Making a career change to the WASH sector
Changing careers can be a challenging decision to make, but it can also be a fantastic opportunity to pursue your passion for making a positive social and environmental impact. If you want to move into the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) sector, you have many options to choose from, regardless of your current background and expertise. In this article, we'll provide comprehensive insights on how to make a successful transition to a career in the WASH sector.
Find Your Inspiration and Motivation
One of the most critical steps to changing careers is to find your inspiration and motivation. Why do you want to work in the WASH sector? Maybe you're passionate about environmental preservation and sustainability, tackling social inequality and poverty, or making an impact on global health issues. By understanding your motivation, you'll have a clear vision of your goals and the purpose of your work in the WASH sector.
Identify Your Skills and Experience
Once you've identified your motivation and vision, you need to assess your current skills and experience to see how they fit into the WASH sector. Many sectors like engineering, public health, or project management have transferable skills that are valuable in WASH roles. For example, if you have experience in managing projects, finance, or stakeholders, you can transfer these skills to roles in procurement, supply chain management, or partnership building in the WASH sector.
Research the Different Career Pathways
The WASH sector has numerous career pathways, including water treatment and engineering, sanitation, hygiene, research and development, policy analysis and advocacy, and more. Once you know your motivation and skills, research the different career pathways in the WASH sector to see which roles align with your experience and interests. Check out industry associations like the Global Water Partnership, United Nations Water, or The World Toilet Organization to learn more about skills and qualifications required for different roles in the sector.
Gain Relevant Education and Training
To be competitive in the WASH field, it's essential to gain relevant education and training. While some roles require advanced degrees in public health, engineering or environmental science, many roles require certification and specialized training. Some organizations like the WASH Alliance International offer certification courses in hygiene promotion, water supply, and sanitation services, while others offer short courses in water conservation and management. Look for relevant online courses, workshops, or boot camps to improve your knowledge of the sector and gain the necessary skills and certifications to succeed.
Volunteer and Gain Hands-on Experience
Another way to gain experience and exposure in the WASH sector is by volunteering for organizations or NGOs that work in the field. By volunteering, you can gain hands-on experience and learn about the practical challenges and opportunities in the sector. You can also network with professionals in the field and gain valuable insights on how to succeed in a WASH career.
Build Your Network
Networking is crucial in any field, and the WASH sector is no exception. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn to build your network. Reaching out to mentors and asking for informational interviews can also be a valuable way to gain insights and advice on how to transition to a WASH career successfully.
Apply for Relevant Jobs and Internships
Once you've gained relevant education and training and have some experience in the field, it's time to apply for relevant jobs and internships. Check job boards like Linkedin, WASHclusters, ReliefWeb, Devex, etc., and reach out to relevant organizations and NGOs you're interested in working with. Apply for internships or entry-level roles to gain practical experience and build your resume.
Changing careers to the WASH sector can be a meaningful way to pursue your passion for making an impact on global health and environmental issues. Remember, it takes time and effort to make a career change, but with persistence and dedication, it's possible to achieve your goals.