- Notice the signs early: Stalled applications, a confused story and difficulty deciding are all signals.
- Try free help first: Former colleagues, alumni groups and peers who left a few years ago can help a lot.
- Choose help that understands the UN: If you hire a coach, ask about their experience with UN structures and start with a short first call.
Changing careers can be done alone, but it doesn't have to be. Here's how to know when to get coaching support during your move after the UN, and what executive transition coaching covers.
Signs You Could Use Additional Support
Changing careers after the UN on your own can feel like too much, and sometimes it is. Think about getting more support if:
- You have applied for months and haven't received interview calls.
- You find it hard to translate your UN experience into business or NGO language.
- You have more than one job offer and find it hard to negotiate the full package.
Try Free Help First, Then Consider a Coach
Coaching isn't magic, and you don't need it for every step. Start with free options: former colleagues, AFICS and agency alumni groups, and peers who left a few years ago. If you're still stuck after a few months, a coach who knows UN structures can save you time. I'm an ICF-PCC certified coach with more than 20 years of international experience across UN agencies, healthcare technology and executive advisory work, and I help UN staff turn their experience into careers outside the UN. A coach can help you find clarity, build a clear story and keep moving. A coach can't get you the job.
Book a free 30-minute chemistry call today. We can talk about your post-UN plan and look at how your CV is positioned.