Is it hard to get a UN internship? What degree do I need?
What to study to work in the UN?
A lot of students who are interested in starting a career in International Development, maybe with the United Nations family, have the same questions:
What to study to increase my chances to work for the United Nations system? What are the fields of study required for a UN internship? What to study to work in the UN? What degree do I need to work for the United Nations? Is it hard to get a UN internship?
Research has shown that one way to start a career in international organisations, such as the UN, is through an internship.
There are quite a lot of UN organisations that offer internships opportunities in summer and in wintertime.
Why is an internship in an international organisation of such great value?
it’s a great experience
a good chance to get your foot in the organisation and potentially longer term a job
huge advantage to have a UN reference on your CV which may help you to get a job in another organisation
an opportunity for you to discover new parts of the world, new cultures and people.
But what to study? and what degree do I need to work for the United Nations?
The good news is, the UN system offers various career opportunities for candidates of almost all educational areas; some of the most common areas required by most UN internship programs are:
International Development
International Affairs
International Relations
International Law
Economics and Business Management
Public Administration
Journalism
Finance and Accounting
IT
Human Science & Health
Finding the ‘right’ UN system organisation that matches your profile, education, skills and competencies, can lead to a fulfilling career where you get the chance to leave an important impact on the world. It means working with people from all over the world, getting to know different cultures and strengthening your multicultural team working skills while working on a good cause for human mankind and our planet.
UCC aims to share insights and advice to increase your chances of an international career and to address the lack of knowledge about how and where to apply for the various UN system organisations; UCC offers FREE blog articles, webinars and other services to enable you to access information about the different application, recruitment and selection processes as well as to help you get your UN system related questions answered.
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The United Career Coalition aims to share knowledge, insights, tips & advice from those that have applied, interviewed and secured United Nations system roles!
Want to learn more on how to spot relevant skills and competencies in a UN system vacancy or the best method to convey your skills in a cover letter? Get in touch with one of our UN insiders or download UCC’s 45min cover letter webinar with tips and advice from UN insiders!
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