Typical ingredients for success in entering a career in international affairs: (These do not reflect how I think things should be. They are anecdotal and based on my personal observations.) 1. Masters degree from prominent Western policy program (such as the APSIA schools). This is less about the content of the program and more about the alumni networks and career development resources and insights that help their graduates navigate the opaque entry into careers in international policy and development. 2. Multiple internships in international organizations, NGOs, government, think tanks, etc. Typically you might start by volunteering or interning at a small, not-so-well-known organization and then build up to the more prestigious internships. 3. Passport and socioeconomic privilege. Having a passport that allows easy access to do internships in Western countries where many prestigious international organizations are headquartered. Having the economic means and/or social capital to support doing un-/underpaid internships or similar career development opportunities in very expensive cities (New York, Geneva, Washington, DC, etc.) 4. Excellent, near-native spoken and written English. Typically at least one other UN language at a high level as well. 5. Psychological resilience, social support and long-term networking. Excellent, well-qualified candidates are common in this field. Most people have a difficult path into an international relations career. You will need to be able to face a lot of rejection and keep going. You will need to believe in yourself and have support from family and friends to keep pursuing your dream despite the years of insecurity. You will need to be constantly gathering information through networking about opportunities and how to navigate the opaque entry pathways into this field.
Pia Francis
5mo
- Geographic instability: Entry-level positions (typically P1/P2) often require you to be open to missions or duty stations in unsafe countries, which can significantly impact your personal life. - Financial instability: Many entry-level or junior positions are project-based or dependent on budget availability, leading to very short contract durations and uncertain job security. - "Phantom positions": Sometimes, advertised positions already have an internal candidate that has been identified, yet you may still need to go through interviews and tests despite the predetermined outcome. - Rapidly changing needs and trends: To stay relevant, you must constantly update your knowledge as priorities shift (e.g., from migration and migrant inclusion to return and reintegration, or climate change). Recruiters often do not consider knowledge transferable and expect expertise in niche areas. - Lengthy and detailed job applications: The application process can be exhaustive, and many applications go unanswered because automated systems filter out candidates based on the use of exact keywords.
Carolina D.
5mo
Interesting! And it makes clear that unfortunately it is a career dedicated to the elites.
Rochelle Leonor
5mo
Summing it all up: privilege
More privilege than ability seems to govern this
Deborah Caruso
5mo
1.Having connections.
Max G.
5mo
Thanks Florence, finally someone says it as it is. So what I gather is relentless perseverance and money; up by the bootstraps and off to the races we go!
I’ll add as #1 (or #0) a genuine dedication or even passion — not just the appeal of a blue passport or powerful people, which may mean staying longer in smaller but better organizations; in your #4 more than 1 language other than very good English; many candidates have 3-5 total they speak fluently (English, French, Spanish and / or Arabic and / or another language is and will be even more pretty common) and to your #5 or as #6 not shying away from contacting people smartly about openings, guidance, etc., and as a final point #6 or #7 flawless application materials and then performance on / in the job.
Polen Türkmen
5mo
No. 5 speaks volumes
Owner at Johanneke van den Bos
5moThis is why there are so many problems in this field.