That FTP internship at UNESCO helped shape my international career
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That FTP internship at UNESCO helped shape my international career
An internship at an international organisation can really boost your career, something Marian Blondeel experienced first-hand. Thanks to a Flanders Trainee Programme grant, she undertook an internship at UNESCO in Paris in 2002, after studying Translation and International Politics at the University of Antwerp.
This first international work experience became the common thread throughout her career, which later took her to the European Commission, Vietnam and, ultimately, the United Nations.
Today, she is a Communications Specialist for the United Nations in the Benelux, working closely together with the European institutions.
How did you come to join the FTP programme?
“After finishing my studies, I was looking for opportunities to work in an international organisation. I think I came across the FTP programme through my university or through information from my course. I can’t remember exactly how, but I do remember being absolutely thrilled when I was given the opportunity to go to UNESCO in Paris. It wasn’t just the job, but the location too that really appealed to me!”
What exactly did your internship at UNESCO involve?
“I worked in UNESCO’s Youth Unit. My tasks were very varied and aligned perfectly with my studies. I co-drafted speeches, translated press releases, contributed to surveys for young people and supported events and projects. I was also responsible for the administrative coordination. It was an ideal mix of substantive and organisational work.”
How did you find the support from the FTP?
“Very positive. What has really stuck with me is that the grant made it possible to do an internship in an expensive city like Paris. Without that financial support, I would never have been able to do it. The grant let me focus fully on my work without constantly worrying about the cost of living. That support really gave me the freedom to get the most out of that experience. What’s more, the grant is more than just financial support. It makes international work experience accessible to young people who might otherwise not get the same opportunities.”
The FTP gave me the freedom, independence and opportunity to pursue my dreams. I’m still grateful to Flanders for that.
Marian Blondeel
What made that time in Paris so special?
“The international working environment made a big impression on me. For me, UNESCO was a dream come true. I worked alongside colleagues from different countries and cultures. It broadened my view of the world. You not only get to know other cultures, but you also learn to see yourself in a different light. At the same time, I met people there who I still count among my best friends today. We were a close-knit group of Flemish and international interns. Together, we explored the city and visited exhibitions and cultural events, and we got to know Paris just as the locals do.”
“Something else I’ll never forget is the view from the UNESCO headquarters. From our office, we looked out over Paris and the École militaire. The view of the training ground where the mounted soldiers practised was particularly impressive.”
Did you also come into contact with the Delegation of Flanders in Paris during your internship?
“Yes. We were invited to the Flanders House in Paris and took part in several receptions and networking events. It was a very open environment where interns from Flanders were warmly welcomed. It gave me the feeling that Flanders really supports its interns, even abroad.”
What impact did the internship have on your further career?
“The internship was undoubtedly a springboard. Thanks to my experience at UNESCO, I later took up a post with the Permanent Representation of Belgium to the OECD. I then completed a traineeship at the European Commission. I am convinced that my UNESCO experience played a key role in this. Later on, I also worked in Vietnam through the UN Volunteers programme. Once again, the initial experience at UNESCO proved to be an asset. Employers notice that you already understand how international organisations operate and that you have experience working together in a multicultural environment. In fact, I’ve ended up back at the United Nations roughly every ten years. So that first internship has helped shape the course of my entire career.”
What have you learnt from working in an international environment?
“International organisations constantly hold up a mirror to you. You work alongside people from different cultures and, as a result, learn to view your own culture differently. You realise that your way of thinking isn’t the only view. I also think that Belgians often thrive in international organisations. We’ve grown up in a country of compromise and have learnt to take different views into account. That skill is particularly handy in an international context.”
Nowadays, you are mentoring young people yourself. Do you recognise yourself in them?
“Absolutely. I often give presentations to young people about career opportunities within the United Nations. Every time, I see a bit of myself in them. My advice is always the same: never give up, keep learning and keep challenging yourself. You can do that through training, work experience or volunteer work. There’s always a bit of luck involved too. Sometimes you’re the perfect candidate, but, in the end, they choose someone else. That’s just part of it. The most important thing is that you keep trying.”
