Tanya Mohan, Security Information Analyst, New York

I got into this field right after my graduation due to my interest in the field of International Relations. I joined a think-tank of the Indian Defence Ministry in New Delhi before I undertook my Master’s degree. I then moved into the private sector, where I spent four years in risk intelligence and traveled and worked extensively around the world. 

Joining UNDSS gave me the opportunity to gain a lot more experience of risk and trend analysis and go to different countries where I could apply my skills in diverse situations. After becoming a UNDSS team member, I was based in the Philippines – first in Manila and the southern conflict island of Mindanao – with regular visits to Indonesia and Malaysia, as my responsibility extended over all three countries. I then moved on to Somalia, including frequent trips to neighboring nations, and am now based at the headquarters in New York as Director of the Security Analysis Process and Practice Course. 

The field experience I’ve gained has proved invaluable, both personally and professionally. Every area has totally different dynamics, and as an analyst, you need to perform under pressure and understand the insights each audience needs from you. It’s also fascinating to meet so many different people from diverse backgrounds – governments, think-tanks, NGOs, local communities and other UN agencies. That’s a breadth of experience you simply won’t get in any other professional setting. 

New York is a great place for me to live and work: I love its bustling, vibrant nature and it’s a true melting pot of cultures and working at the Headquarters is a great learning experience as well. My career with UNDSS has been incredibly varied and the organization has changed a lot in the 12 years I’ve been here. When I first joined, most of the staff were male and the majority were from traditional police or military backgrounds. That certainly isn’t the case now: my team is mainly female and we have people from all kinds of academic and professional backgrounds, which makes for a very stimulating working environment where everyone can shine. 

I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I had worked anywhere else.