What should I do to work for the United Nations? How can I become a prominent member/leader for the UN?

Question

What types of subjects should I take in college and what should I major in? How should I search for jobs within the UN after college? What types of volunteer opportunities and/or intenships should I be looking into in order to gain some experience in this field? THANKS IN ADVANCE!!

Answer 1

OK, first go to college. If you are looking for the political side of the organizations, you will likely benefit from a degree in international relations, international studies/trade, or political science with an international emphasis. You need to study at least one foreign language, French and Spanish are the best, although the UN has six official languages. After you are about to graduate or even during most of college, take summer internships with international organizations or non-profits and get some experience working with them. It is not going to be very glamorous and you probably will get paid very little or nothing at all. You should check out CARE international, the UN website (they have volounteer groups), or any other legitimate, non-political international organization. You would best benefit from at least two internships. Once you finish your bachelors, you have one of two choices. Either try to get a job with one of these groups or the UN itself, or go get your Master's degree. Again, focus on the political degrees as best as possible and try to pick up another language if you can. Concentrate more on research and feild work if you get the chance, this will give you more experience.

The UN, if you are looking for a good starting position, looks for at least 3-5 years of experience and advanced degrees. They want to see internships, good work ethic, and dedication to your cause. After that, you may get it, you may not. Everyone wants to work there, it is really hard. Then, you slowly work your way up through the ranks. It could take you decades to become a "prominent member/leader for the UN" and you still may never get there. I admire your ambition, but this is a hard goal to reach. You could also look for work through the American political system and see if you can work through the office of the ambassador to the UN as well. That could get you set up to hopefully get an appointment of some kind farther down the road.

Answer 2

French is highly favored for those seeking employment at the UN, so try for a double major in Political Science and French. Also. look for a school in the NYC area and try to get an internship at the UN. Look to study abroad in Geneva, Switzerland. They speak French there and it's also the location of the UN's second largest facility.

Answer 3

You will need to get a degree in political science or international relations to do well in the UN. I heard its really hard to get a job there.

Answer 4

Study foreign relations, government or law so that you will know about the intricacies of the UN and be hired as a staff of any of its operating agencies.