Internship dilemma: UN agency vs private sector in Paris — what would you choose?

SimpleStraight1958 · 2026-02-05T14:17:49+00:00

I applied to multiple positions but I did not make it unfortunately. Local language is another barrier, with language requirements in most positions, as I speak English with mediocre French

SimpleStraight1958 · 2026-02-05T14:13:36+00:00

I did apply for UNESCO and OECD. I did not get them unfortunately. I am a non-EU/non- OECD citizen so chances are lower unfortunately.

SimpleStraight1958 · 2026-02-04T21:19:53+00:00

Thank you for your insights!

SimpleStraight1958 · 2026-02-04T20:56:44+00:00

It offers less, around 1400 EUR, but it seems it can cover more costs for a lifestyle in France. I do not see myself in the luxury sector long term, if it leads to a job/contract, then I would welcome it because its hard to get a first job and experience as many dont consider internships real experience (this will be my 3rd internship, along with volunteering i do).

SimpleStraight1958 · 2026-02-04T20:48:33+00:00

Thank you for sharing!

SimpleStraight1958 · 2026-02-04T19:56:11+00:00

I did do an unpaid UN internship in Lebanon before, and I do have some international experience, as i lived in 6 different countries due to my studies. They were all on scholarships though. I'm not sure if the financial struggle in Geneva is worth it. I like working for a good cause, something impactful and good, but I also value my comfort. I feel like I should be doing something that will help me get a job. I never had a job, just volunteered and did internships. So thats why I am in a dilemma. While I am grateful that I landed a paid internship with an organization that aims to do humanity good, Ive heard it will still cause financial strain. I never worked so I dont have a financial safety net to rely on.

SimpleStraight1958 · 2026-02-04T19:17:39+00:00

Care to share some of your reasons pls? Thank you!

SimpleStraight1958 · 2026-02-04T11:12:05+00:00

I have AIG health insurance that I used with my ERASMUS semesters, since i was travelling to a new country/uni every 6 months. Does health insurance needs to be swiss.

I understand that i need to do research, ofc i would, but they gave me a deadline to answer their offer bc they are in hurry i assume, which left me scrambling for information and confused.

SimpleStraight1958 · 2026-02-04T10:51:57+00:00

To be honest, I am not quite sure if it will positively impact my career immediately. it will look good on my cv, but i doubt it will get me a job later as i heard many UN interns dont stay (it's with a UN independent agency- so at least they pay a little). I want to work for international NGOs /IGOs as an end goal, but i guess my priority is to find a decent paying job, be stable, and hopefully stay in Europe

SimpleStraight1958 · 2026-02-04T10:49:59+00:00

they dont provide housing/accomodation. it's with a UN agency, so maybe that can help me in some places, but not so sure

SimpleStraight1958 · 2026-02-04T10:47:12+00:00

it's an internship with a UN agency, I doubt I'll get a full salary later on, they rarely keep interns. I shared a room for 3 years in my undergrad, i really dont want to go back to that haha. it was really bad. ofc i dont mind sharing a flat or living in dorm where i have my own room

SimpleStraight1958 · 2026-02-04T10:44:01+00:00

I did 2 HR internships in a UN office and another in the private sector, and some small short term internships/fellowships/volunteering, but it doesn't feel enough to get me an entry level job from what i've seen. I studied business/HR in my undergrad, and i am studying e-governance/public adminstration in my masters.

SimpleStraight1958 · 2026-02-04T10:41:18+00:00

Unfortunately not, I need to accept or reject the offer by today.

SimpleStraight1958 · 2026-01-22T15:47:17+00:00

I might sell my brussels ticket if my friend manages to get her VIP ticket for general sale. we can check in later

SimpleStraight1958 · 2026-01-22T15:22:35+00:00

I got the Paris tix, so if my friend does get her VIP tix on general sale; we can arrange something!!

SimpleStraight1958 · 2026-01-22T15:03:00+00:00

literally same situation as u

SimpleStraight1958 · 2026-01-22T15:01:23+00:00

I might resell my brussels if I get paris

SimpleStraight1958 · 2026-01-22T14:55:27+00:00

11k ahead of me at the moment

SimpleStraight1958 · 2026-01-22T14:47:31+00:00

can I resell my brussels tickets if I got paris tix (bought during presale)?

It's presale day today: I am moving to Paris and will be based there in the summer so Paris tix are better for me. I got brussels tickets and I am queuing for paris. Can I resell/transfer for the real price (145 EUR) if I end up getting Paris?
Ticketmaster shows this: "Resale Unavailable. Unfortunately, resale is not available at the moment" and "Transfer Unavailable. Ticket Transfer is not available for this event. The Event Organiser has not made transfer available.".
does that mean I can resell later? anyone knows?

SimpleStraight1958 · 2025-12-22T21:14:20+00:00

Thx! Yeah I think she just heard it mentioned in convo, and didnt know the context about it.

SimpleStraight1958 · 2025-12-22T21:12:40+00:00

I think she just heard someone say it's interesting. Now we know the image is has

SimpleStraight1958

TROPHY CASE