Tips to thrive in the United Nations

I have worked in the United Nations (UN) environment for the past 20 years. Working there can be a challenging and rewarding experience. With its diverse workforce and dynamic environment, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and lonely.

However, with the right mindset and approach, it is possible to thrive in a work place like the UN.

Here are some tips on how to succeed at the United Nations

1. Embrace the diversity: The UN is a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds. Embrace the diversity and use it to your advantage. Learn from your colleagues and appreciate their different perspectives.
2. Be flexible: The UN is a fast-paced and ever-changing environment. Be prepared to adapt to new situations and be open to change.
3. Develop a strong work ethic: The UN is a highly competitive environment, and it is important to be dedicated and hardworking to succeed. Set high standards for yourself and strive to meet them.
4. Network: The UN is a vast organization with many different departments and programs. Networking can help you learn about different opportunities and connect with people who can help you advance in your career.
5. Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest news and developments in your field and the UN. This will help you stay informed and be more effective in your work.
6. Be a team player: The UN is a team-oriented environment, and it is essential to work well with others. Be willing to collaborate and support your colleagues.
7. Communicate effectively: Strong communication skills are essential to thrive at the UN. Practice active listening and make sure to clearly convey your thoughts and ideas. Remember that many do not have the same mother tongue as you.
8. Learn the UN system: The UN system is complex, and it can take time to navigate it. Take the time to learn how the UN works and how to navigate the bureaucracy.
9. Develop a global mindset: The UN operates on a global scale, so it is essential to have a global mindset. Be open to different cultures, perspectives and ways of thinking.
10. Develop a good understanding of UN policies and procedures: The UN has a unique set of policies and procedures that are essential to understand. Take the time to learn about them and how they apply to your work.
11. Be willing to take initiative: The UN values initiative and self-motivation. Take the initiative to propose new ideas, projects and to volunteer for new assignments.
12. Be professional: The UN is a professional environment and it is important to maintain a high level of professionalism at all times. Dress professionally, be punctual, and maintain a positive attitude.
13. Be well organized: The UN is a demanding environment, and it is essential to be well organized to manage your workload effectively.
14. Develop a good understanding of the UN’s goals and objectives: The UN has a mandate to promote peace, security and development, it’s important to understand the goals and objectives of the organization.
15. Learn a second language: The UN is a multilingual organization, and it is beneficial to know more than one language. Learning a second language can open up new opportunities and help you communicate more effectively with colleagues from different backgrounds.
16. Take advantage of training and development opportunities: The UN offers a wide range of training and development opportunities. Take advantage of them to enhance your skills and advance your career.
17. Get involved in the UN community: The UN community is a diverse group of people from all over the world. Get involved in the community and make connections with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
18. Be patient: The UN is a large and complex organization, and it can take time to achieve results. Remember that things move at a much slower pace in the UN. Be patient and persistent in your efforts.

In conclusion, working at the United Nations can be a challenging and rewarding experience. The key to success is to embrace the diversity, be flexible, develop a strong work ethic, network, stay informed, be a team player, communicate effectively, learn the UN system, develop a global mindset, have a good understanding of UN policies and procedures, take initiative, be professional, be well organized, understand the UN’s goals and objectives, learn a second language, take advantage of training and development opportunities, get involved in the UN community and be patient. By following these tips, you can thrive in a work place like the United Nations and make a meaningful contribution to the organization’s mission of promoting peace, security and development.