Aya Targoni
Aya Targoni, politics and international relations student
In November, I had the opportunity to attend the LSE Discover International Organisations Day (DIOD). It was an event packed with global institutions, passionate speakers, and enough inspiration to make a student, or maybe just me, reconsider their entire career plan over a single afternoon.
As a UoN student interested in international work, I went in excited but unsure of what I would take away. I didn’t expect the day to shape my career path as clearly as it did or push me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible.
Networking (even when you’re shy) really does matter
Previously, “networking” was one of those words careers advisers always mention – important, but slightly intimidating. I’m naturally shy and reserved, so approaching people in crowded rooms isn’t something I enjoy.
But DIOD made networking feel more natural. Speaking directly to representatives from the International Criminal Court (ICC), International Organization for Migration (IOM), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and others helped me understand their work far beyond what I could read online. It wasn’t about selling myself; it was about having honest, human conversations.
And those connections didn’t end when the sessions did. Connecting with speakers on LinkedIn helped me keep up with their projects and insights, which are great talking points for future applications.
For anyone nervous about networking: one genuine conversation can teach you more than hours of research. And yes, I’m basically buddies with one of the ICC’s Public Information Coordinators…
How I prepared – and why it helped
To get the most out of the event, I researched each organisation’s recent work, goals, and strengths.
I already knew about some organisations, but others remained unfamiliar, so researching ahead of time helped me ask better questions and feel more confident approaching them.
During the sessions, I made sure to ask about the issues that really shape their day-to-day work:
- how global tensions affect their roles
- the demands of their jobs
- how COVID shifted their operations
- what helps applicants stand out.
These questions often led to deeper conversations and insights that went far beyond the formal presentations.
Finding clarity about my career path
I’ve always known I wanted to work internationally, particularly in the humanitarian sector, but I wasn’t sure what area I fit into.
Listening to Francisco Centeno from the ICC and speaking to representatives from the IOM changed that. Their work resonated with me, especially given my family’s experiences in Sudan and their involvement in documenting human rights violations.
For the first time, I could clearly picture two career paths: working with refugees and forcibly displaced communities or joining the ICC to support efforts to hold human rights violators accountable.
DIOD didn’t just inform me – it gave direction to ambitions I’d had for years.
What made the event stand out
The structure of DIOD was one of its biggest strengths. With multiple talks running at the same time – and repeated later – I never had to choose between organisations or worry about missing something important. Smaller room sizes meant we could ask questions and engage with the speakers.
The DIOD panel, featuring representatives from the ICC, IOM, IMF and London School of Economics (LSE), was especially inspiring. They discussed global challenges but also the role students and soon-to-be graduates can play in shaping the humanitarian and political landscape ahead. The message was clear: our voices matter.
Final thoughts: Step out, speak up, and share your story
If there’s one thing I learned, it’s that your background, experiences, and even the personal stories you hesitate to mention can be your biggest strengths. They’re often more valuable than you think.
So, to any student considering a career in international organisations: prepare well, ask bold questions, connect with people, and don’t shy away from sharing what makes you unique. DIOD helped me find clarity and confidence – and it might do the same for you.
If you're interested in working in international development, check out our webpage written by our career experts and book an appointment with one of the team.
If networking makes you feel uncomfortable, read Leena's insight: Networking for students who aren't naturally outgoing: Building confidence and connections your way
Posted on Tuesday 20th January 2026