The School of Global Governance of Renmin University of China (RUC) held its first peer sharing session of the semester in Mingde Business Building. The event featured Zuo Jialu, an alumna of RUC's School of Global Governance, graduate of the School of International Studies, and current dual master's student in Public Policy and Sustainable Development at Tsinghua University and the University of Geneva.

Zuo shared her experiences in three main areas: studying abroad, interning at international organizations, and her reflections on these experiences.

In discussing her study abroad experiences, Zuo detailed the exchange programs she participated in, how to find such opportunities, necessary preparations, and her observations while abroad. She emphasized three key points for successful exchanges: curiosity, willingness to try new things, and maintaining a positive mindset.

Zuo encouraged students to explore their interests during their university years, even if outcomes do not always meet expectations. She advised students, especially those facing the pressures of autumn recruitment, to maintain a good attitude, focus on their strengths, and find their path without succumbing to external pressures.

During the segment on internships with international organizations, Zuo described her roles in various organizations, providing a comprehensive understanding of their functions and operations. At the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), she was involved in cataloging adaptation actions, which honed her information retrieval and document analysis skills. Zuo also participated in the Bonn Climate Change Conference in Germany, assisting with meeting minutes and logistics, and shared how her youth was an advantage, encouraging peers to be confident and unafraid of mistakes. Additionally, she recounted her work as a sustainable finance researcher at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and her experience drafting reports for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Zuo reassured students not to be overly concerned about their English proficiency, noting that many international organization employees are non-native speakers. She highlighted the value of practical experience, saying 'Learning by doing' is essential, regardless of one's academic background. She also shared photos and anecdotes from the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), giving attendees a vivid sense of the event's atmosphere.

In the final part of her talk, Zuo addressed questions from students about careers in international organizations. She discussed the pros and cons, noting that such careers offer substantial international exposure and cross-cultural experiences, along with attractive benefits and holidays. However, she also pointed out the intense competition for positions, the challenges to family stability due to frequent relocations, and the broad scope of work that might not allow for deep specialization in a single field. Zuo advised students to consider their priorities when making career choices, summarizing her thoughts with, 'Career choice is about choosing what are your priorities.'

She concluded with a motivational message: 'Career choice is about choosing what are your priorities. Stay chill, stay faithful, stay true to yourself,' encouraging students to pursue their dreams with resilience and authenticity.