Hi, friends! My name is Ana and
I am an intern at the Global Communications Department of the UN in New York.
Today, I'll share how I landed this incredible opportunity and
give you some valuable tips on applying for similar internships.
Let's get started!
I know that many of you dream of working for the UN, just like me.
Growing up in Cuba, I witnessed firsthand
how the UN and its agencies worked on projects that aligned with my passions,
such as education, children's rights, and gender equality.
I was also part of a theater company that was named goodwill ambassador for UNICEF.
This further fueled my interest to pursue a career within the United Nations.
After graduating with a Journalism degree last December,
I set my sights on joining the UN and found online the UN Careers portal,
which show-cased thousands of internships for locations all over the world.
These internships provide an excellent opportunity for students
and recent graduates to build a strong network and
open doors to future educational and job prospects within the UN.
Through my research, I found that while specific requirements may vary for each internship,
some general criteria apply.
To be eligible, you must be an undergraduate, master's, or Ph.D. student,
or have graduated from one of these programs within the past year, like me.
Fluency in either English or French is a must,
and having relatives working in the UN Secretariat is not allowed.
It's essential to note that these internships are unpaid, so you'll need to cover your expenses.
The good news is that interns who are legally permitted to
work in the countries where they are pursuing their internships
have the right to do so as long as these jobs do not interfere with their internship program.
You can access all the rules and additional details in the description below.
As you can imagine, the range of UN internships is quite diverse, c
overing different fields, departments,
locations, work modalities (such as full presence or telecommuting), and length,
which can be between 2 up to 6 months, like my case.
So, you’ll probably be wondering how to find the perfect fit for you.
And here are some tips: First, use the filters on the UN Careers portal to narrow down your options.
In my case, as a Journalism graduate fluent in English,
I focused on duty stations where English was the primary language
and on job types related to multimedia content creation for websites and social media networks
– my main area of interest and where I'm currently working.
Keep in mind that not all internships are during the summer break,
so being available at different times of the year might increase your chances.
Also, it's crucial to pay close attention to
application deadlines, as late submissions won't be accepted.
Setting up email alerts is a great way to stay updated on new openings too.
Once I found the internships I liked and was available for,
I created a profile on Inspira,
the UN's online recruitment system, to complete my application form.
There, I provided personal information, uploaded a resume (also known as a CV),
and wrote a motivation statement.
To stand out in my application form,
I made sure to be clear about my goals and interests while showcasing how
my skills and aspirations aligned with the internship's objectives.
And what came next? Well, after submitting my application form,
I had to patiently wait to see if I was shortlisted for an interview, test, or both.
Due to the high competition, it's common to apply multiple
times before receiving an interview invitation,
but persistence pays off.
To prepare for my interview,
I researched a little bit more about the department where I wanted to work,
reviewed my motivation statement,
practiced potential questions and answers, and stayed true to myself.
The most common interview style in the UN system is a competency-based interview.
If you’re not familiar with it and you wish to apply for positions within the UN,
you can check the link in the description be-low.
Many interviews may happen remotely, like in my case,
so I also made sure to have a good internet connection, a high-quality camera and microphone,
and dressed accordingly.
During the interview, I must admit I felt a bit nervous,
but the interviewers' professionalism and friendly trait quickly put me at ease.
Their approach made me feel more comfortable and confident throughout the process.
When I received the email confirming that I had been accepted,
I couldn't believe it.
I was so happy.
But there was still one remaining step: obtaining the sponsored visa to travel.
This procedure took longer than expected,
and I was afraid I wouldn't be able to start the internship on time.
I arrived with a one-week delay, but luckily,
the team was very understanding and helped me adapt quickly.
And so, do not feat if as a UN intern, you need to live in a foreign country for some months.
The experience is indeed challenging but the team you work with becomes your support system,
making you feel like family during your internship.
While awaiting my visa, the Human Resources team provided me with
valuable information like accommodation options,
a map of the UN headquarters, and practical tips for living and thriving in New York.
Once my fellow interns and I arrived in New York,
the staff members went above and beyond.
They organized picnics, lunches,
and even small parties to bring us together and enjoy quality time.
And there you have it – that's how I became a UN intern!
This journey has been nothing short of incredible,
and it has allowed me to build a strong network for my education
and future job opportunities.
I'm thrilled to share more about my experience and even introduce
you to some of my internship partners in one of my next videos.
So far this year, about 600 interns from different ages and nationalities
have joined just the UN Headquarters in New York,
each with their own unique story and background.
So, if you're interested in becoming a UN intern,
I encourage you to follow your passion, stay persistent,
and be proactive in seeking opportunities.
Thank you for watching this video. If you have any questions,
please feel free to write them in the comments section below.
Don't forget to check out the link to the UN Careers portal in the description
for more information on internships and other opportunities in the UN.
And before you go, please show your support
by giving this video a thumbs up and subscribing to our channel.
I’ll see you soon. Bye-bye!