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How do i find more people that inspire me and push me to get better in what i want to do?

In my university I can't seem to find many people that have the same burining desire or goals like me. I have big goals for my future, i want to work in the international field in organizations like the UN, but right now I feel a bit stuck and don't seem to find people or mentors that elevate me. I don't know who to reach out to or how to change this and I feel like i need to have better surroundings of people that actually make me learn new things, are ambiguous and smart and give me new ideas. I feel like i need support and advice on how to reach my goals and shape my future, but even the professors in my major are very passive and even when asked don't give out any valuable advice.

networking international-relations
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LaTausha’s Answer

Although this is not my field of study, networking is the same across the board. Join student / professional organizations for your Major. Look for summer volunteer opportunities or internships with organizations outside of your university. Be intentional about staying connected with the people you meet and stay engaged. As you meet people be clear with your ambitions so that they keep you in mind when opportunities come up.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help. Janka
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Yes I am aware of this and trying as much as I can, however somehow i feel stuck a bit. Regarding the field of IR or international politics there is not much going on at my university and I just seem to not find the right people. And yes other than that i am trying to find more inspiration for internship opportunities, but I am honestly a bit frustrated these days cause I just can't seem to find something that fits well Janka
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david’s Answer

Hello, Janka,
LaTausha's answer is excellent. Let me build on what she said. Yes, join student organizations where available, but also take the initiative and form your own discussion group, possibly by posting a notice in an area frequented by students. You might also seek internet forums that challenge you and participate actively. Ultimately, this is your responsibility, that of defining and shaping goals. So, even if there is little outside help, continue to read and research your dreams and continually focus on where you want to be. The fact that you posted this question on this forum is proof that you are much farther down that road to your future than you may realize. The person who leads must frequently find that they walk alone, and that is my perception of where you are now. The path forward is likely steep, and others may refrain from the attempt. I encourage you to keep your focus. Thanks for writing. I wish you the very best.
Thank you comment icon Loved reading this, thanks! Janka
Thank you comment icon This was a very lovely comment, it gave me quite a lot of reassurance. Thank you Janka
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Karen’s Answer

Perhaps you can expand your connections by using email contacts. Search worldwide organizations and contact staff with questions and ask for their advice.

With every good wish.
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Laura’s Answer

Love all these answers - and I'll add by saying what I've been telling my kids since they were teenagers, "You are a result of the 5 people you spend the most time with." So, choose carefully who you spend a lot of time with and seek out and actively spend time with people that inspire you and push you to do better.
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Michel’s Answer

Janka, this is a great time because you are open to moving forward and how to go about it. You have already received so many answers but I will throw in my two thoughts on this:
1. If your goals are somewhat related to a field lookup (local) industry trade meetings. I did this in college to start networking and figuring out my options. I also joined an industry trade org that I wasn't taking a class on simply because I was interested in the topic, meeting new connections, and the student membership rate was extremely low.
2. Youtube is a wonderful tool to learn how to get started on anything. I have personally thought I wanted to do something and after watching a few videos for about 4-5 hours I realized I didn't want to move forward and moved on in my life. Not everything is great content so you have to pick and choose, but you can learn enough to get started. Udemy and Khan Academy are low-cost and free tools that offer create courses if you know the subject of what you're interested in or look through their library for inspiration.
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Sonia’s Answer

Just to add to the good advice you've already been given- search for people who are working in this area on LinkedIn l, connect and ask them directly if they would be open for a quick chat. You might not hear back from a lot but the conversations you will have might be very inspiring and open doors. That's how I got started when I found myself in a similar situation.
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Marianna’s Answer

Build your own network. Think outside the box.
Based on your ambitions, what would be the inspiring network? and let's start from there
Don't be shy, ask for support, advice, counselling, volunteer.
In the meantime, try to understand if your current network, despite the fact that they do not share your ambitions, can still be a good network for other areas / topics, this will increase your ability to be inclusive, look at different perspectives, and might find out some blindspots you were not aware of.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Janka
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