I remember the day in February 2009 when I took the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination, now called the Young Professionals Programme. I had to take a three-hour flight from my hometown of Tijuana to Mexico City to sit the exam. I arrived at midnight, woke up at six o’clock in the morning, took the comprehensive exam, and flew back home. Indeed, it was a long, tiring and stressful day. But now, I couldn’t be happier about my determination. This allowed me to join the United Nations at the age of 24. 

Before joining the United Nations, I worked for the private sector. It was one of the most decisive periods in my life. It familiarized me with real-life challenges and made me realize what I truly want in life. I prefer to do work that benefits others, positively impacts humanity, and brings hope to those who are suffering. This is why I feel privileged to work with the United Nations, an organization that shares the same values as me. 

My life was presented with complex but interesting challenges from the first day I joined the United Nations as a programmer in 2010. Because I was educated and trained as an engineer, I always embrace challenges and love to solve problems. There was a time when I suggested that we deal with a long-standing problem with a contractor. My suggestion resulted in a solution using a complex system that had never been implemented anywhere else before. It was one of my proudest moments. My job might seem far from the substantive work of the United Nations. But through daily challenges, I know that I’m doing meaningful work and contributing to humanity by increasing the efficiency of the United Nations information systems. It is my biggest motivation to go to work every day.

I’m currently working in Geneva as an Associate Database Analyst. The serenity and diversity of Geneva constantly captivates me. I enjoy walking under the sunshine in Ariana Park, where the Palais des Nations is located. All the agencies are close by; they look like planets orbiting the sun. I feel lucky to work with people from different agencies who are within walking distance. 

One of the things I’ve learned from the United Nations is that life is an ongoing learning experience. The United Nations encourages me to expand my career both vertically and horizontally. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Sustainable Peace in a Contemporary World. I love my current job and my specialty, but I hope that one day I will be able to do more substantive work in the field, to feel more of the pulse of the Organization.

In the United Nations, I’m surrounded by people with passion, motivation and curiosity. Some of them are similar to me, still in the early stages of their career and eager to explore further. Working for the United Nations gives us a broader world view and allows us to interact with people from diverse backgrounds. But most importantly, I feel that this is a place where we are encouraged to pursue broader dreams.