Had enough of the rat race ? Want to put something back
into society and put your IT skills to good use? Voluntary Services
Overseas may be the answer.
The international development charity is looking for IT
professionals to help hospitals and schools in developing countries
make the best of IT.
Each year VSO places about 20 IT professionals in countries as far
afield as Eritrea, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Nepal and Malawi.
The charity works to help provide services to the most
disadvantaged groups, such as people with disabilities, HIV/Aids or
in schools and hospitals.
"We are looking for IT specialists with quite a diverse range of
experience," said Michael Podmore, marketing director at VSO.
"People could be working as systems and business analysts, in IT
support, database management, networking, troubleshooting or
design."
Volunteers should have a degree in IT or another subject and should
be prepared to commit themselves to serve overseas for two years.
This amount of time is often needed for a volunteer to settle,
become part of a community and form relationships where they can
develop people's skills.
They often find in their second year they can make some
demonstrable changes, said Podmore.
Volunteers can benefit enormously from the experience.
ITprofessionals can stretch their existing skills to develop a more
rounded portfolio and some use it as a launch pad to change career
direction.
"We usually find that in the type of placements we have, the
volunteers are often given a lot more responsibility and a broader
range of skills to develop. A lot of volunteers become more rounded
by developing their softer skills. When they get back, they can
avoid being pigeonholed and may take a managerial position," said
Podmore.
IT staff choose to work overseas for many different reasons,
including wishing to learn about different cultures, personal
growth and a desire to use their skills to help others.
"It can be challenging living in a different culture with a lack of
resources. But the reward is that you become part of that community
and you share your own culture and skills with the people that need
your help," he said.
VSO provides IT professionals with a comprehensive package which
covers air fare, travel, medical insurance and accommodation.
Volunteers earn local wages which are enough to live comfortably
but not to pay the mortgage in the UK.
The organisation can also offer grants to help people look for work
again when they come back to the UK. However, plans to develop
one-year placements in the future may make it easier for IT
professionals to return to the same job after a sabbatical.
Anyone interested can register with VSO. There is no shortage of
volunteers but skilled people will not be turned away.
"It really comes down to whether a person's skills and experience
match the needs of our partners overseas. If that person is very
good, we keep them on our books," said Podmore.
www.vso.org.uk