PART II: How to network for a United Nations job? What is networking and how does it work ?

(see PART I of our UCC ‘networking’ blog series)

Who are we networking with?

This really can be anyone; from people you meet while queuing for your coffee, joining a sports club or gym, or attending work related meetings and conferences.

You can network with people at your company, in your industry, and even outside your field of interest to uncover new opportunities or simply to further develop your areas of expertise and improve your skills.

In addition, you can join professional associations and attend networking events or use platforms such as LinkedIn to network and connect with new like-minded people.

Be open and curious and you'll see that networking opportunities are all around you every day.

Why is networking so important for a successful career and your career development?

Research had shown that the most connected people are often the most successful. Why? Because these people take their time and efforts to invest in their relationships, ideally in both, private and professional relationships and this, as we all know, always pays off throughout the course of your life and career.

Networking also helps you to further develop and improve your soft skill such as communication and people skills and makes you culturally more aware. Furthermore, networking and connecting with new people helps you to stay on top of the latest trends and keep a pulse on the job market. Through networking you potentially meet mentors, new partners, clients, and by broadening your network possibly gain access to the necessary resources that will foster your career development.

Learn from UN insiders why networking is so important for a successful career, how effective networking works and which methods to avoid and which to pursue:https://lnkd.in/eZVPJws

What is career development and why is networking for career development vital?

Career development is the lifelong advancement of your career and is among others influenced by the jobs you hold, the experiences you gain, both at work and out of the office, your achievements, your education and training.

In today's fast paced workforce, employees often feel that its up to them to take care and control of their own career development and I believe rightly so; hence the importance of networking for a successful career and your career development.

Learn from UN insiders why networking is so important for a successful career, how effective networking works and which methods to avoid and which to pursue:https://lnkd.in/eZVPJws

What is the purpose of networking?

If we recall the definition of a network, (see PART I of this blog series) namely ‘a group of people who exchange information, we may want to add WHY here… ‘for professional or social purposes’. The kind of network that you want to consider must have a purpose, and that purpose is one that only you can define. Networks can be used for many different purposes; let’s say your purpose is developing a career with the United Nations system, for example:

• to find out more about what a day at the UN looks like

• to get access to other people’s experience, perspectives and advice

• what a specific UN role that you are interested in involves on a day-to-day basis

• to find out how your contact started his/her career with the UN and how they developed their career over time

• to explore the option to visit the UN headquarters and see your potential future workplace

• or to receive notice about possible future vacancies; especially UN consultant roles and/or UN roles which are only advertised internally

These are just a few advantages of networking that aim to show you how networks can be a powerful tool of getting an insight into e.g. the United Nations and to get access to opportunities within the UN.

Furthermore, the bigger your network the more you become noticeable to others and create more visibility for yourself, which creates room for new partnership and/or new opportunities. The more people notice you, the more possible opportunities. Opportunities like meeting the right people that are superior to your career path could be a stepping stone that could change your life for ever!

Learn from UN insiders why networking is so important for a successful career, how effective networking works and which methods to avoid and which to pursue: https://lnkd.in/eZVPJws

Download our UN application guide or reach out to us if you need further support for your career https://unitedcareercoalition.org/how-to-work-in-the-un