A career in development is a choice, which many educated and socially concerned individuals have made consciously. For many others it is a pleasant discovery after having come in by chance. Increasing number of professionals in organisations like DHAN Foundation and their visibility as achievers would increase the number of people who come in as a matter of choice.

A career in development gives the opportunity for educated and committed individuals to use their abilities to build a better society. It offers an option for such individuals to facilitate significant changes in the society vis a vis performing functions which serve no more than that of a clog in a wheel. But DHAN Foundation also believes that not everybody can fit the bill, since facilitating development is an intricate process which requires certain abilities and qualities.

Academic Background:

A question frequently asked when we deliver placement talks is, “Why are professionals needed for rural development?”. The answer lies with the DHAN Foundation principle of placing high quality persons at the field level. Admission to a professional course itself being a measure of quality, combined with the reputation of the institution, this is taken as an indicator of ability.

Management, Agriculture and Engineering are the main academic background from which DHAN Foundation expects people. Post-graduates in social work are also taken if they are seen to be exceptional in ability.

Abilities:

DHAN Foundation looks for availability of certain abilities or the potential to develop these abilities, in the individuals it takes into the family of DHANites. These are strong analytical ability, ability to work with and lead teams, and good oral and written communication skills. These abilities are critical to the nature of work expected of a DHAN Foundation professional.

Analytical ability is needed to be understood the complex societal and resource dynamics and derive inferences. Ability to work with and lead teams is needed since the synergy derived out of teamwork is key to success in development work. Communication skills are equally important to acquire skills and knowledge related to development as well as to be able to transfer the skills and knowledge gained to others. Communication skill is most important to achieve success in advocacy, which is one of the major functions a development leader performs.

Qualities:

DHAN Foundation also looks for the presence of certain qualities in the professionals who would join it. These qualities are integrity, rigour, creativity and persistence. DHAN Foundation believes that the presence of these qualities is integral to the character of a DHAN Foundation professional.

Integrity and rigour determine the quality of the work of an individual in isolation and working in isolation without much supervision is typical of work nature in DHAN Foundation. Creativity is required if one is to find innovative solutions for development problems. Ability to persist is important since the work involves trying to change systems and practices which have been in place for years.

Beyond this, DHAN Foundation is also looking for individuals who enjoy being among people, who would enjoy working with ordinary people and who are able to share in the joys and worries of fellow human beings, be they the staff or the families for whom one works in the villages. This would help in integrating ones life with work. This would help transcend the limitations imposed by seeing work just as a job and elevate it to the level of personal mission or a way of life.