Global Leaders Alumni- where are they now?

I am a Trainee in the Multilateral Diplomacy Unit at UNITAR. My main responsibilities are managing specific courses such as the masters programmes UNITAR runs in collaboration with universities, the online diploma in multilateral diplomacy, as well as supporting with in person field visits in Geneva… Global Leaders allowed me to understand the importance of recognising other cultures when working internationally. Different regions and countries often have distinct ways of communicating and so it is impotent to develop the skills to communicate across this divide. Additionally, it gave me the confidence to believe that a career in international diplomacy is actually possible for someone like me! My favourite experience would be getting to walk round the Palais des nations (somewhere I now work!) on my trip to Geneva. This was so inspiring as I got to see how many careers there actually are within international governance, and how I could meaningfully contribute to international human diplomacy efforts. A second experience would be at the EAIE conferences in Rotterdam and Toulouse where I have the privilege of working across ‘cultures’ with people from all over the world. This allowed me to develop a communication style which was more inclusive, avoid British mannerisms such as sarcasm which may get lost in translation.  Overall global leaders was an experience that really changed my life and has led me to where I am today, in a position I did not see myself in for at least another few years !

Jamie Sweetman

UNITAR 2023 Global Leaders Experience, EAIE 2023 Global Leaders Experience, student coordinator at EAIE 2024 Global Leaders Experience

Studied: Politics BA, Public Policy MSc

My current job role is Implementation Support Lead for Change Grow Live. I started out with Change Grow Live as a opiate recovery worker, supporting service users build their recovery capital and abstinence from opioid drugs, through OST prescribing and community or in patient detox and rehab. I was then successful in attaining a secondment focusing on the implementation of our new model and the changes associated with that across the whole of Lancashire - so a very different role! I am responsible for overseeing partner and stakeholder management, adhering to our award criteria and supporting staff through structural change. I really enjoyed the Global Leaders programme, and it helped me network with others which has been helpful in my current role. It taught me the value of teamwork and unity, that I have carried with me into both my personal and professional life. I would advise anyone interested in applying to go for it - it is a fantastic learning experience and one of the highlights of my university experience. You only regret what you don't do! 

 

Heather Brown

UNITAR 2023 Global Leaders Experience, EAIE 2023 Global Leaders Experience

Studied: Law

I will be starting as a business analyst at Novaspace. They are a consultancy firm that provides business strategy, policy advisory and technical consulting to the space industry. My role will be supporting clients with user growth and market development for the satellite communication sector within the space industry.  Whilst the content of my job role and the [Global Leaders Experience] are very different, the skills often overlap. The main trait that the programme focuses on, to me, was critical thinking. Being in an often sensitive environment or discussing very prominent socio-political issues with academics/professionals that have lived experience can be a hard situation to navigate. The programme introduces you to these situations very well, creating a very clear and honest environment to have those talks. I feel this is where the value is as one can think critically, ask the difficult questions and get real insight on issues you’re passionate about or have studied. Learning to do so has helped me in interviews, the workplace and in day to day life when communicating with others … Its such a unique opportunity to have access to people in these areas and asking questions will allow you to make the most of the programme. It’s also important that you know why you’re applying to be apart of the programme and what you want out of it. Again, this will prepare you to make the most of the [Global Leaders Experience] and walk away having had a really interesting experience. 

Brendan Van Crout

Taa Marbouta 2024 Global Leaders Experience

Studied: BA International Relations and Affairs

I’ve recently started a new role as Corporate Strategy Lead for RBS International. Prior to this, I’d worked as a Corporate Strategy Manager in the same team, having previously completed two years on the NatWest Group graduate scheme. My role involves working with a range of different business areas... as well as with stakeholders in the Commercial & Institutional franchise of NatWest Group, which RBSI is a part of. Participating in the GLE was a fantastic experience…From a personal standpoint, it was a great chance to meet and learn from a really interesting group of people, many of who I’m still close friends with today. Additionally, it gave me more confidence to pursue future opportunities that I otherwise might not have done - following GLE, I was also able to take part in a European Politics & Business winter school at Audencia University in Brussels, and a Study China summer school in Hangzhou, both with funding support from Exeter. From a professional point of view, GLE helped broaden my perspective on the world and on global business, which has been particularly helpful for my current role in strategy. It also strengthened my ability to adapt to new environments, and work towards a common goal with people from a variety of backgrounds and with lots of different ideas...My only advice would be to go for it - I remember feeling nervous to apply because I didn’t think I would be accepted... and a couple of weeks after sending in my application I was on a plane to Mumbai!  I also found when I was going through the interview process for graduate roles, opportunities like GLE were a great differentiator. If you’re debating whether to get involved, absolutely do it! 

Sam Redford

Mumbai 2018 Global Leaders Experience

Studied: BSc Business Economics

I'm currently a Consultant so on a day to day basis I work with businesses to figure out their pain points and translate these into actionable solutions… I would say that Global Leaders Programme was invaluable to prepare me for the future, it's something that looks great on a CV but also gives you genuine skills that can help you moving forward. For me, I found that the workshops on presentations from experts really helped me think about the way in which I communicate with leadership and C-suite executives. Outside of the skills I learnt, the biggest benefit was the friends that I made, I met some really great people whilst on the trip, some of whom I'm still good friend with to this day. I have loads of great memories from the trip, the lunch on lake Geneva was absolutely stunning, learning about this history of the United Nations was also really enriching and rewarding, however the stand out moment was finding a random Karaoke Bar and belting out some Adele. I would say to those interested in applying that I can't recommend it enough. You get to meet great people, learn about interesting history and culture and develop yourself professionally. For me, I was very much out of my comfort zone, but l've realised that the further outside of my comfort zone I go; the greater the challenge, the more I enjoy it in the end and the more I develop both professionally and a person. 

Joseph Alfieri

UNITAR 2023 Global Leaders Experience

Studied: Politics

As part of my year abroad in France, I am currently a Leadership Advisory intern at Egon Zehnder, a global organisational consulting and leadership advisory firm. We cover the whole range of leadership topics at individual, team and organisation levels. I have a wide range of responsibilities working in the Leadership Advisory team and have assisted in team workshop preparation, the Executive Assessment process (taking reference calls, drafting reports), pitch preparation, internal training events etc.  The Global Leaders Experience highlighted the importance languages and collaboration across countries. Many of the professionals we met spoke multiple languages, enabling them to engage with diverse stakeholders – something which I have experienced in my current role. The programme also gave me a taste of how work can be exciting and intellectually interesting if you approach it with an open mind. I have applied this same logic in my current role and have entered a whole new world of personal development, leadership effectiveness and other fascinating topics.…The Global Leaders Experience is a valuable opportunity to experience something completely different to what you are used to. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is a powerful tool which will open your mind to the endless possibilities out there. 

Valentina Knowlman

The Hague 2024 Global Leaders Experience

Studying: French and Politics in Proficiency in Spanish (Flexible Combined Honours)