UN Internships: As a graduate, you may be interested in kickstarting your career with the well-known UN internships program. Or perhaps you may be curious about how the internship program works. Good news! In this article, we’ve provided round-the-clock information about the Internship programs to assist you in kick-starting your career. Without further delay, let’s get started!
UN internships Abstract/Summary
Host: United Nations
Location: Worldwide
Eligibility: Students and Recent Graduates
Eligible Countries: Open to all countries
Duration: Min. two months; Max. six months
Funding: All costs related to travel, insurance, accommodation, and living expenses are covered by the individual
Application Status: Ongoing
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the internship program
What Is An Internship?
Internships are brief, practical programs designed to give newcomers the chance to acquire entry-level job experience in their field. Interns learn from seasoned experts and try out different elements of the position by working with a specific team within an organisation.
Internships are available in a variety of formats and are tailored to a wide range of interests and career goals. A company may offer an internship for a set amount of time, which can be paid or unpaid. Students and graduates seeking relevant skills and experience in a specific industry often engage in them.
The UN internships – Program Overview
The internship programs at the United Nations provide students and recent graduates with the opportunity to work in international organisations. Interns usually have the opportunity to participate in top-grade meetings, connect with diplomats, and cooperate with global experts.
These programs are designed to help candidates from diverse academic backgrounds gain valuable, first-hand, and practical experience in international relations and humanitarian work. It also provides United Nations offices with the assistance of qualified students specialised in various professional fields.
The UN internships allow interns to see the inside workings of its agencies, funds, and programs. The aim is to introduce young professionals to the core work areas of the UN, including peace and security, humanitarian assistance, human rights, sustainable development, and international law.
Keep in mind that UN Internships are not paid; Interns or their sponsors are responsible for all costs, including travel expenses, insurance, accommodation, and living expenses. However, some UN agencies, like UNHCR, UNICEF, UNOPS, and UNAOC, among others, have introduced paid internships, contributing towards their living costs.
UN Internships – Duration
The duration of the UN internship program ranges from a minimum of two months to a maximum of six months. Within this period, Interns at the UN will have the chance to get a firsthand taste of the daily operations of the organisation and interact with outstanding professionals who are passionate about their careers.
Why You Should Apply For UN Internships? – Benefits
Now that you know what a UN internship is, let’s look at its several advantages to aspiring professionals.
1. Exposes you to a variety of sectors
The UN Internships provide an excellent opportunity to gain a wide range of experience in different fields. They offer you a firsthand look at international relations and humanitarian work. This exposure not only increases your understanding but also enables you to make knowledgeable choices about your future career direction.
2. Get Work Experience
It’s also an excellent way to acquire practical experience and improve essential workplace abilities. Interns see the inner workings of the UN as they hone their research and analysis abilities, as well as policy writing skills. In addition to the practical experience, the internships improve your CV and make you applicants more appealing candidates for potential employers.
3. Learn the Purpose of the United Nations
One other advantage is the possibility to learn more about the purpose, principles, and operations of the UN. Interns do not sit and watch; they are fully engaged with their work, doing things related to their areas of specialisation.
4. Increase Your Skill Set
It offers the opportunity to expand your skills as a young professional, kickstarting your career. For example, if you have a degree in international relations, you may work as an intern in the departments of peace and security. There, you will get training in policy analysis and conflict monitoring that goes beyond what you would normally learn in a classroom.
5. Create a Professional Network
The United Nations internship provides the chance to establish a professional network that may be helpful to you in the future. By interacting with diplomats, analysts, senior staff, coworkers, going to networking events, and participating in firm activities, you may grow a strong and professional network.
6. International workplace setting
Also, the internship exposes young professionals to an International workplace setting, whereby they learn to network with other international workers or professionals. Interns also work with career professionals and senior management, and walk away with more competence and valuable relationships, which can continue long after the program.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor’s program, or in a Master’s or PhD program, or within a year after graduation from a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate program
- Know and be able to speak either French or English fluently
- Not a kid nor a relative of a member of the United Nations Secretariat
How To Apply For The Internships Award
Follow the steps we have given below to apply for the UN Internships:
- Firstly, make sure you read every detail on this page.
- Ensure you meet all the Internship requirements
- To access the UN Internships openings, click the link below.
- Search for the relevant opening, and click on it
- Read through for further information, such as the requirements, duration, location and responsibilities
- Click on the APPLY button on the left side of the screen
- Complete the application form and upload the necessary documentation.
- Submit your application and await a decision
Required Documents
- Academic transcript
- Statement of interest
- Resume or CV
- Proof of Language proficiency
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for the the Internships?
The program is open to anyone who is:
- Enrolled in the last year of a bachelor’s degree program or other similar undergraduate course.
- Enrolled in a graduate program, such as a master’s or doctoral program.
- A current university graduate.
2. When can I apply for the internship?
UN Internships are offered on a part-time or full-time basis at any point during the year, with the duration varying based on academic and other factors.
3. Will I get paid?
The UN Internships are not paid internship programs. The UN Secretariat does not provide financial compensation to interns. Currently, applicants must arrange for all expenses, which include visas, travel, accommodation and living expenses.
4. Will my internship result in a job at the United Nations?
The UN Internship is not a guarantee that you’ll get a position there. However, you will gain valuable experience and professional connections that can help you land a job
For further information, visit the official United Nations website!