There are a number of ways that you can use your experiences on your return home:
For reasons of career change or self-development, further study on return may be the thing for you. Postgraduate, degree, diploma, certificate and non-formal courses are all available. Full-time, part-time, distance, evening, and on-line courses to suit everybody are widely available. Many returnees report a desire to deepen their understanding of development or to specialise further within their work sector.
If you’ve been gone for a long period, some time spent studying after your return to Ireland can also allow for a ‘gentle re-introduction’ to the rapidly changing society you left behind, without the pressure to throw yourself immediately into the jobs market or the feeling that you are completely losing your connection to your time overseas. It can also be the gateway to a career in development work or a related area. You may be entitled to have your fees paid and to receive a local authority grant – check with your local authority for details. You might also be eligible for a Back to Education Allowance so it’s worthwhile to enquire about that at your local Social Welfare office.
If you want to pursue a course of studies in this area, there are many possibilities: courses in development studies, development education, community and adult education, equality and intercultural studies, community and youth work, humanitarian aid and sustainable development are just some of the options available. As well as in Ireland there are a vast number of courses in Britain and elsewhere. The Comhlámh leaflet, Careers and Courses Information: third-level and post-graduate studies in development related areas, provides suggestions on a range of study options and contact details for a host of institutions both in Ireland and in the UK. Please contact Comhlámh for a free copy, or view this leaflet on the Comhlámh website .
Comhlámh organises forums, workshops, weekend and night courses on a variety of development-related topics, depending on members’ interests and demands. Courses cover areas such as:
In addition to holding forums and conferences throughout Ireland, Comhlámh is also involved in the organisation of in-service courses in development education for primary teachers. Keep an eye on the website or receive e-Link (Comhlámh’s email newsletter). For further details on upcoming events and training, or to book a place on a particular course or workshop, please contact your nearest Comhlámh office. These are located in Belfast, Cork and Dublin.
Having returned home, you may decide that you wish to work with an international development organisation. You should ask yourself the following questions before you begin to search for work in this sector:
If you wish to work more formally in the development sector, it’s important that you learn about the sector and its requirements. A good way to do this is through making contacts and networking. Let as many people as possible know that you are searching for work. Making contact with prospective employers face-to-face is recommended and more productive than sending CVs in the post or by e-mail. Don’t be afraid to telephone or call into the organisations you think you might like to work for and let them know that you are available. Try and get the name of an appropriate contact person, for instance a manager or personnel officer – someone who has the power to hire you. They will usually prefer you to make an appointment with them in advance of a meeting.
The development sector, however, is not an easy area to enter. While obviously volunteering overseas will help, and educational qualifications in the area would further boost your chances, even then it might be necessary to get involved with organisations on a voluntary or internship basis, if possible. This can give you a valuable insight into the sector if you’re new to it; it can get you up to speed if you’re returning; it fills what might otherwise look like a gap on your CV; and when paid vacancies do arise you are much better placed if people know your work and you know the organisation.
Career advice: One of Comhlámh’s services to returned volunteers is one-to-one career advice. If you’ve been working in a voluntary capacity in a developing country for more than three months, Comhlámh will subsidise nearly all the costs of the session. The career coaches, who have a good understanding of development work and the Irish jobs market, will assist you in whatever area of the job search you most require support with. Contact the Services Officer in Comhlámh’s Dublin office for details. Comhlámh also has a jobs page on its website, which is a good place to start for your job hunt. Don’t be disheartened if you are not offered the first job you apply for. Looking for work is hard work in itself and takes time. Don’t give up; try and keep motivated, energetic, committed and positive. For more information on job hunting and relevant websites, see Comhlámh’s Coming Home booklet.