INTERNSHIPS

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© UNIS/Nikoleta Haffar

What does it take to be an intern with the UN Information Service in Vienna?

Students of international relations, journalism, public relations and communications or similar fields may be interested in joining the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna as an intern. What are we looking for: an interest in the work of the United Nations, as well as in how to help the UN spread its messages to the countries we serve: Austria, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia. Good written and spoken English is a prerequisite, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations and a knowledge of German, Hungarian, Slovak or Slovene is desirable. 

Current and former interns at the UN Information Service have told us about their internship experience:

As an intern in the News and Media Unit, my day always starts with monitoring the news. Every day, I browse through articles on domestic and foreign policy developments and summarize and translate texts from German into English – a great way to keep up to date with what’s happening around the world and in Austria. Whether I contribute to social media posts and campaigns, follow press conferences or help organize events here at the Vienna International Centre depends on what needs to be done at the moment. Due to the fast-paced news, my days always unfold in different ways. My absolute highlight during my internship was when I got to attend press conferences of the Austrian Government with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.”  

-- Clemens Schreiber, Intern in the News and Media liaison unit in 2022  

 

My internship at the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna has been one of the most fruitful experiences of my life. I had to be constantly up-to-date with local, regional, and global events and their impact on the UN as well as understand what the UN does. My work with the Outreach unit was about trying to bring the activities and vision of the UN closer to its stakeholders, that is, the people.One day you might need to show what the UN is doing to bring humanitarian relief to the people in Ukraine or other war-torn communities, the next you might be involved in organizing a documentary screening or creating a presentation and writing a speech for your colleagues. 

-- Akos Baumgartner, Intern in the Outreach unit in 2022 

 

"As an outreach intern, you never know what to expect. The work is varied and keeps you on your toes -- just the way I like it! I get to organize events, give presentations, write articles for the website, and generally help out wherever I can. Some highlights have been conducting an interview with a filmmaker for UN Radio, and developing a workshop for schoolchildren on UN70. Working in outreach gives you a sense of how the UN makes a difference in everyday life, by taking you out into the city of Vienna; to universities, cinemas, and even theatres. There's never a boring day!" 

-- Melanie Lyn, Intern in the UNIS Outreach unit in 2015 

 

"As an intern for the news and media section of the United Nations Information Service, I am gaining deep insights into what is happening around the world and how the United Nations works together with journalists. My main task consists of reviewing the most important Austrian newspapers and magazines and compiling a daily press review for colleagues around the world. Besides that, I also draft press releases and assist with translations." 

-- Vanessa Moser, Intern in the UNIS News and Media unit in 2015 

 

"Within a week, I went from being a visitor at the UN myself to welcoming them there almost daily. Besides personally meeting groups from all over the world and walks of life, my internship in the Visitors' Service has also included helping out with the tours and lectures programme behind the scenes. Planning the visits, liaising with tour guides, lecturers and guests, writing articles for our website and compiling a press kit on our tour offers - all of these have been invaluable experiences and trained me in event management, communications and public relations. Take this opportunity to do the same!" 

-- Leonie Beck, Intern at the UNIS Visitors Service in 2015 

Related information

Internship Vacancies: 

 

Currently no vacancies

 

Internship Information: 

 

Applicants must be enrolled graduate students and can obtain an internship for a period of minimum two to maximum six months. As internships are not remunerated by the United Nations, the intern has to bear all costs for the internship him- or herself. 

WARNING TO APPLICANTS

There are job advertisements and offers that falsely state that they are from the United Nations. Please be aware that the United Nations does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process. 

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