Minjeong Goh

As the year 2023 is drawing to a close, I would like to reflect on my journey from being a maths teacher to working for the United Nations, achieving an MA at the University of Warwick along the way, believing that my story might inspire other young people to fulfil their dreams.

What brought me to the University of Warwick?

I started my career as a professional maths teacher in Korea. I then participated in an overseas volunteer programme and went to Cameroon with the belief that education is the right of everyone and one of the strongest instruments for improving the lives of children.

Although it was challenging for me to live outside of my comfort zone and work with people from a diverse set of backgrounds and cultures, I was able to drive the success of a community-led grant project on improving a safe learning environment and the use of digital technologies in the teaching and learning processes.

Afterwards, with resilience, I advanced my career to a programme coordinator at the Senegal office of the Korea International Cooperation Agency. I provided support in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the volunteer programmes that contribute to the communities’ sustainable economic and social development.

During my four years in the education and international development sectors, I witnessed that education is affected by a range of factors at multiple levels, from conflict, violence, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic to development policy changes.

I wanted to explore education in its broadest sense and its interconnected issues related to global development, but it felt like I was in a fog, not knowing where to start to acquire systematic knowledge and skills to think critically and practically. Pursuing the Global Education and International Development master’s course at the University of Warwick seemed the best option.

Was it worth it? What have I learned?

The year 2020 was still amid the COVID-19 outbreak, and it was not an ideal time to open a new chapter of my life. But, as you know, opportunities are found in times of crisis.

The blended learning approach allowed me to learn at my own speed and develop skills in using new learning digital platforms and tools. The active discussions in online seminars also offered me the benefits of building new connections and feeling greater engagement.

Within such a flexible learning environment, I explored globalisation and international development agenda and its implications for education policy and practice in a variety of contexts. Moreover, I gained knowledge and skills in designing and implementing research, including data collection and analysis.

I knew that getting a degree does not guarantee a job after graduation. Thus, I took a placement module at United Nations Association Coventry Branch with the aim of enhancing my professional skills and employability.

How did I apply academic learning to the practical placement setting?

Social distancing COVID restrictions were still put in place, so it was worrying whether meaningful results could be achieved within a limited time. Unlike what I was concerned about, my supervisor Philip Brown, Secretary of UNA Coventry, shaped the placement in a way to seek mutual benefit.

The possible project ideas to which I could contribute were shared at the first meeting, and a pilot research project on international school twinning was planned to identify the needs of schools and ways to support them. It was indeed an enjoyable process of designing and administering an online survey despite technical and translation challenges while improving teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.

I then analysed the survey results and provided evidence-based recommendations that would be a substantial basis for future work. My contribution was valued by publishing my full report entitled International School Partnerships: Peace and Reconciliation on the UNA Coventry website, as well as a summary report of my project.

What happened next?

The research and analytical skills I developed during the placement provided a solid foundation for my dissertation and future career. I was awarded the degree of MA with distinction and got a research assistant/project officer position at the Korean Educational Development Institute. I designed, delivered and evaluated a data-based educational policymaking training course using focus group discussion and pre- and post-training assessment techniques.

Although I was grateful that specialist knowledge and skills were used to make a rewarding contribution to projects and the organisation, it felt like I was in a fog again, not being able to see the bigger picture of the global development agenda.

So, I took a leap forward, and I have been working as an Information Management Specialist at the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) in the Philippines since June 2023. I provide information management support through UNSDG Data Portal for UN system-wide programming and data-based strategic decision-making. I also co-lead the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Group for joint planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and Results Framework.

Believe in yourself

Looking back on my time at the University of Warwick in 2020 and 2021, life on campus, lectures, the placement and the dissertation all seemed like a mirage. I had no idea where all these would take me, and in what way they would help connect the dots in my career. What I knew was the supportive environment that encouraged me to broaden my perspective and knowledge and learn to step back from myself to identify my strengths and values.

As I have tried to show in this article, I have followed my values, beliefs and heart in my career development journey. It was like driving down an unknown road in the dark, relying on very dim headlights. Thus, along the way, I have struggled with a lack of confidence and self-doubt because of numerous failures. There were also times when I told myself that not trying would have been safer. However, if I could go back in time, I would tell myself, don’t be scared to believe in your abilities.

Tips for applicants

Before ending my story, here are some tips for anyone looking for a job at the UN.

• Firstly, make sure your values and beliefs match the mandates of the UN agencies you are interested in.
• Secondly, review UN staff categories and job network along with job openings in alignment with your experience and skills.
• Thirdly, prepare competency-based interviews.
• Last but not least, believe in yourself and keep trying.

Minjeong Goh minjeonggoh@gmail.com