singh, Member, SOCH
A course in social work or rural development has now become a need for the aspirants seeking a job in NGOs. Besides educational qualification these degrees give the students an insight into the world of NGOs and structure of their functioning. The practical sessions and activities related to these courses also help people in understanding the needs and demands of the industry. However, people with an urge for social work can continue for long time in this field as it demands full dedication and determination towards the set goals.
Mihir Mohanty, Member, Poorest Area Civil Society
NGOs work to bridge the gap where government finds it difficult to reach out. People working at this sector often reach out to inaccessible and remote areas to help the society. It functions in different ways. Sometimes it acts as a development agent and allocates the benefits of the government and government programmes while sometimes it works alone to aid citizens. The challenging point here is that people often are prone to work in non-time bound hours like other office works and have to travel to different places sometimes. Also, sometimes they work in disaster prone and vulnerable situations and surroundings.