Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

I am in the Strategic Sourcing and Succession Planning team to ensure the best talent is attracted and retained through employer branding initiatives as well as acquisition and assessment programmes.

No day is the same in a Human Resources function, nor is no day the same at the United Nations. People from so many different backgrounds and cultures make this a unique and exciting workplace. I typically advise managers and HR colleagues on the various programmes and solutions we offer with sourcing and succession planning, or am actively engaged in implementing or facilitating on the programmes.

The interaction with people from all over the world with the knowledge of impacting the people that need our help most. And travelling, seeing the world.

Working at headquarters you can be side-tracked from what we do in the field, which is actually what matters most.

Diversity of responsibilities and interaction; dealing with different people and situations every day; level of responsibility and involvement in strategic development and organisation.

Next to a strong understanding of HR procedures it is soft skills and interpersonal qualities that help a lot. My strong knowledge of decision-making processes certainly help.

There is required training all new staff have to complete and a vast learning system with thousands of further learning opportunities

Employer: United Nations Development Programme
Since October 2015: Human Resources Specialist

April 2013-September 2015: Talent Management Analyst

Employer: Munich International School
December 2011-March 2013: Director of Human Resources

January 2010-November 2011: Human Resources Manager

December 2007-December 2009: Assistant to the Director of Admissions

My aim is a meaningful career in the public sector to help those that need our help the most. And I'm convinced of not planning too much.

Follow your heart and mind – and make sure you know what you want to do. Don’t be afraid to be honest about yourself and your passions.

The two biggest words in pursuing a career are “passion” and “opportunity”- so don’t shy away from following your passion and grasping opportunities.

If you are ever in doubt, try using the self-assessment question of “how would I reflect on this in 20/30/40 years”.

When I got the offer from UNDP to work in New York, I loved the idea of one day being able to say “when I worked for the UN…” “when I lived in New York…” “when I moved to New York”

What? Who? Where? Are the three important questions when deciding whether to apply for a job or not.
What will I be doing?
Who will I be working for/with?
Where is the job?

If you are happy with all 3 answers it will be much easier to fully showcase yourself in your application, interview and eventually in the job.