PardeeWorks: Careers in Multilateral Organizations – Alumni Virtual Panel
This article is written by Dean’s Ambassador Elise Choi (BA IR ’26).
On November 7, 2025, Pardee Career Services, through the Pardee Works series, hosted an engaging virtual conversation highlighting career pathways within multilateral organizations and the United Nations system. Moderated by Ambassador (ret.) Vesko Garčević, Professor of the Practice of International Relations and Diplomacy, the event brought together four Boston University alumni who work across a range of global institutions, tackling issues from humanitarian response to sustainable development and gender equality.
The panelists emphasized that multilateral career paths are rarely linear and often shaped by timing, curiosity, and a willingness to pivot. Therefore, they encouraged students to leverage their existing skills, whether in writing, languages, research, or data analysis, while remaining open to new opportunities that may not align perfectly with preconceived plans. Panelists also encouraged the development of transferable competencies through internships, volunteering, and fellowships, as well as remaining flexible regarding geographic placement and job functions, given the global nature of these organizations.
Panelists included Savannah Majarwitz, Coordinator of Program Delivery at the UN Global Compact; Juan Blanco, Innovative Financing Officer at UNHCR; Minji Kim, Knowledge Management and Research Analyst at the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women; and Leeya Nix (Pressburger), Policy Consultant at UNICEF. Each speaker shared their unique professional journey, reflecting on the diverse realities of working in multilateral environments, and offered guidance on building the skills needed to enter the field.
After the moderated discussion, students joined breakout rooms for open networking. This portion of the event provided an invaluable opportunity to connect directly with BU alumni, ask questions about their work, and gain practical insight into internships, fellowship pathways, and early-career roles, equipping them with the knowledge to make informed career decisions.
In breakout discussions, the alumni reinforced that success in the international field depends not only on technical expertise but also on adaptability, confidence, collaboration, and the community one builds along the way.
In total, around 50 students from across the country attended the event, reflecting the strong interest in multilateral careers and the reach of the BU alumni community. The conversation created a supportive environment where students could explore their aspirations, gain clarity on potential career pathways, and build connections with alumni who are actively shaping international cooperation today.
The Pardee Works series, organized by Pardee Career Services, continues to connect students with leaders across diplomacy, security, consulting, development, and policy research. By bridging classroom learning with real-world expertise, these events equip students with the knowledge and networks to pursue impactful global careers.