Professional opportunities in the development sector: Paradigm shift

In an era where AI is leading the way people think and act, what truly setspeopleapartistheabilityto understand and solve human problems with a touch of emotional intelligence. That’s precisely why India’s most driven minds and talent are pivoting to the development sector.

A shift from activism to career strategy with community welfare as the priority. From grassroots NGOs working on rural livelihood, to Think Tanks shaping India’s stance on climate finance, education, women empowerment, diversity and inclusion, elderly care, adoption of technology to solve pressing issues, and more, a silent revolution is underway. One that’s not just about making a difference but about driving meaningful change.

The Evolving Roles in the Development Sector

Traditionally viewed as informal and volunteer-driven, the development sector in India has undergone a massive transformation. With the increasing complexity of societal challenges like health, education, environment or alternative energy, there's a growing demand for skilled professionals who can devise and implement effective solutions. Organisations now operate with strategic clarity, employing experts in areas like policy research, communications, and program management to work at the grassroots level and face the challenges first-hand.

Why NGOs and Think Tanks Are the New Career Labs


Today, the development sector is more than just charity or a passion project; it is now where innovation and systems thinking intersect. Several NGOs and Think Tanks are now providing a platform to youth from varied backgrounds such as law, education, healthcare, engineering, etc. to work in social sector and put their education and professional experience to good use in rural areas and find solutions to local problems, like for example, Ms. Pratibha Krishnaiah, an SBI YFI Alumni (2014-15) who has worked with the rural women in Uttrakhand to start a social enterprise called as Himalayan Blooms.A growing number of individuals have been contributing with scalable solutions in the development sector, leading to a surge in ‘social enterprises’ that build their future all while working with the local communities, generating employment opportunities and alternative income solutions to marginalised rural communities. From public health graduates leading community programs in remote villages to finance professionals designing scalable micro-enterprise models, the opportunities are diverse, meaningful,and deeply rewarding.

The Big Switch from Cushioned Corporate Jobs

Over the years, we have seen how such immersive journeys have sparked long-term transformations, not just in the communities served but also in the individuals themselves. Mr. Nishant Singh (SBIYFI 2022-23 Batch), founder of Jawhar Farm, is a befitting example. He left a well-paying job at Wipro to follow his dream of working with communities at the grassroots and bringing about positive change in the lives of rural women. He joined the SBI Youth for India Fellowship and was placed in Jawhar, a small village in Maharashtra. There, he discovered that tribal communities possess deep knowledge of nutritious foods and herbs. What he saw was an opportunity to build a bridge for the tribals to sell the power-packed food to urban consumers in the form of urban snacks. These are delicious, rich in nutrition treats, that are in turn offering sustainable income for the tribal population and improving their livelihood.

Despite innovation in technology space, our country has a gap that presents both a challenge and an opportunity in the technology space. This is where the development sector and think tanks become critical as incubators for innovation, offering young social changemakers the platform to scale their ideas and tech-driven solutions that benefit the communities at large.


Take the example of SBI Youth for India Fellow Siddarth Daga (SBI YFI 2016-17 Batch). After leaving his corporate job, Mr. Siddarth Daga joined the Fellowship and worked with Gram Vikas in Odisha, where he realized the hardship and daily struggles of people with disabilities. This experience inspired him to co-found NeoMotion, a social enterprise that designs transformative mobility devices. Their flagship product, a customisable wheelchair, helps users reclaim their independence and dignity. From earning praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and receiving funding on Shark Tank, NeoMotion’s journey is proof that real-world exposure can spark powerful, scalable solutions.


As more young professionals step into the social sector, they’re redefining what a career can look like—one that blends purpose with innovation. What was once considered an unconventional path is now a launchpad for ideas that create real change.