iCats candidate checklist

To work as an iCat with a social organization in a developing/emerging country can be a decisive step in your life. Hence it is important to carefully consider the consequences (some will be very positive, others might be quite challenging) of becoming an iCat.

The following questions should help you to think through the consequences of becoming an iCat. Ideally, you can answer most of the following questions with yes.

1. Will creating positive impact give me enough strength and motivation to:
• integrate and live in an emerging/developing country and accept a lower standard of living?
• be away from my family during the engagement, unless I am able to cover the travel and living costs if they plan to come with me?
• work in an environment that is usually very dynamic, requires high flexibility with your scope of work, and is often less equipped with resources?
• respect the local work-style and culture (even if it is sometimes against my own conviction)?
• cope with a financial support that only covers local living expenses?
2. Am I convinced that the iCats experience will enable me to grow personally and professionally in a way a private sector job could not support it?
3. Do I want to experience what it is like to live at the base of the pyramid to better understand problems and needs?
4. Do I want to become an iCat because of my dedication and passion to serve less advantaged people?
5. Do my current financial obligations allow me to temporarily work as an iCat?
6. To work in a meaningful job is more important to me than earning a high salary?
7. Would I turn down a better job offer from my current employer to seize the chance to become an iCat?