Nowadays, anyone wishing to carry out a development service assignment needs to have good qualifications and professional experience. 'Development worker' is not a defined profession and although knowledge of development policy is an advantage, it is not an absolute requirement for many jobs. What is more important are other diverse, but clearly defined qualifications. All job ads outline the specific professional requirements and the skills that are needed. Anyone interested in applying should compare these carefully with their own profile. Motivation also plays a key role. Development service is not just about professional knowledge, but also about attitudes and values – the individual providers normally make this very clear in their job ads.

In addition, foreign language skills are essential and, for most locations, professionals will need to be in good health and able to work in a tropical climate. Development workers must also be willing to accept very different living and working conditions. The means not only demonstrating cultural openness and a fundamental willingness to learn, but also taking a relaxed attitude to constraints (technical communication options, consumption habits, leisure activities, etc.).

The revision of the Development Workers Act in 2016 introduced the option of assignments that last less than two years. However, the average contract term is just under three years, and many jobs are advertised for a minimum of two years. In addition to this, professionals are normally required to take part in a preparatory course in Germany, involving provider-specific modules and other training.

One of the notions at the heart of the concept of development service is that returning professionals, with their wide-ranging and at the same time unique experience, also benefit German/European society. The providers have measures in place to support their returning development workers, and AGdD's Reintegration Programme also offers particular assistance in identifying further career options.