Erica, Program Manager, Konrad Adenauer Foundation, New-York

As a Program Manager I oversee the planning and implementation of multistakeholder dialogue programs and events bringing together the diplomatic and expert communities in New York. As the KAS New York Office plays a role to connect German policymakers with international policy topics, I design dialogue programs with distinguished members of German government and high ranking representatives of the United Nations and civil society in New York to promote multilateralism. 

I oversee a mixed portfolio of projects including on the private sector’s role in achieving the 2030 Agenda among others. 

I work in a small team of five people. The role is highly dynamic day to day, and my day is typically a mix of in person meetings, administrative and planning tasks, research on varied topics, drafting communications and engaging with partners, writing short reports and analyses on multilateralism, and handling logistics for events. 

The role requires a great deal of flexibility, attention to detail, and interpersonal and communication skills 

Prior to getting this job I made use of my network from past internships and job experiences. This included reviewing old business cards I had gathered and looking through my personal files to see who I had interacted with and the people that made a big impression on me. I was particularly inspired by those I had met through my internship with the UN Department of Peace Operations (DDR Section) in New York during my 3rd semester, as I was exposed to great networking opportunities and had many inspiring interactions with UN and NGO actors alike. I had made a previous connection with the head of the organization, which is how I was aware of KAS New York and why I decided to apply. Besides this, I followed a standard application and interview process. 

The best part of my job is the variation in topics that I get to work on. This includes being able to research topics from international financial architecture reform to peacebuilding and having great agency and responsibility in terms of proposing topics for discussions and implementing events at KAS New York. It is also interesting to be connected on a daily basis with a wide range of stakeholders from Permanent Missions to the United Nations and members of think tanks. Prior to this role I was focused primarily on the issue of arms control and conflict prevention, so I enjoy the wider scope to my current role which allows me to gain new competencies and expand my networks 

During my PSIA experience I did a 3rd semester internship at the United Nations Department of Peace Operations, Disarmament Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Section in New York for 3 months. The experience allowed me to learn about the UN system and helped me to later secure a position with the United Nations Institude for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) in Geneva. 

In addition, the coursework at PSIA was highly formative and rigorous. I took courses with professors who were not just involved in academia, but who also were practitioners and held experience at international organizations, in government, and think thanks. This experience not only contributed to the richness of the learning experience, but also gave me an opportunity to understand the professional settings which I could later work in. 

My most memorable courses including one with the former United Nations High Representative of Disarmament Affairs and another on peacebuilding and peacekeeping with a former UN peacekeeper. These courses helped me to understand current debates on international security from a practical perspective. 

I would advise current students to make the most of their opportunities at Sciences Po in terms of building their networks, speaking with professors, and learning from other international students and the alumni network. Students should also not be afraid to make big changes or take risks earlier on in their career for something they are passionate about.