IOMBA Career Services

IOMBA CAREER SERVICES

Students are agiven personalized assistance through periodic one-on-one meetings that take place throughout the 10-month program in order to provide the guidance, tools and resources for students to conduct a thorough search of practicums and other employment opportunities in their chosen sector. Cultivating social networks and developing contacts with international organizations and NGOs further help students. Additionally, career topics are integrated into the IOMBA curriculum and include an overview of the International Organization field, clarification of career direction and effective communication skills. However, the ultimate responsibility for locating an practicum position or a full-time paid position lies with the student.

Key services for students:

•Practicum search assistance

•assistance with job placement opportunities

•CV and cover letter review 

•Interview preparation

 Practicums

The IOMBA Program requires a three month practicum after completion of the academic requirements in June. This practicum accounts for 20% of the final grade, provides an opportunity for students to gain valuable work experience applying their theoretical knowledge, and developing further their professional networks.

Practicums are an invaluable entry into the international organizations system potentially leading to full-time employment. However, the majority of UN practicums are unpaid, competitive and often interns cannot be hired directly into a job upon completion of an practicum. Students should therefore begin to target their preferred practicum early on during the academic program and come prepared to cover the costs of their living expenses during their practicum period. Should a student go straight into a job following the academic program, they can use the first three months on the job to prepare a detailed practicum report that demonstrates the integration of theory into practice.

Alumni Network

The IOMBA Alumni Network’s 250+ members are fast building a presence in international organizations as well as the private sector. The Alumni Network works through web-based, on-line social network facilities, events and information exchanges to introduce the new IOMBA students into the organizations and companies where IOMBA graduates work. The Alumni Network often circulates vacancies ahead of the formal recruitment process, and helps with introductions.

Practicum Locations

A partial list of organizations that have accepted IOMBA students for practicums: