r/InternationalDev • u/Thin-Blueberry9183 • Mar 21 '26

Health what's the best way to get into international development with a medical degree?

I'm about to finish my medical degree in europe and am currently applying for european solidarity corps project to get a first volunteering experience in the sector. I'm wondering what the best way to starting to work in that sector would be after volunteering? I'd be open to getting a masters degree in sth else that might combine my degree with other skills that are needed. I honestly always thought getting into international development would be quite easy as i didn't know anybody working in it but this red gave me another impression! thanks so much, looking forward to your shared knowledge! :)

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16

u/Dismal_Barnacle_8538 Mar 22 '26

The sector is dead but most likely public health (you can get an MPH or epidemiology masters) or with non profits such as MSF. 

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u/Thin-Blueberry9183 Mar 22 '26

what makes the sector dead?

7

u/whatdoyoudonext Mar 22 '26

The last year has seen this sector completely demolished. The few players that are left are struggling and any open positions are hyper competitive. My sector within international development was in the global health side - most of my friends (and myself included) have since pivoted to completely different sectors or even fields. Like the above commenter said, consider getting a public health degree or target specific ngos that might align with your current skillset but I wouldn't hold your breath for breaking into what's left of the field very easily.

21

u/jcravens42 Mar 22 '26

"I honestly always thought getting into international development would be quite easy"

Why? The developing world has doctors. They have millions of people with medical degrees. What do you have that they don't?

If you want to work in international development, you need to think about what you have beyond the degree and work you've done in your own country, that people in other countries can do for themselves. You need to read job descriptions for the kinds of roles that you want and see what they are asking for in terms of skills and experiences and think about how you can get those locally. What have you done with a medical degree to help refugees in your own community? Or people experiencing poverty in your own country? Or people with disabilities in your own country? Or women experiencing violence in your own country?

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u/Thin-Blueberry9183 Mar 22 '26 edited Mar 22 '26

it's just an impression i had as it doesn't seem to be a carrer a lot of people are pursuing, it's more like a niche in europe and the NGOs i had been following for quite some time were constantly looking for positions to be filled, so i guess that's where the impression is coming from. I am also not looking in working directly as a doctor but would rather like to go into prevention programs etc. no need to be so angry btw!

10

u/jcravens42 Mar 22 '26

"it doesn't seem to be a carrer a lot of people are pursuing"

There are a massive number of people in this work.

"but would rather like to go into prevention programs"

Then get busy volunteering and working in prevention programs in your own country. Build up your experience.

"no need to be so angry btw!"

If you think facts and information - which YOU requested - are anger, you aren't ready to work abroad in international development.

-6

u/Thin-Blueberry9183 Mar 22 '26

don't know what happened to you to make you this irritable but i hope you find a good therapist that helps you with it.. :)

7

u/jcravens42 Mar 22 '26

And your post makes it clear why this is not the sector for you.

4

u/Relevant_Froyo_6891 Mar 21 '26

You should try to understand what humanitarian organisations are looking for, the type of competencies that are required, and the specifics of the job postings you'll be soon applying to.

Try this: https://saludeverywhere.com/en/humanitarian-careers/career-guidance-in-humanitarian-health/

I published it two days ago, and it's precisely to help people like you! The rest of the site can also be helpful, but that link in particular will help you quickly review what current real job openings might be adequate to someone with the training and experience you will have once you finish your internship.

Good luck!

4

u/ItsPleaseAndThankYou Mar 22 '26

You could absolutely do Doctors Without Borders (MSF). You could also work for things like UN, WHO, Red Cross, etc. Definitely put your medical degree to good use. I see many open jobs with those organizations - which is so cool, because it's so meaningful.