Will I be allowed to work for an international organization?

Question

I want to work for an international organization like maybe the UN, WHO or an NGO somewhere..I am so interested in working with different cultures. I have two problems..

I have a criminal record from when I was 21, for stealing.. Will no international organization ever take me because of it?

And could someone advise me as to what degree to take to work towards fulfilling my dream..?

I know I probably have a lot going against me, but my dad who died recently told me i should NEVER place limitations on myself so I wanted to give it a go at least..

.

Please advise me on both counts...Please be brutally honest, I can take it..

Answer 1

You need to study international law and diplomacy or law,as well as one foreign language.Yoy can set up a small communoty helping task force and get noticed in your country and community,i think your country may nominate you.Join an anti hiv?aids club,or red cross or something,just do stuff to give yourself the necesary exposure for the job.

Nelson Mandela was in prison for 25years and is the world's most celebrated human rights activists!

Answer 2

I work for an international organization and we do ask applicants if they have ever been convicted of a crime. We also do background checks. These are standard procedures. And, considering that there are many people who are interested in working for international organizations, I would assume that they would always prefer someone who has no criminal records.

In terms of what degree to take, it really depends on the kind of issues that the NGO focuses on (e.g., women's rights, children's rights, biodiversity, HIV-AIDS, etc.). In my experience working in different NGOs, most staff I've met are graduates of social sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science). There are also some who are lawyers, doctors, and graduates of social work, community development, journalism, etc.. What's important in applying for work in NGOs is your competencies - research, organizing, training, writing, etc. Some posts, however, require specific specializations according to issues (e.g., child protection, emergencies work)

Answer 3

criminal record for stealing.  Apply to the UN. I don't think it matters to them.

Answer 4

Honestly....maybe.  Was it a felony or a misdemeanor?  That will change your situation a lot.  If it was a misdemeanor, you should be ok.  If it was a felony, you are bang in trouble.  How long ago was it?  Typically, the UN and other organizations do background checks up to 7 years, if it has been that long or longer, it may not even show up.  If it has been, try to see if you can have your record expunged.  If it was your first conviction and you have been clean since, you may get some help there, but its gonna cost you an attorney ($$$).  Or, you could possibly see if they could revisit your case and bump it down to a misdemeanor.  

Also, it depends on what organization you are going for.  Typically, the more established NGOs will be harder to get into, so that includes stuff like the UN, WHO, etc.  If you want to try, I suggest getting at minimum a B.A., but if you want any kind of good job, you will at least need a Master's in something relative, try political science, international studies, history, anthropology, any social science, psychology, sociology, foreign language, possibly even business.  You dont necessarily need a law degree or a PHD, but those will certainly help.  You are also going to need an internship somehow, preferably abroad.  This will be tough and more than likely unpaid.  After this, you may stand a chance.  But NGOs are a hard line to get into because so many people want to work for them and they have often minimal resources to pay people.  I hate to place a limitation on you, but unless you can get all of this straightened out, you dont stand much of a chance, here or anywhere else.  And FYI, Nelson Mandela was famous before he was arrested, it doesnt work the other way around.

Answer 5

U KNOW WHAT IM IN THAT SAME BOAT AS YOU.I WAS ARESTED 4 FRAUD WHEN I WAS STILL IN COLLEGE.NOW I CANT SEEM TO FIND A JOB,I GOT THE QUALIFICATIONS BT IM STILL SITTING AT HOME.IT`S A HARD KNOCK LIFE!ME ND MY FRENS DONE THAT 4 FUN BUT BECUZ I WAS DA 1 THAT SWIPED THE CARD,THEY ONLY TOOK ME.SO I SAY TOUGH LUCK!!!

Answer 6

Yes, they can't discriminate especially being an international corporation