Young Professionals Networking

As part of United Nations Associations annual reception, a networking opportunity for young professionals was held at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO). This prestigious event was aimed to give Young Professional Network (YPN) members the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas from peers, find out more about the Network, and gain valuable advice on careers at the United Nations, in the civil service, and in other sectors.

Anwar Choudhury, Director of International Institutions at the FCO opened up the reception with a warm welcome followed by an introduction on the kind of work the FCO does. Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead, the FCO Minister who has just taken over responsibility for the United Nations delivered remarks on behalf of the FCO, encouraging young people like us to take lead positions and push forward issues on the political agendas. She underscored the importance of young people engaging with international affairs, and praised UNA-UK for its “crucial role in helping the FCO to connect with views and thinking on the UN”.

According to the UNA, approximately 300 YPN members participated and I managed to network with at least 15 people, including the Head of UN and Politics, who works for the FCO. It was a great honour to hear praise and how he could see me working for the FCO. I was also pleased to have managed to encourage a few peers to follow after their passions and link their interests to their current work. It was an invigorating event, and as usual I was one of the last people to leave the Locarno Room, filled with inspiration and new achievements.

Networking is one of my greatest strengths and in order to do it successfully, you need confidence, the ability to break the ice with ease and interest in what the recipient is doing. While it looks professional, business cards are extremely handy, and an easy tool in remembering names/professions. I find that people remember you when you give them an insight in your life in which they can take on board or reflect on. Smile, and jump into a cosy group or pick on someone who is looking nervous so you can put them at ease and become friends.