How to become a humanitarian worker: Camilla Thurlow's story

Part of Careers

It is so rewarding. Clearing mine fields has been the greatest job I could ever have had.

Camilla Thurlow is an explosive ordnance disposal specialist who rose to fame on the reality TV show Love Island. She tells us about the activism work she did for The Halo Trust, how being on Love Island gave her a platform for her feminism, and how she struggled to reconcile her experiences oversees with her life back in the UK.

Camilla explains what her charity work has involved and how her time on Love Island helped her pursue her interests

What skills do I need?

For specific charity work you may need to undertake considerable training. For example, 6 months of operational training is required to gain an explosive ordnance disposal qualification. You will probably be able to start less specialised charity work much more quickly, but will still need certain skills, such as:

  • good verbal communication
  • the ability to work in a team
  • leadership and motivational skills
  • resilience.
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What to expect if you want to be a humanitarian worker

  • Humanitarian worker average salary: £17,000 to £29,000 per year
  • Humanitarian worker typical working hours: Variable

What qualifications do you need to be a humanitarian worker?

You could get into this role via a university course, volunteering, or working towards this role.

Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed.

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