Two recent KDIS alumni, Janeth Flores Quiroz from Bolivia and Angelica Butawan from the Philippines, embarked on a transformative internship with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in South Africa. Both were driven by a desire to contribute to global development while gaining invaluable professional experience in an international setting.

Diverse Backgrounds with a Common Goal

Janeth Flores Quiroz, MPM 2023, has a diverse background spanning education, public management, and international organizations. Her motivation to intern at UNFPA was driven by her desire to work on impactful projects addressing global issues such as inequality, health, education, and development. Reflecting on her motivations, she explains, "I was eager to broaden my horizons and enrich my professional and personal experiences in Africa. Working with UNFPA, an organization dedicated to promoting the well-being of individuals and communities, made this opportunity even more appealing."

Angelica Butawan, MPM 2023, previously worked with a government agency overseeing technical education and vocational training in the Philippines. Her background in internal audit and experience with the ISO 9001 Philippine Quality Framework fueled her interest in gaining international experience. “I was looking for an opportunity to broaden my professional experience in an international organization and contribute to development work on a global level,” she shares.

Roles and Responsibilities at UNFPA

During their internship, both Janeth and Angelica were assigned to the Middle-Income Countries (MIC) Hub at UNFPA’s East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO). They collaborated closely on a flagship project focused on Middle-Income Countries in the region, working under Mr. Baek, the Head of the MIC-Hub. Their roles involved gathering, analyzing, and visualizing critical data related to government expenditure in education, global gender gaps, abortion policies, and contraceptive use across various countries. "We plotted statistical graphs, worked with extensive datasets, and drafted reports on crucial indicators, particularly those related to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)," says Janeth. Angelica adds, “Our work involved creating graphs and narratives to support the development and publication of the agency's flagship report."

Overcoming Challenges and Learning Experiences

Both interns faced unique challenges in their roles. For Janeth, mastering the application of R programming in a real-world context was a significant hurdle. "Using R to analyze large datasets and create meaningful visualizations was initially daunting," she admits. However, with determination, she revisited her course materials from her time at KDIS and sought help from her peers, ultimately creating over 60 graphs for the project. On the other hand, Angelica faced the logistical challenge of moving from Sejong, South Korea, to Johannesburg, South Africa. “Finding temporary residence, getting the visa, and adjusting to a new environment was tough,” she recalls. Moreover, the limited data availability for research posed an unexpected difficulty given the project’s timeline and objectives.

Despite these challenges, Janeth and Angelica highlight memorable internship moments. For Janeth, participating in UNFPA’s block week meetings, where all departments discussed ongoing projects, was particularly inspiring. "These sessions provided a broader perspective on the impact of our work and reinforced my desire to pursue a career in international development," she reflects. Angelica found her participation in the quarterly bloc meeting of the UNFPA-ESARO to be unforgettable, saying, "To be inside that meeting room and learn from colleagues who are experts in their fields was truly unforgettable."

Impact on Career Trajectories and Personal Growth

The internship experience profoundly impacted both Janeth and Angelica, shaping their career goals and personal aspirations. Janeth’s time at UNFPA significantly enhanced her analytical and organizational skills, particularly in data analysis, and deepened her commitment to gender equality and development. "The experience reinforced the idea that effective solutions require not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of the cultural and socio-economic contexts in which they are applied," she says.

Angelica echoes this sentiment, noting that her internship opened new perspectives on global issues and strengthened her commitment to development work. "I am now more passionate about pursuing work related to gender equality, economic development, and using data analysis to inform policy decisions," she shares. Inspired by her colleagues at ESARO, she is now considering careers related to knowledge management or within the UN's Board of Audit.

Advice for Aspiring Students

When asked for advice for current KDIS students aspiring to work with international organizations like the UN, Janeth and Angelica emphasize the importance of developing strong analytical skills. "Prioritize data analysis, visualization, and academic writing," advises Janeth. "These competencies are highly sought after in international organizations." Angelica adds, “KDIS prepared me well for working in a multicultural environment and taught me the discipline needed for such roles."

Both alumni also stress the importance of gaining expertise in cross-cutting issues such as gender equality and global development, and taking full advantage of the diverse courses and extracurricular activities offered at KDIS. "Seek internships or volunteer opportunities in relevant fields early on," suggests Janeth, "as these experiences provide crucial insights and practical skills."

Final Reflections

Reflecting on their journey, both alumni express gratitude for the support and opportunities provided by KDIS. "The combination of rigorous coursework, supportive peers, and practical experiences has been instrumental in shaping my career aspirations," Janeth states. Angelica adds, “I hope many international students can experience this opportunity. It was a challenging yet enriching journey.”

Their experiences at UNFPA have broadened their horizons and solidified their commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world of international development. As they continue to pursue their goals, Janeth and Angelica are well-equipped with the skills, knowledge, and passion needed to drive positive change in their respective fields.