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Lately I'm really drawn toward the topic of global poverty. And I think that it's absolutely possible to save people from dying due to causes related to starvation, malnutrition, measles, etc and all of the other preventable diseases that affect people around the world whose only 'crime' is being born in an underdeveloped country. So I think I want to take my life in that direction and help where I can. The only thing is that I'm not really sure where to start. I've been googling (and will continue to do so) but I was wondering if anyone on this forum might have ideas or may have worked overseas themselves to help this cause.
So far I've read about volunteering and that looks like it might be my best option. But before I commit to anything I'm hoping to hear from people who have been in that position firsthand or who may have suggestions that I have not thought of.
**If this needs to be moved to the 'Politics' forum or anywhere else, feel free to do so. I was kind of on the fence about where this would be most appropriate.**
A degree in public health and international development would be the most relevant education but political science, global affairs, and nutrition are other subjects which may be beneficial.
Volunteering in one fashion or another is essential but that alone will not lead to a career in these fields. You need the education, and usually more than a master's degree. Particularly public health, you really need to be looking at a PhD if you want to advance far.
After acquiring some education and volunteer experience, you then have a shot at being taken on by a non-profit or international relief agency. Be aware: the pay is VERY low for these kinds of jobs. Most people put in a few decades toiling as field workers or low-level admins before breaking into management level, where the pay gets significantly better.
A degree in public health and international development would be the most relevant education but political science, global affairs, and nutrition are other subjects which may be beneficial.
Volunteering in one fashion or another is essential but that alone will not lead to a career in these fields. You need the education, and usually more than a master's degree. Particularly public health, you really need to be looking at a PhD if you want to advance far.
After acquiring some education and volunteer experience, you then have a shot at being taken on by a non-profit or international relief agency. Be aware: the pay is VERY low for these kinds of jobs. Most people put in a few decades toiling as field workers or low-level admins before breaking into management level, where the pay gets significantly better.
I'd also add Economics as a field of study. My main focuses in college were economic development and political economy. You'll probably like to minor in Sociology, or at least get an emphasis in this area. These subjects cover a wide variety of these topics.
A degree in public health and international development would be the most relevant education but political science, global affairs, and nutrition are other subjects which may be beneficial.
Volunteering in one fashion or another is essential but that alone will not lead to a career in these fields. You need the education, and usually more than a master's degree. Particularly public health, you really need to be looking at a PhD if you want to advance far.
After acquiring some education and volunteer experience, you then have a shot at being taken on by a non-profit or international relief agency. Be aware: the pay is VERY low for these kinds of jobs. Most people put in a few decades toiling as field workers or low-level admins before breaking into management level, where the pay gets significantly better.
I never realized that Public Health and International Development majors even existed. Thank you so much for these suggestions! Look like I'll need to expand my list of possible universities because the ones around here don't offer those majors and they do sound like the most applicable.
I'm not too concerned about pay - at least not right now, I suppose I could change my mind later - but it's definitely something I'll keep in mind. I wonder what it would be like to start my own non-profit. I'd assume it's a lot of work but it sounds quite interesting.
Thanks again, you're a very knowledgeable poster. Seems like everything you post is very in depth and informational.
I'd also add Economics as a field of study. My main focuses in college were economic development and political economy. You'll probably like to minor in Sociology, or at least get an emphasis in this area. These subjects cover a wide variety of these topics.
Thank you for the advice. Those definitely sound like subjects I should have a great deal of knowledge in, especially Sociology.
Poverty is due to many factors. All of us probably would like to help out whatever way we can but we all are not experts at everything.
Sciences and engineering are fields that can indirectly help with getting rid of poverty. There are many ways to help out, just find out what your calling is.
I never realized that Public Health and International Development majors even existed. Thank you so much for these suggestions! Look like I'll need to expand my list of possible universities because the ones around here don't offer those majors and they do sound like the most applicable.
You don't say where you are in the midwest, but I believe one of Michigan's universities has a very good public health program. Whichever is the one that's in Ann Arbor.
Poverty is due to many factors. All of us probably would like to help out whatever way we can but we all are not experts at everything.
Sciences and engineering are fields that can indirectly help with getting rid of poverty. There are many ways to help out, just find out what your calling is.
You're right, I know there's nothing I can do to end it all myself...but I can try my hardest
I guess I'm most interested in helping with the food and medicine shortages. It's so sad to think that there are children dying because their families don't have money for food or medicine, while I'm over here eating M&Ms and enjoying air conditioning I'm going to donate some money but I'd really like to help hands on. I'm going to look at volunteer opportunities - so far I found two where I could help in orphanages in India or Africa - but for anything long term I'm still kind of cloudy. Which might be ok, this is definitely a start. It would be very interesting to work in engineering, that's something I hadn't really considered. It seems like a pretty innovative field. Thanks for the suggestions
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I'm going to donate some money but I'd really like to help hands on. I'm going to look at volunteer opportunities - so far I found two where I could help in orphanages in India or Africa - but for anything long term I'm still kind of cloudy. Which might be ok, this is definitely a start. It would be very interesting to work in engineering, that's something I hadn't really considered. It seems like a pretty innovative field. Thanks for the suggestions 
