What software coding skills do I need to succeed in ICT4D?

You would be surprised by how many times I am asked that question by hopeful ICT4D professionals. And you might be surprised by my answer: it depends.

Do you like coding? Do you want to compile? Do you dream of debugging? Then, hey, your future is bright with any code you want to work on. From FORTRAN to Ruby to HTML5, there is always a role for builders and  mechanics.
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Want a Job? Talk to the Hiring Manager

Yes, I’ve told you time and again to stop wasting time on cover letters and resumes, to do informational interviews instead. Well now we have two great academic studies that prove me right.

Voice Beats Email Every Time

First, we now have proof that the elevator pitch works. Researchers found that a two-minute auditory pitch of a person’s qualifications beat text and tied with video. That’s right, just two minutes.
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Are You Looking for A New Job?

Right now, today, are you looking for a new job? Are you trying to break into ICT4D as a career, or do you want to move across or up in the industry? I would assume so, as a subscriber to this newsletter.

Let Me Tell You a Secret…

Its about who you know. Yes, you’ve heard this before, but let me tell you why this matters so much. Let me describe to you the reality of the hiring process. This week, I’m meeting with several people who are looking for new ICT4D staff for their teams. They’re gonna ask me: who would you recommend?
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You are on LinkedIn right?

It doesn’t matter if you like the LinkedIn platform or not. I personally find it very constrictive. However, it is the defaco Internet standard way of presenting your professional self online, so regardless of your thoughts, you need to have a LinkedIn profile.

What does your profile look like?

Do you have a recent, attractive, and professional photograph? Is your work history up to date? It is filled in with solid detail? Do have at least 150 friends? These are key metrics that differentiate your profile. Invest an hour on your profile now. Yes, its worth it.
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Would you ever work in Sales?

Back in my misspent youth, I remember reading Death of a Salesman and swearing that I would never work in sales. It was such a depressing take on the whole profession, I didn’t want to have any part of it.

In international development, we use code words to refer to sales roles: Business Development, Program Development, Fundraising, Partnerships, etc. Now we might be selling services to a government or foundation, or an emotional response to an individual donor, but its all the same, really. Its sales.
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