How to Prepare for Your Dream Career in International Organizations
Breaking into international organizations requires careful planning, self-assessment, and strategic action. This guide outlines the essential steps to identify your career path, assess job requirements, build relevant skills, and create a structured plan to reach your goals.
Step 1: Identify Your Interests and Career Focus
Before applying for roles, it is important to gain clarity on your career aspirations. One way to do this is by using a structured approach, such as the Ikigai system, to better understand your professional interests and goals. Start by answering the following questions:
• What global issues am I most passionate about?
• What kind of impact do I want to have in my career?
• What are my current strengths and skills?
By reflecting on these questions, you can identify the areas of international relations that align with your interests. International organizations operate across various fields, each addressing different global challenges. Below are key sectors and examples of organizations working in each area (some ideas!):
Economic Development and Policy
Organizations: World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Field Focus: Strengthening global economies, reducing poverty, and creating sustainable development strategies.
Human Rights and Gender Equality
Organizations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), UN Women, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch
Field Focus: Advocating for human rights, promoting gender equality, and implementing policies to protect vulnerable populations.
Environmental Policy and Climate Action
Organizations: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Green Climate Fund (GCF), Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
Field Focus: Addressing climate change, promoting sustainable environmental policies, and protecting biodiversity.
Peace and Security
Organizations: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
Field Focus: Managing migration crises, addressing transnational crime, promoting global security, and maintaining peace operations.
Public Health and Global Development
Organizations: World Health Organization (WHO), Global Fund, Gavi, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
Field Focus: Strengthening global healthcare systems, responding to pandemics, and advancing access to essential medicines and healthcare services.
Once you have a clearer understanding of the field that interests you, the next step is to explore job opportunities within these organizations to determine the skills and qualifications required for your desired career path.
To gain a better understanding of international organizations and their roles, refer to the UN System Chart, which provides an overview of various UN agencies and their areas of focus.
Step 2: Research Real Job Vacancies
After identifying your area of interest, visit the websites of relevant international organizations and look at actual job postings. This will help you understand the qualifications and experience required for your desired career path. Key factors to consider in job descriptions include:
• Education requirements – Does the role require a bachelor’s, a master’s, or a PhD?
• Languages – Is fluency in English sufficient, or is knowledge of French, Spanish, or other UN languages required?
• Work experience – Are there entry-level roles available, or is prior experience required?
• Technical and soft skills – What specific skills are emphasized, such as data analysis, policy writing, project management, or advocacy?
Understanding these requirements allows you to assess where you stand and what gaps you need to fill before applying.
Step 3: Develop an Action Plan
Once you have identified the necessary qualifications and skills, create a structured plan to acquire them. Break down the requirements into clear action steps with realistic deadlines.
For example, if a position requires fluency in French, you might set a goal to complete an intensive language course within one year. If a role requires experience in policy research, consider applying for internships, volunteer positions, or online courses that can strengthen your expertise in this area.
By setting concrete deadlines for each step, you create a structured path toward becoming a competitive candidate for international organizations.
Step 4: Map Out Your Career Progression
It is important to have a long-term vision of your career trajectory. Identify where you are now (Point A) and where you want to be (Point B). Then, determine the steps required to bridge that gap.
For example, if your goal is to work in international development, you may need to gain regional experience, complete a master’s degree in a relevant field, or build expertise in grant writing and project management. Setting realistic timeframes for each milestone ensures that you stay on track and remain motivated throughout the process.
Step 5: Build Your Professional Network
Networking is a critical component of breaking into international organizations. Connect with professionals who currently hold roles you aspire to. Reach out to them on platforms such as LinkedIn and introduce yourself professionally. A simple message expressing your interest in their field and asking for insights can open doors to valuable mentorship and career advice.
Attending conferences, webinars, and networking events related to your field can also provide opportunities to establish meaningful connections. Many international organizations host career fairs and panel discussions where you can learn directly from professionals and gain insights into different career paths.
Final Thoughts
Building a career in international organizations requires careful planning, skill development, and proactive networking. By identifying your interests, analyzing job requirements, setting clear goals, and connecting with professionals, you can create a structured approach to achieving your dream career. Taking these steps early in your career will increase your chances of securing a meaningful role in the international sector.
If you need personalized guidance, our consultants are available for career consultations to help you navigate your career path more effectively. You can also join our International Relations Career Course, where you will gain valuable insights, practical strategies, and expert advice to start building your career in international relations today. Reach out to us to take the first step toward your professional future.
Breaking into international organizations requires careful planning, self-assessment, and strategic action. This guide outlines the essential steps to identify your career path, assess job requirements, build relevant skills, and create a structured plan to reach your goals.
Step 1: Identify Your Interests and Career Focus
Before applying for roles, it is important to gain clarity on your career aspirations. One way to do this is by using a structured approach, such as the Ikigai system, to better understand your professional interests and goals. Start by answering the following questions:
• What global issues am I most passionate about?
• What kind of impact do I want to have in my career?
• What are my current strengths and skills?
By reflecting on these questions, you can identify the areas of international relations that align with your interests. International organizations operate across various fields, each addressing different global challenges. Below are key sectors and examples of organizations working in each area (some ideas!):
Economic Development and Policy
Organizations: World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Field Focus: Strengthening global economies, reducing poverty, and creating sustainable development strategies.
Human Rights and Gender Equality
Organizations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), UN Women, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch
Field Focus: Advocating for human rights, promoting gender equality, and implementing policies to protect vulnerable populations.
Environmental Policy and Climate Action
Organizations: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Green Climate Fund (GCF), Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
Field Focus: Addressing climate change, promoting sustainable environmental policies, and protecting biodiversity.
Peace and Security
Organizations: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
Field Focus: Managing migration crises, addressing transnational crime, promoting global security, and maintaining peace operations.
Public Health and Global Development
Organizations: World Health Organization (WHO), Global Fund, Gavi, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
Field Focus: Strengthening global healthcare systems, responding to pandemics, and advancing access to essential medicines and healthcare services.
Once you have a clearer understanding of the field that interests you, the next step is to explore job opportunities within these organizations to determine the skills and qualifications required for your desired career path.
To gain a better understanding of international organizations and their roles, refer to the UN System Chart, which provides an overview of various UN agencies and their areas of focus.
Step 2: Research Real Job Vacancies
After identifying your area of interest, visit the websites of relevant international organizations and look at actual job postings. This will help you understand the qualifications and experience required for your desired career path. Key factors to consider in job descriptions include:
• Education requirements – Does the role require a bachelor’s, a master’s, or a PhD?
• Languages – Is fluency in English sufficient, or is knowledge of French, Spanish, or other UN languages required?
• Work experience – Are there entry-level roles available, or is prior experience required?
• Technical and soft skills – What specific skills are emphasized, such as data analysis, policy writing, project management, or advocacy?
Understanding these requirements allows you to assess where you stand and what gaps you need to fill before applying.
Step 3: Develop an Action Plan
Once you have identified the necessary qualifications and skills, create a structured plan to acquire them. Break down the requirements into clear action steps with realistic deadlines.
For example, if a position requires fluency in French, you might set a goal to complete an intensive language course within one year. If a role requires experience in policy research, consider applying for internships, volunteer positions, or online courses that can strengthen your expertise in this area.
By setting concrete deadlines for each step, you create a structured path toward becoming a competitive candidate for international organizations.
Step 4: Map Out Your Career Progression
It is important to have a long-term vision of your career trajectory. Identify where you are now (Point A) and where you want to be (Point B). Then, determine the steps required to bridge that gap.
For example, if your goal is to work in international development, you may need to gain regional experience, complete a master’s degree in a relevant field, or build expertise in grant writing and project management. Setting realistic timeframes for each milestone ensures that you stay on track and remain motivated throughout the process.
Step 5: Build Your Professional Network
Networking is a critical component of breaking into international organizations. Connect with professionals who currently hold roles you aspire to. Reach out to them on platforms such as LinkedIn and introduce yourself professionally. A simple message expressing your interest in their field and asking for insights can open doors to valuable mentorship and career advice.
Attending conferences, webinars, and networking events related to your field can also provide opportunities to establish meaningful connections. Many international organizations host career fairs and panel discussions where you can learn directly from professionals and gain insights into different career paths.
Final Thoughts
Building a career in international organizations requires careful planning, skill development, and proactive networking. By identifying your interests, analyzing job requirements, setting clear goals, and connecting with professionals, you can create a structured approach to achieving your dream career. Taking these steps early in your career will increase your chances of securing a meaningful role in the international sector.
If you need personalized guidance, our consultants are available for career consultations to help you navigate your career path more effectively. You can also join our International Relations Career Course, where you will gain valuable insights, practical strategies, and expert advice to start building your career in international relations today. Reach out to us to take the first step toward your professional future.
