6. The power of not knowing what to do with your career in IR ??
Maria Luísa Moreira
Award-winning founder of The Gender Diplomat ? Foreign affairs analyst ? GLOBSEC fellow ? Into telling stories about global security and inequality ??
Welcome to The Gender Diplomat!
?? Who has ever thought oh no, I have no idea what I'm doing with my life?
From the series "things I wish I'd known earlier", I'm sharing tips for young professionals in the field of IR. I've sometimes struggled with my career path, so I’ve decided to make bits of my mindset and advice public. Remember: the secret to starting your career is simply to do what works for you. Happy reading and reflecting! ??
?? Taking the road less travelled is scary, and that's a good thing
If you feel like you don't know which path to take, this newsletter is for you. Whether it's your IR degree that your parents don't like very much ("because you should have studied law or economics" — boomer alert), or a career option that you feel obliged to follow, we've all felt some kind pressure. Yes, pressure sucks, especially if it involves "letting down" your family, friends or colleagues, but the truth is, there's nothing worse than letting yourself down by falling into the trap of external expectations. In a world that prioritises control and rewards knowing exactly what you want and when you want it, taking the time (i.e. taking your time) and the road less travelled of exploration can be very scary. But from my point of view, not knowing is not equivalent to aimlessness and it doesn't take away personal power. It's an opportunity to be curious, explore strategically and build a solid foundation for a successful and impactful career in IR. How? Read on.
?? Cultivate your openness to exploration
The more you expose yourself to the possibilities, the more doors will open and close. If you don't mind volunteering your time or resources, you can do so in non-profits around the world; if you need a break and seek adventure, apply for a gap year scholarship; if you don't mind not moving up quickly, intern in different places (I like to think of internships as experiences where you get a flavour of what your life could look like); if you like education, consider fellowships, summer schools or exchange programmes in various subfields of IR (security, global health, law). By embracing your exploratory phase, you'll Identify hidden passions, refine your interests, discover unexpected career paths and develop a well-rounded transferable skillset. Fun fact: I only discovered the subfield of equality + peace and international security at the very end of my bachelor’s (needless to say, I took dozens of courses over 3 years until it clicked and I found my passion).
???? Follow someone who is a few steps ahead
Finding a good mentor who will support, sponsor and believe in you is one of the best life hacks ever. A mentor is usually someone who is older and/or more experienced than you in your ideal field of work or expertise. But first, define your needs and goals: what specific areas do you seek guidance in? Is it career advice, developing specific skills, or navigating professional challenges? And what qualities are you looking for in a mentor? Seek someone who aligns with your values, is a good communicator, and has a genuine interest in your growth. You’d be surprised to know not all grown ups will be willing to help out for different reasons, so make sure it’s a solid match before investing too much in the relationship. Identifying your needs helps you identify a mentor with relevant expertise. The benefits of mentorships are endless and have changed my life!
?? Learn to read a room and blend, but don’t blend in
This is one of my favourite survival tips in public spaces and an easy mistake I see many young people making, whether at an event or in the workplace. Learning to read a room means that you are observant and aware of the evolving social dynamic, so you know when to enter or leave a given situation. Blending means that you make a proactive effort to find common ground, to be respectable, professional and approachable. Not blending in implies that you are authentic, that you let your personality and genuine ideas shine through, and that you offer unique perspectives through your knowledge and experience in a way that adds value. Mastering these three soft skills will make you look like an absolute professional, even if you're fresh out of university. Thank me later.
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|| International Consultant Governance and Peace || Corporate engagement in development || Chair NGO Resposta Emergência, Desenvolvimento e Resiliência || Author podcast "Caminhos Globais" || Tedx Funchal speaker
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