Where to start
Working for the UN, World Bank or other international organisation is usually a mid-career option. Options for new graduates include internships, many of which are unpaid, and some early entry schemes such as the UN’s Young Professionals Programme for underrepresented nations.
These careers are for you if you are committed to being an international civil servant, and have the ability to work alongside colleagues from many nations.
Try UN Online Volunteers and UN Volunteers to get field experience. Do an internship - find these on the individual agency websites and at careers.un.org.
International organisations tend to want specialists rather than generalists so developing a transferable skill in an NGO or the public or corporate sector is highly valuable.
For experienced hires you are very likely to need a master’s relevant to the job you are applying for. Internships within UN organisations do not require a master’s. You can intern within one year of graduating from an undergraduate or postgraduate course.
- The United Nations and the individual agency websites such as:
- The UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
- The World Bank
- The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
- The European Union (EU)
- The Inter-American Development Bank
- The International Labour Organisation (ILO)
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
- The World Trade Organisation
When considering a master’s, plot ahead. Look at the sort of jobs you’d like to do and see what master’s they require. Specific is usually better than general.
You must tailor your experience very explicitly to the specific organisation, team and role. Hard evidence to back up your claim that you have the skills is essential as you need to be able to prove that you are the best candidate - globally.
Annual briefing ‘Interning with the UN’ - see our 'catch up on past talks' page
Postgraduate students can attend the LSE International Organisations Day, which takes place during the sixth week of Michaelmas term.
The secret is to find a niche - think laterally and find a few options of where your specific interests, skills and experience might fit in these vast organisations.
Now you have looked at this page, think about your next steps. Everyone's journey is different. There are many ways to move forward. Here are some actions you could take now:
- Look for roles using the resources above.
- Talk to alumni working in this field via Handshake or LinkedIn.
- Talk to a Careers Consultant - book a 1:1 appointment through Handshake.
- Attend events - watch for relevant events.
- Ready to apply? Use the CV and cover letter guide to draft a CV or an application. CareerSet is a tool you can use to review your CV and cover letter. Write a speculative application.