Take a step closer towards
your UN system career
Apply for the Vienna Challenge 2023 or
access your REMOTE Package now
What is the UCC Future Leaders Challenge
How does the challenge help finding your dream job?
The UCC Future Leaders Challenge is a unique short-term extra curricular 2 day face to face workshop for professionals and future leaders who desire to work in the International relations, development or public sector arena.
It is open to applications from anyone wanting to experience 48 hours of what it is like at the UNITED NATIONS family! It is organised by a former UN professional with almost a decade of experience working at the UN system, learn more about the UCC founder here. Run by professional facilitators, with an extensive network of speakers ranging from Senior level UN insiders, internationally respected experts with many years of UN system and diplomatic experience to International Relations professionals, the Future Leaders Challenge offers individuals an insider look at how to start an international career.
When is the UCC Future Leaders Challenge
How long until the next Future Leaders Challenge?
The next UCC Future Leaders Challenge will take place in Fall 2023 in Vienna, Austria
The applications for our next event in Vienna intake are now open.
We tailor each course so please scroll down to learn more about the application process or head to our ‘Challenge in Vienna’ page to learn more of the following.
What will be covered at the Future Leaders Challenge course?
How do I apply?
If I am successful how much are the course fees?
Why apply to take part?
Why should you apply and what are the benefits?
Develop your Network
Meet high-level professionals with vast practical experience in international organisations and the UN system
Talk to high-level speakers in person both at informal sessions in class and at the luncheons
Connect with our high level UN insider Speakers with significant experience in leading international organisations worldwide with research, project management, communications and human resources areas of expertise
Meet members of a Nobel Peace Prize winning team from a global Organization
Develop your Career Path
Gain insights on a career with the UN
Obtain constructive feedback and the opportunity to develop your application to showcase your UN essential skills
UN system Interview preparation through learning how to answer difficult competency-based questions to fully prepare your answers to even the most challenging questions
Receive valuable advice and recommendations for your desired career path, your personal background and goals
Take the unique opportunity as a future leader to develop your career
Develop your Knowledge & Skills
Develop substantive knowledge of the UN system and major global trends on the international relations agenda
Build connections with experienced UN professionals through a unique networking opportunity
Dedicated small class size (max 15) with individual career coaching throughout
Acquire negotiation, research, communication and other vital skills essential for a UN system career
Hands-on experience across various UN related essential tasks and skills
What sets the Future Leaders Challenge apart?
What do successful applicants receive?
WHAT SETS THE UCC FUTURE LEADERS CHALLENGE APART:
Stay near unique UN headquarter locations across the globe
Meet like minded candidates to grow your personal network
Application evaluation by high-level professionals & UN insiders
Multicultural Environment, UCC has participants and speakers with diverse backgrounds coming from various countries around the world to create an experience as international and multicultural as the working environment similar to that of the UN
Complimentary career support service
Guided tour of the UN headquarters
How can I apply for the UCC Future Leaders Challenge?
How do I apply?
Our application process is now open for Vienna.
Phase 1 - Simply send us your CV & a short brief (no more than 250 words) of why you want to join the UCC Future Leader Challenge.
Each candidate will receive confirmation of their submission.
Phase 2 - We will then review your application.
Phase 3 - Our panel reviews the applications and selects the successful candidates, please note we will only confirm your attendance once the deadline closes or once we have reached the 15 candidates, whichever is sooner to enable people to plan travel.
Please do not be disappointed if you are not selected, our review process is a challenging task to select just 15 candidates.
Phase 4 - We will then contact all the successful applicants.
All candidates will be notified of whether or not they have been successful by email.
Are there eligibility criteria?
What are the eligibility criteria?
EDUCATION
The Challenge is open to all those at the current undergraduate and post graduate phases:
Undergraduate degree programs
Master degree programs
Doctoral degree programs (PhD)
If you have no post secondary education background please get in touch
AGE
We do not discriminate based on age, the course is suitable both for young professionals and professionals in their mid-career looking for an opportunity to make a career change.
We encourage every applicant with a strong interest to build a career in the international development field to apply and join the challenge, regardless of your background and years of expertise.
LANGUAGE
The language of instruction for the Future Leaders Challenge is English. Candidates must be fluent in written and spoken English.
LOCATION
Candidates residing outside of the country where the Future Leaders Challenge takes place may request the necessary visa supporting documents upon successful enrolment to the course .
How much is the Challenge if you are successful?
How much does it cost to join the Challenge if successful?
Twice a year we provide ambitious candidates access to showcase their skills with our extensive professional International Relations Network.
What do our fees cover?
UN system experts and Nobel Peace Prize winning speakers
Limited places ensure dedicated time to meet internationally respected experts with many years of UN system and diplomatic experience who share their UN system experience
Venues near UN headquarter locations around the world
Premium Accommodation close to our event location
2 day programme comprising over 17+ hours of dedicated time
Lunch throughout the course
Course material and learning resources
Networking opportunities with high-level speakers
Professional facilitators who run the challenge
Career development professionals
Access to UN insiders with a wealth of experience of the UN
Early discount fee: £1100 *
Normal fee: £1300 **
* If paid within 7 working days of your successful application
** 35% deposit (£455) is required to secure your place, remaining payment (£845) must be paid 45 days ahead of the course start date
PLEASE NOTE DUE TO COVID 19 WE HAVE NOW SETUP A REMOTE PACKAGE TO ENABLE US TO SUPPORT YOU WHEREVER YOU ARE
How do I know if I have been successful?
What happens if I have been successful?
Successful applicants are contacted by email, all successful candidates who pass phase 2/3 are issued an official admission offer letter.
To reserve your seat at the challenge program we ask you to make a deposit payment - 35% of the total fee - in order to confirm your willingness and commitment to join the UCC course. The remaining amount is due before the deadline stated in your admission offer letter.
If you need a visa to enter the country where the UCC Future Leaders Challenge is held, we will aim to provide you with the official supporting documents. The deposit payment must be submitted in full before these documents are issued.