3 answers
Michael
Student
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Question
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What way can my interest in communication and governance help me impact my world through NGOs like the united nations organization, can I be employed there?
Career counseling
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3 answers
Cheryl Reich
Learning and Development
5
Answers
Long Beach, New York
Updated
Cheryl’s Answer
You'll need communication skills for almost anything, so that will definitely help you. Governance will also be key in working in NGOs as you'll have to be compliant with bylaws and keep your work within the parameters of how the organization must operate. I recommend you ask this question of Chat GPT or a similar LLM to get a lot of good ideas. You may also wish to consider getting involved now with a nonprofit as a volunteer to get experience with both the communications or marketing arm of the nonprofit and also its governance committee to get insight into the work and lay claim to some experience.
Thank you so much dear
Michael
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1376
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Michael,
Your interests in communication and governance actually align very well with the kind of work done in global NGOs; you’re looking at a space where policy, people, and messaging intersect. Yes, you can absolutely work with organizations like the United Nations, but it’s important to understand how your interests translate into real roles. In these settings, communication is more than just speaking and writing; it also involves influencing choices, shaping public opinion, and facilitating the implementation of policies. For example, people with your interests often work in areas like:
- Policy and governance (researching, drafting, and supporting public policies)
- Communications and advocacy (campaigns, public messaging, stakeholder engagement)
- Program coordination (managing projects that impact communities)
- Public affairs or diplomacy support roles
To position yourself for this path, you’ll need to build a mix of skills, experience, and exposure. Start by strengthening your communication skills, not just general communication, but structured writing (reports, briefs), public speaking, and the ability to explain complex issues clearly.
Next, build your understanding of governance and global issues. This could be through your coursework, but also by staying informed on topics like development, policy, human rights, or international relations. Experience is key here. Look for opportunities with:
- Local NGOs or community organizations
- Volunteer roles related to advocacy or social impact
- Internships in policy, communications, or development work
You don’t have to start at the UN level. Many professionals begin with smaller organizations and build up over time. Also, be strategic about networking. Connect with people working in NGOs, attend events or webinars, and learn how they entered the field. These insights are often more valuable than job descriptions.
One important thing to understand is that organizations like the UN are competitive, so what helps you stand out is not just interest, but clear experience showing impact, projects you’ve worked on, causes you’ve contributed to, and how you’ve used your communication skills in real settings. A helpful way to think about it is this: don’t aim only for the organization, aim to become someone who can add value to the kind of work they do. If you build your skills, gain relevant experience, and stay consistent, you can absolutely create a pathway into that space.
Best wishes!
Your interests in communication and governance actually align very well with the kind of work done in global NGOs; you’re looking at a space where policy, people, and messaging intersect. Yes, you can absolutely work with organizations like the United Nations, but it’s important to understand how your interests translate into real roles. In these settings, communication is more than just speaking and writing; it also involves influencing choices, shaping public opinion, and facilitating the implementation of policies. For example, people with your interests often work in areas like:
- Policy and governance (researching, drafting, and supporting public policies)
- Communications and advocacy (campaigns, public messaging, stakeholder engagement)
- Program coordination (managing projects that impact communities)
- Public affairs or diplomacy support roles
To position yourself for this path, you’ll need to build a mix of skills, experience, and exposure. Start by strengthening your communication skills, not just general communication, but structured writing (reports, briefs), public speaking, and the ability to explain complex issues clearly.
Next, build your understanding of governance and global issues. This could be through your coursework, but also by staying informed on topics like development, policy, human rights, or international relations. Experience is key here. Look for opportunities with:
- Local NGOs or community organizations
- Volunteer roles related to advocacy or social impact
- Internships in policy, communications, or development work
You don’t have to start at the UN level. Many professionals begin with smaller organizations and build up over time. Also, be strategic about networking. Connect with people working in NGOs, attend events or webinars, and learn how they entered the field. These insights are often more valuable than job descriptions.
One important thing to understand is that organizations like the UN are competitive, so what helps you stand out is not just interest, but clear experience showing impact, projects you’ve worked on, causes you’ve contributed to, and how you’ve used your communication skills in real settings. A helpful way to think about it is this: don’t aim only for the organization, aim to become someone who can add value to the kind of work they do. If you build your skills, gain relevant experience, and stay consistent, you can absolutely create a pathway into that space.
Best wishes!
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Michael
Of course!
Chinyere Okafor
Michele Malejki
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Michele’s Answer
This is a big question. Especially in today’s times.
The good news is that communications is a field that applies to any job - you will absolutely be able to find ways to leverage this background.
The bigger question is whether the United Nations - which is already a highly competitive place to gain employment, while also having large budget cuts in recent years - is the end result.
There are multiple organizations today that have similar mission and purpose, however - be they non-profits/NGOs, b-Corps or other for-profit social impact orgs, etc. All of these could serve a similar purpose for the impact you hope to gain and make through your work!
The good news is that communications is a field that applies to any job - you will absolutely be able to find ways to leverage this background.
The bigger question is whether the United Nations - which is already a highly competitive place to gain employment, while also having large budget cuts in recent years - is the end result.
There are multiple organizations today that have similar mission and purpose, however - be they non-profits/NGOs, b-Corps or other for-profit social impact orgs, etc. All of these could serve a similar purpose for the impact you hope to gain and make through your work!