Laura graduated in 2015 with minors in Spanish and Finance.
After graduating, she worked in an NGO before pursuing a Master’s degree in International Development at a grad school in Spain. Laura currently works in grants at the Center on International Cooperation related to the United Nations.
Laura’s Current Role
I work for a research center funded by the UN and based at NYU. We focus on researching and promoting SDG 16: promoting peaceful and inclusive societies. I connect our work with funders and other stakeholders. Sometimes, funders solicit proposals, and we identify projects that align with their goals. Other times, it’s relationship-based, as we’re closely connected to the UN.
Laura on Industry Trends
International relations and development are growing as global issues become more interconnected. Human rights are increasingly prioritized, and people care more. Globalization is happening, and there’s potential to create better solutions by blending cultural perspectives. Keeping an open mind is key—new approaches are needed.
Laura’s Journey
I went to Ecuador (for Study Abroad), and that experience made me realize that maybe I wanted to pursue economic development rather than the typical finance path. I fell in love with Latin America, learned Spanish, and wanted to learn more about the Global South. I went on to live in Peru for a year. When I returned, I knew I wanted to focus more on economic development. After graduating, I did an internship with the Women’s Entrepreneurship Organization, worked with the UN, and other nonprofits in New York. Then, I went to get my master’s in Spain in International Development. Pairing International Business with International Development was a great fit, and I was totally set. Now, I work in a UN-adjacent field, managing research grants for projects like peace-making strategies in the Congo.
Laura on Cultural Differences
I was recently working in Guatemala, and everything was so relaxed. People took long lunches and focused on building relationships rather than sticking to strict project timelines. It can be frustrating when you’re trying to get things done, but it’s cool to experience. That’s what gets us into International Business in the first place—we’re curious and want to understand different perspectives.
Laura on Working with Different Cultures
I work with Germany a lot, and they’re very detail-oriented, so I make sure the budgets are precise. Communicating across time zones is another skill—you need patience. For example, in Europe, people take long vacations in August, so I’m often emailing them only to receive replies in September. Working across cultures means adapting to their norms and schedules.
Laura’s Advice
For IB Students: Don’t fixate on an exact role post-graduation. IB students are naturally curious and open-minded, so embrace that. There’s a whole world out there; follow your curiosity and let it lead you to where you belong. The IB program attracts diverse, open-minded people, which is a great quality.
For Students Interested in the UN: The UN is tough to get into, but there are adjacent paths. Foundations like Rockefeller and philanthropic arms of major corporations work closely with the UN. Direct entry is difficult without connections, so starting in related organizations can provide meaningful experiences in international development.