Our favourite whydev posts

By Weh Yeoh & Brendan Rigby

Well, it seems like we missed our first birthday. The very first article on whydev was published on the 14th of May, 2010, which means that we are over 2 months late to celebrate. It’s been an amazing year, and the list of contributors evident on the side bar of this page just keeps growing and growing. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank each and every contributor to whydev. Almost everybody who contributes is an extremely busy person, with many other things on their plate, which makes contributing to the discussion at whydev all the more special. Now would also be a good opportunity to encourage all those who are considering writing something to pull the finger out and have a go, and join the discussion. If it’s relevant, we’d welcome almost anything (except perhaps limericks).

There have been so many good posts over the past year or so, from so many different voices. Choosing the top four or five was always going to be a struggle, with so much good stuff out there.

However, in picking our favourite posts from the past year, we decided to go for the ones which were the most insightful, where we thought that we had learnt something really valuable, and it was an original idea. Also, because we wanted to compile this list for people who may have missed some of these earlier posts, we may have left out some brilliant, yet topical posts, because they may be of less relevance now.

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So, without further ado, here are Weh’s top 5 picks:

What is development? by Rachel Szeleky

How could you not start here? Rachel explores what development means to her, and in doing so tackles a very difficult topic in a very intelligent way. What is development? Having finished a masters in the topic and now working the field, I don’t know if I’m any closer to answering that question myself.

Career advice from people smarter than me. by Dave Algoso

Easily our most popular post, which makes me think that people in the field of development are really keen to get in, but often don’t know how. Personally, the greatest message I gained from this post was that being passionate about helping people is not enough, you need tangible skills to back it up. Reading Dave’s links and concise summaries helped me to land the job that I currently have. Not bad for 20-30 minutes of light reading!

Are you a Greek or a Barbarian? by Brendan Rigby

Apart from some superb shots of Conan the Barbarian and hipsters, this was the last in a series of posts written by Brendan which really got me thinking about language, power and privilege. Ultimately, it bound up the idea that being most effective in development is often about closing the gap between “aid workers” and “beneficiaries”. It was controversial, but the best posts often are.

A business model of care. by Janet Newbury

I admire Janet’s ability to cut through the bullshit and get straight to the point, and this piece highlights that perfectly for me. Another piece that examines language that we use and the creeping power of business to sway our society in the direction that it wants. Overt skepticism towards corporations…what’s not to like?

What happened to advancing Australia fair? by Laura O’Neill

A great, free, sprawling mess of thoughts from Laura where she laments the state of our country’s politics, particularly in relation to refugee issues. Enjoyable to read, and thoroughly depressing.

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And, Brendan’s Top 4 picks:

Investment bankers and human beings: can you spot the difference? by Mario Hasanakos

Although not many of us have a soft spot for investment bankers, this post from Mario will leave you rethinking previously held conceptions. You may even rethink your career. It left me asking a number of questions, ‘What is the most effective way for me to have an impact on issues of equity and justice? Is it through development work? Or are there other pathways?’ It also left me with a greater appreciation of others’ choices and professions, and that development work is not necessarily a higher road.

Foreign aid with Chinese characteristics: China releases first White Paper on aid by Philippa Brant

China is already playing a very pivotal role in international development, albeit, one many of us are perhaps unaware of. As China continues to expand its influence and presence across the globe, it is vital that we try to understand the why, how and what of China’s presence in the development space. Philippa gives us a very insightful and critical glimpse into Chinese aid architecture. A must read for students and professionals of international aid.

Warning! Take with a grain of realistic salt: working in development by Alex Jameson

Alex does not hold back on the bluntness or realism in this forward looking post. Once you have a job in development, what can you expect? What should you expect? Alex breaks it down for you in this post, but reminds you to take it all with a grain of realistic salt.

What David Foster Wallace taught me about development by Weh Yeoh

I really encourage you to read any one of Weh’s posts (well most of them), and not just because I agree often with his world views. In this particular post, he really gets to the heart of  personal motivation and challenges you to look at your own reasons for wanting to work in development.

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Well, that rounds out our pick of the best whydev posts that we’ve had in the past year or so. We wholeheartedly encourage you to go back and read them if you haven’t. And even if you have, maybe you can pick up something new that you hadn’t noticed before.

Do you think there’s an outstanding post that you remember, that we have missed? If so, do let us know in the comments.

About Weh Yeoh

Weh Yeoh is a current job-seeker. He is a professionally trained physiotherapist who has completed a MA in Development Studies at the University of New South Wales. With experience in the NGO sector both in Australia and in China, with Handicap International, he hopes to combine his interest in development and passion for visiting far-flung destinations in the future. You can view his LinkedIn and follow him on Twitter below.

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Tagged as: Aid, Aid work, Aid workers, Asylum seekers, Australia, Career advice, China, Development, development work, Foreign aid, Language, power, Refugees