United Nations

An intern’s job search in the field.

A friend asked how my work experience at the UNDP had been, particularly with regard to getting into the connected network. Having spent approximately the last 6 months working as an intern - first at the International Trade Centre in Geneva and now the UNDP in Kenya, I have come up with my own simplified theory of how things differ for getting a job in the UN. It is actually quite simple.

Being in the right place, at the right time, and knowing the right people. There is a whole lot of serendipity involved, and your skills are coincidental insofar as they help you to know the right people.

How are things different in the field? First, by virtue of being in the field, you have already proven your committment. Back in Geneva interns were considered dead-weight with no work experience and little to offer. Here, in the field, interns are respected as risk-takers, given real responsibility, and appreciated for what they contribute.

Second, the number of opportunities in the field are much greater. Projects come and go, as do the expats. Which means the chances of you being at the right place at the right time are higher. And when an opening comes up contracts will be written up to hire you - not the other way round.

As for knowing people, I still do not know many within the UN. But the UNDP name gets me a hearing with anyone - in industry, government, and civil society. It is a respected brand that I can leverage. And as I prove my capabilities, I get more recognition from my immediate superiors.

That doesn’t mean there is a paycheck in my future. And getting to do exactly what I want would require patience and at least 1-year. Still, if I had to work for free and struggle to get recognized for my work, with the goal of joining the UN, I would rather do it in the field. But that is just me.

© 2006 The Discomfort Zone.