Jeff Franklin
MA, , 2005 (International Development)

Jeff Franklin is a program manager for CARE International in Indonesia, where he is responsible for two water and sanitation projects in Banda Aceh (part of CARE’s post-disaster Tsunami Program) and supervises a staff of 30 people.

Jeff says the skills he gained at definitely helped prepare him for his work in Indonesia: “Both skills and theory courses helped, especially such practical courses as “Professional Communication,” “Data Analysis” and “Country Team-Operations.” Interacting with diverse classmates and instructors prepared me for a multicultural work environment.”

Jeff also gained substantial experience while serving as an intern in Peru’s Ministry of Housing, Construction and Sanitation: “It was my firstlook into water and sanitation projects from the planning and implementation stages. I gained baseline research/data analysis, strategy, teamwork and participatory approach skills. It was very intense and rewarding experience and eventually led me to where I am now.”

Jeff’s advice to students is to take skills course apply for internships: “Take as many skills courses as you can. As for internships, if you have ambition to work in big NGO, government or business agencies start early by aiming high in your search. Send out lots of applications. Landing a job of choice is still about networking. While at , meet people and go to any and all DU/ functions. Make a business card and hand it out; sell yourself and make your ambition, skills and friendliness obvious.”