The United Nations was the thing I wanted to work for…
“The United Nations was the thing I wanted to work for. Like the United Nations Commission for Refugees is what I was interested in. And then people said if you do that you'll hit glass ceilings all the time, because you are not Ghanian or Nigerian and that's the way to progress though a multinational organization like that. In any event, they said do five years' legal experience and come back. And after five years I decided to stay where I was. So I am really an accidental lawyer.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Career paths can be shaped by unexpected circumstances, leading to roles we never intended but still find purpose in.
In simple terms: Accidental careers still matter.
Key Takeaway
Embrace unexpected opportunities.
Themes
career
identity
accidental paths
diversity
glass ceiling
Mood
thoughtful
determined
realistic
Type
interview
reflective
motivational
When to use this quote
- legal profession
- international NGOs
- career planning
- immigration law
Key Concepts
career development
cultural barriers
resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you do if you could choose any career?
- How do you navigate cultural expectations in professional settings?
A Different Perspective
May overlook systemic barriers that persist despite personal adaptation.