Zainab Damola Aderinale - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Internship
In Her Opportunity Story, Zainab shares her experiences and insights as an intern at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Applications for the UNFPA Global Internship Program are open until December 31, 2023. Apply here.
Zainab Damola Aderinale
Zainab is a final-year student at the University of Lagos, pursuing a degree in Employment Relations and Human Resource Management. She is an Associate Accounting Technician and a qualified accountant.
In 2021, she earned recognition as a student achiever in the Faculty of Management Science, UNILAG. Her outstanding achievements led to her nomination to represent the University of Lagos in the prestigious Erasmus+ student exchange program at the University of Economics in Varna, Europe, in 2023.
Zainab has accumulated valuable experience in Finance, Consulting, and Human Resource Management through internships and volunteering activities. During her undergraduate years, she served as a Finance and Strategy Intern at Fritova. Currently, she is interning at the United Nations Population Fund within the people strategy division, while also holding the position of an Analyst at The Investment Society, UNILAG.
Her true passion lies in making a meaningful impact through talent acquisition, strategy consulting, and data analysis. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Zainab enjoys volunteering and spending quality time with her family. She eagerly looks forward to exploring the beauty of the world when the opportunity arises.
Before the Internship
Before applying, what steps did you take to research and prepare for the UNFPA internship application process?
Before I applied for the internship, I had always been someone who looked out for new opportunities to improve my skills and abilities as an undergraduate. I remember vividly that I was actively looking for opportunities to get myself engaged for the summer because I was in Bulgaria for a few months and would be coming back to Nigeria in July. I told most of my friends and people within my network to inform me of opportunities I could apply for, making my interest known.
I got to see the UNFPA internship on a LinkedIn post my friend shared with me and I decided to give it a shot after doing my research. Prior to the opportunity, I was doing a course that required me to submit a real CV and cover letter for a job I was interested in and I decided to use the UNFPA internship as the job I will be applying to after the review of the CV and cover letter. This made me get a professional review of my CV from the lecturer as well as my coursemate.
In summary, the major thing that prepared me for the opportunity was the ability to continuously develop myself and not feel like an opportunity was too big for me.
Can you share some insights into the application and interview process and any specific strategies or resources you found helpful in securing the internship?
For the application process, I initially submitted a CV, cover letter, and a 2.5-minute video introducing myself. The video was to explain why I wanted to join the people strategy division at UNFPA, and how I can contribute to the division with my skills and ability.
One strategy I adopted during my application process that I can say stood out for me was reaching out to a previous intern who is now a staff member at UNFPA on LinkedIn. I was so lucky that she volunteered to have a 30-minute call with me where she reviewed my CV and cover letter and also advised me on how I can be creative with my video.
After my application submission, I was invited for an interview/ assessment. The interview had two components: a presentation on a question that was sent a few days before the interview - something like a technical assessment, and a behavioral interview.
During my presentation, I showed my level of research by making references to the things I saw on the UNFPA website, social media pages, and the job description that related to the division I was applying for.
Were there any particular skills or knowledge areas you focused on developing before starting the internship to make yourself a stronger candidate?
I don’t think there are any skills or knowledge I had to develop majorly because of the internship. As an undergraduate, I don’t limit myself to the knowledge and skills I need to get ready for work. Major skills were skills I already had even before my application.
I will always advise that as an undergraduate, ensure to acquire basic knowledge of the use of computers. It will go a long way in your career adventures.
During the Internship
What are the most memorable or challenging aspects of your day-to-day work during the internship, and how do they contribute to your overall learning experience?
One of my challenges so far is learning the use of a new application that is key to our day-to-day activities and communicating with a large number of people from different countries and cultures virtually. This aspect of my work has helped me to challenge myself to do more, seek help when deemed fit, and also improve my communication skills.
Do you have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues or teams from diverse backgrounds, and if so, how does this diversity enhance your understanding of international development and people strategy?
This is one of the most challenging and interesting parts of my work. I work with a team that coordinates a whole region which includes about 16 countries, and also collaborate with staffs of other regions working within the people strategy division. I guess you can imagine the level of diversity that I experience. It has made me understand the diverse and universal ways of professional communication.
Are there any specific training programs, workshops, or resources provided during the internship that you find particularly beneficial for your professional growth?
As a staff or intern within the United Nations, one is required to take some basic courses on work ethics and securities which I will say is a major part of one’s career within the United Nations system and beyond.
Many aspiring young professionals may be curious about the transition from Nigerian schools to an international internship. How did your educational experiences in Nigeria prepare you for the challenges and opportunities you encountered during your internship?
Personally, I have always been a resilient student. Taking professional courses and joining extra-curricular activities alongside major school activities has really helped me to develop myself over the years. Due to fewer opportunities available to Nigerian and African students, it is important that as an undergraduate, you don’t limit yourself to classroom activities. Spread your wings and explore!
Finally, there is nothing like school or education is a scam. It will all make sense in the end. The ability to not see education or school as just a place to visit but an experience that could shape your life and career can never be underestimated.
After the Internship
Reflecting on your experience so far, how has the internship influenced your career trajectory and personal goals?
It has been a life changer for me, taking into consideration that I just finished an Erasmus+ student exchange program before I started the internship. I must say I am proud of how far I have gone just by being determined and putting in effort. It has also given me more practical insight into the Human Resources (HR) work.
What advice would you offer future applicants to the UNFPA internship, on standing out and being successful at the application stage and during the internship itself?
Never underrate your ability, you don’t need to be 100% qualified to apply for a role.
Reach out to people and ask for assistance.
Don’t be shy to ask questions and communicate your needs and interests.
Do as much research as you can.
Every experience is an experience including volunteering.
Resources Used
What resources or materials, such as books, online courses, or mentors, have played a significant role in shaping your growth before, and during the internship?
Youtube – let it be your go-to friend you can literally learn anything there.
Google – I know everyone is aware of this but I still feel it is underutilized.
Group of Friends – These are mostly your first contact after family. Be intentional about the group of friends you have. They are instrumental to your growth.
Read personal development books, if you can. I am not an avid reader but I try to explore some based on recommendation.
Further Insights
I will just like to share some personal belief that has worked for me and I think might be helpful to others.
Every experience is an experience. What really matters is how you are able to present it or tell your story.
Just start! Sometimes, overthinking won’t help.
Try the opportunities around you. Those local opportunities might pave the way for your international opportunities.
Comparing your growth with that of others is draining. Evaluate your own progress instead.
Her Opportunity Story spotlights Nigerian women who have landed transformative opportunities and provides detailed insights for other Nigerian women who would be applying for those opportunities.
Previous Edition of Her Opportunity Story: Read Monsurah Alli-Oluwafuyi’s journey to becoming a finalist at the 2023 Aurora Tech Award here. Applications are currently open till December 1, 2023!
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