Programme Structure
SESSION 01
SESSION 02
SESSION 03
SESSION 04
SESSION 05
STEP 1: Online Course with numerous exercises (for each section).
Format
STEP 2: 1:1 coaching session, 1 hour per session / 5 hours in total
STEP 3: Homework, actions to take and preparation material for the next session
Materials
Online Course (2-6 hours of preparation prior each session) - background info, examples templates
Training sessions (1-2 pages for each session) - practical exercises to fill in
Interactive sessions - your engagement and focus
!
Career Guidance Online - Course
Career Guidance Course is a comprehensive course aiming to get you from where you are in your career to your long-term goals and aspirations. The course empowers you with tools, frameworks, and numerous exercises to materialize your thoughts into action.
​
Get materials from Career Coaching Programme for a fraction of a price.
Programme Structure
SESSION 01
SESSION 02
SESSION 03
SESSION 04
SESSION 05
Get clarity on your short and long term goals
Identify the gaps between the skills you have now and your dream job
Strengthen your tools and integrate networking into your daily life
Improve and target your CV and motivation letters
Prepare an action plan for the near-future
STEP 1: Online Course with numerous exercises (for each section).
Format
STEP 2: 1:1 coaching session, 1 hour per session / 5 hours in total
STEP 3: Homework, actions to take and preparation material for the next session
Materials
Online Course (2-6 hours of preparation prior each session) - background info, examples templates
Training sessions (1-2 pages for each session) - practical exercises to fill in
Interactive sessions - your engagement and focus
!
Career Guidance Online - Course
Career Guidance Course is a comprehensive course aiming to get you from where you are in your career to your long-term goals and aspirations. The course empowers you with tools, frameworks, and numerous exercises to materialize your thoughts into action.
​
Get materials from Career Coaching Programme for a fraction of a price.
Sessions breakdown
Your Goals
Session 01
I loved the visualisation exercise! It was a perfect introduction to the sessions (almost like an ice-breaker) and it is a creative way to make you think about the future without being overwhelmed. It also adds a diverse touch to the session, making them more interactive.
DESCRIPTION
Get clarity on your short-term, mid-term and long-term goals!
Through visualisation, worksheet exercises and individual work, we explore your immediate - and far-away work objectives.
VIDEOS
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Introduction to Session 1
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Visualisation exercise
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Worksheet Materials - Exercise 1 explanation
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Worksheet Materials: Exercise 2 explanation
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DOCUMENTS
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List of IOs and NGOs
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Finding jobs
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Worksheet - Your Career Goals
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Template - Dream jobs
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Homework
Your Skills
Session 02
I really enjoyed when Wiola spoke about how to "sell your skills". The structure of the session was intuitive and smooth. The exercises flowed well and helped support the final goal: identifying the priority list for skills development.
DESCRIPTION
What does MEAN to have your dream job and what does it take to perform well in your dream job?
We explore these questions by looking at concrete examples. We create a skills development strategy and a practical skills development plan.
VIDEOS
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Introduction to Session 2
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Why are skills important?
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Worksheet materials Exercise 1
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Worksheet materials Exercise 2
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Worksheet materials Exercise 3
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Worksheet materials Exercise 4
DOCUMENTS
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List of skills for IOs/NGOs
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Core competencies in IOs/NGOs
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Skills development plan
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Worksheet - Your Skills
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Homework
Your
Network
Session 03
Wiola is an expert in networking. She structured the benefits of how to go about it, shared insightful personal stories of how networking helped her in her career and prepared great templates (as always) to work with.
DESCRIPTION
Why is networking important? What is your networking style?
We discuss the step-by-step process of building relationships in line with your character and preferences.
VIDEOS
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Welcome to session 3: Your Network
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What is networking
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Networking in practise - How I got my job at the OECD?
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Why is networking important?
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Worksheet materials Exercise 1
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How to network?
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Worksheet materials Exercise 2
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Building your reputation
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Worksheet materials Exercise 3
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Worksheet materials Exercise 4,5,6 & 7
DOCUMENTS
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How to network?
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Your presentation and reputation
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Worksheet - Networking
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Template - Tracking your network
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Homework
Your
Presentation
Session 04
materials and explanations offered something new even if the topic of the session is one of the most talked about in career-related pages. (...) there is a methodology behind the CV and cover letter writing process, which can be followed as many times as needed after the session.
The value of the session comes mainly from the fact that the
DESCRIPTION
You have probably seen a thousand of tips on how to write your CV and motivation letter. In the session, I give you an IO recruiter’s perspective on what is relevant. I share excerpts of my own CV and motivation letters. I guide you on how to organise your job applications in the most efficient manner.
VIDEOS
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Understanding the job application process
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Strategising your CV
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Strategising your motivation letter
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Worksheet - Your job application
DOCUMENTS
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Understanding the job application process
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Strategising your CV
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Strategising your motivation letter
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Worksheet - Your job application
Your
Strategy
Session 05
“theoretical” level (how the recruitment process works) and at the personal level (anecdotes from people you know that exemplify the discussed dynamics); and (2) being able to choose the topic to cover during the last part of the session made it even more interesting and participatory.
(...) the session was very rich in insights, both at a
DESCRIPTION
In session 5 all truths about the job market in IOs/NGOs are revealed - I don’t hold back in preparing you for what’s coming! We go through the realities of your first steps in IOs/NGOs. I share some extra tips on where to find jobs, and finally, I share the different steps of the recruitment process (and what skills each of them analyses!).
Last 30 minutes of the session focus on the topic of YOUR choice. Previously, IO Ready community members explored the following topics:
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Opportunities at the EU
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Presentation Skills
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Improving your confidence
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First 3 months at an organisation
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Entry points for jobs connecting international development and international security
VIDEOS
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Introduction to Session 4: Your job application
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Finding jobs and your job application
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Understanding the job application process
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Worksheet materials Exercise 1
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The importance of networking before your application
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Your recruitment portal
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Worksheet Materials Exercise 2
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Strategising your CV
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Worksheet Materials Exercise 3
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Strategising your motivation letter
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Worksheet Materials Exercise 4
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Applying before the deadline
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​13.Worksheet Materials Exercise 5 - 13
DOCUMENTS
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Characteristics of the job market
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Supporting material: Finding Jobs
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Recruitment Process
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Supporing material: Worsheet 1
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Supporting document: Strategising your recruitment portal
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Supporting document: Worksheet Materials 2
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Supporting document: Strategising your CV
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Supporting document: Worksheet Materials 3
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Supporting document: Strategising your motivation letter
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Supporting document: Worksheet Materials
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Supporting document: Job Search Excel sheet
Bonus(es)!
Advice on any questions asked
Personalised
job boards
Access to IO Ready Community exclusive events
How did I do it?
Yes, I worked extremely hard for it and yes, I got extremely lucky. But, there was something else that ensured my success - I had a strategy
I put a lot of time and effort into gaining the knowledge and skills about what works and what does not work when getting a job in international organisations. I had a multi-year plan on how to develop my profile and fit into what international organisations are looking for. I spent years figuring out how to network effectively and build lasting relationships with people in my field.
Hello Wioleta,
We appreciate the time you took to interview with MINUSCA for the UN Volunteer Assignment, Poltitical Affairs Officer. We are pleased to inform you that the host entity has recommended you for the assignment.
Sincerely,
Dear Wioleta,
​
On behalf of the Crises & Fragility Team and subject to consultation with your referee, I am pleased to advise you that we intend to make you a formal offer to join our team as a Junior Policy Analyst.
​
Kind regards,
Why do I want to share my tips & tricks with you?
I believe that everyone has the right and possibility of chasing their dreams - no matter where they come from. Most colleagues from IOs are extremely passionate about what they do and they feel a deep sense of mission when they work.
I want YOU to have a chance to know how it feels too!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why does the Programme have 5 sessions? Could I do only chosen sessions?The Early Career Coaching includes 5 sessions (your career goals, skills, networking, job applications, strategy) and the Programme is designed in a way that every session is a ‘building block’ for the next one. In each session, I combine sharing my knowledge and examples from my own experiences from working at the EU, UN and the OECD and give you exercises to reflect/practice the skills that we have discussed in a session. The aim of the Programme is to train you to strategise for your career in international organisations/NGOs and is designed to provide you a holistic approach to your career development. Doing chosen sessions is not an option.
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How long does the Programme last? How long is each session?You can choose how intense you would like the Programme to be. For example, you could choose to have the sessions 2x week, or spread it over time and have it 1x/week or two. Each session lasts between 2 -2.5 hours, and each aims at really challenging your thinking and building up foundational skills.
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What's the expected level of engagement? How long will it take me to prepare for each session?If you decide to take the programme, I would expect your full dedication and commitment to the sessions: homework, pre-session materials (around 3-5 hours per session), full focus during the sessions. It will feel like a bootcamp!!! But I promise, after we are done, you will see the transformation in what you know and how you feel about your dream career in IOs/NGOs.
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I am REALLY interested in the Programme, but I cannot afford to pay in one go. Could I pay in installments?Yes! When I was a working (and a very poor!!!) student, one thing that I would always prioritise was reinvesting into my education and skills development, no matter how little cash I had. I COMPLETELY understand your position as a student or young graduate, and I’m happy to adjust to your needs. We can arrange for 2-3 payments or spread out the sessions in a way that would allow you to use up a couple of your salaries/allowances.
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How are sessions personalised?Before the start of the sessions, Wiola will ask you questions about your current situation and career goals. She will forward a Pre-Course Questionnaire to get to know you even better. Based on your answers, each session is personalised to your needs and goals.