Story of the Week: How I Landed My First Job with the UN: An Unexpected Career Journey

It was a serene Sunday morning in November 2003. As I took a leisurely stroll, little did I know that fate had a comedic twist in store for me. 

As I marveled at the beauty of the surroundings, I couldn't help but notice a sleek UN car moving and parking in front of a Catholic church. I mean, who parks a UN vehicle at a church, right? It was like divine intervention, or maybe just some misplaced celestial GPS. 

"It was like divine intervention, or maybe just some misplaced celestial GPS". 

To my surprise, I recognized the familiar face of the then-Chief Transport Officer of a prominent UN mission. I realized this could be a golden opportunity. However, luck seemed to have conspired against me, for just as I approached his car, he disappeared into the church like a secret agent attending a top-secret mass. Did he have an undercover mission with the Holy See? I had no idea, but I was determined not to let this opportunity slip away. 

So, I took a deep breath, adjusted my metaphorical detective hat, and waited. And waited. And waited. I must admit, I was starting to question my life choices. I mean, what kind of crazy person stands outside a church for that long? But hey, desperate times call for desperate measures, or in this case, seemingly desperate people. 

Finally, like a divine comedy, the church doors swung open, and there he was—the Chief Transport Officer, emerging from the holy sanctuary. I couldn't help but wonder if he had just been blessed with a divine revelation about my job-seeking journey. 

Without wasting a second, I approached him, eager to make my pitch. I was meeting him for the first time, so I introduced myself, showcased my skills, emphasizing that I could type 80 words per minute, was fluent in English, Spanish, and French, and possessed proficiency in Excel, among other things. In less than 5 minutes, I attempted to demonstrate how I could bring value to his team.

The officer listened attentively, his curiosity piqued by my enthusiasm and diverse skill set. I'm pretty sure I left him dizzy with my verbal whirlwind, but hey, I figured he might appreciate my speed-talking talents. 

Days went by, and I began to think that maybe my impromptu one-man show hadn't made the impact I had hoped for. But then one day, the phone rang, and lo and behold, it was the Chief Transport Officer's assistant, inviting me to his office.

Excitement coursed through my veins as I prepared myself for the meeting that could potentially change the course of my life. Walking into his office, I tried to maintain a composed demeanor, but my excitement was bubbling just below the surface. 

The Chief Transport Officer introduced me to his team, who listened intently as he spoke highly of my potential. They nodded as if to say, "Sure, why not? Let's give him a chance!" 

Although there were no immediate vacancies, the Chief Transport Officer believed in my potential and offered me a unique opportunity. He suggested that I start as a car washer, helping maintain the UN's fleet of vehicles. It wasn't the glamorous position I had initially hoped for, but I knew it was a stepping stone towards my dreams. 

Months passed as I scrubbed cars with unparalleled dedication, fueled with determination and a thirst for growth. I seized every chance to learn, absorbing knowledge and gaining insights into the inner workings of a UN mission.

My dedication did not go unnoticed. I mean, who would have thought that washing cars would be my entry point into the UN? I had gone from wannabe diplomat to professional car washer extraordinaire. But destiny had a surprise waiting for me.

One fateful day, my then supervisor called me into his office, his face beaming like a proud parent at a school play. There was a vacant position, and he wanted me to apply for it, which I did. 

A few weeks later, I was invited by a HR Assistant to sign a contract, and at that moment, all the car-washing suds seemed to sparkle with newfound significance. I was finally stepping into the role of a Dispatch Clerk, ready to take on the world of logistics!

And so, I began my journey as a proud member of the UN. Each day brought new challenges, but I faced them head-on, armed with the knowledge that perseverance and seizing opportunities could lead to extraordinary outcomes. 

As I embarked on my UN adventure, navigating the corridors with a clipboard in hand, I couldn't help but add a touch of humor to my new role. It's safe to say that my colleagues found my enthusiasm contagious, or maybe they just appreciated the comic relief amidst the seriousness of it all.

And let's not forget the unforgettable moments of laughter during coffee breaks. As I regaled my coworkers with tales of my car-washing days, speaking English with a French or Indian accent, we'd burst into fits of giggles, envisioning me as the UN's undercover car-washing spy, foiling evil plots with soap suds and a squeegee. Who knew that a car-washing gig could be a secret doorway to the world of international diplomacy?

Looking back, I realize that a chance encounter outside a church was a turning point in my life. It taught me the importance of being in the right place at the right time, but more importantly, it reinforced the value of determination, resilience, and seizing unexpected opportunities. As I reflect on my journey today, I am grateful for that Sunday morning stroll that led me to the UN's doorstep. It taught me that sometimes, the most extraordinary chapters of our lives begin with the simplest of steps. 

Are you ready to take a simple step today and change your career forever? Book a free consultation with me

I can't help but chuckle at the whirlwind journey that led me to where I am today. Sometimes, life's twists and turns are just too comical to ignore. From the UN car parked at a church to the unexpected car-washing gig to where I am today, it's proof that God has a sense of humor.

So, remember, if life throws you an unexpected opportunity, don't question it—embrace the absurdity and go with the flow. Sometimes, the most unconventional paths lead to the most remarkable destinations. 

In the end, it wasn't just about a job with the UN; it was about embracing the whimsical moments that make life worth living. And who knows, maybe today, a car-washer-turned-career-coach like me has inspired you through this article about the misadventures of a UN car parked at a church.

If you have been inspired by this story and need career coaching, book a free consultation with me 

And if you want to share your story, write me an email at info@bridgehr.org