When I became a Laidlaw Scholar, I never imagined that within a year, I’d be spending two months in a foreign city and working on a Leadership-in-Action project with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Moving to a foreign country to work with one of the most globally respected humanitarian organizations was exhilarating—and daunting. As I prepared to contribute to the organization’s behind-the-scenes operations, I didn’t realize how much I would learn about leadership, adaptability, and the quiet power of incremental change.

The focus of my project was the intranet—a vital but outdated resource used by UNHCR staff to access critical tools and information. I took on the responsibility of thoroughly assessing the existing site, identifying areas for improvement, and working closely with key stakeholders. Beyond surface-level improvements, I took a hands-on role in content creation and technical problem-solving. This involved updating and refining materials, testing functionality to resolve existing issues, and developing new features that streamlined access to HR resources. My efforts culminated in a comprehensive report detailing the updated features, user feedback, and actionable recommendations for future enhancements, such as integrating artificial intelligence to further optimize workflows.  

In parallel, I immersed myself in various HR processes, gaining firsthand experience with recruitment protocols under different affiliate contract modalities, HR clearance procedures, and policy compliance requirements. This dual focus allowed me to align the intranet’s functionality with the broader needs of the HR department, ensuring its relevance as an evolving tool for the organization.  

The updated intranet is now a more effective tool for staff, enhancing their day-to-day workflows. Beyond the immediate outcomes, the report I delivered offers a roadmap for further improvements, ensuring the project’s impact extends far beyond my time there. This experience has reaffirmed my belief in the importance of creating systems that empower others. It has also strengthened my resolve to pursue roles that combine practical problem-solving with meaningful impact.

The Inner Workings of the UNHCR

UNHCR is an intricate ecosystem of departments, processes, and acronyms. My first few days were a whirlwind of elaborate training sessions, from safety protocols to compliance measures like the Prevention of Harassment and Abuse of Authority program. The learning curve was steep, but these sessions gave me valuable insight into the organization’s operational backbone.

The experience was anything but static. I actively sought out opportunities beyond my assigned tasks, whether it was shadowing other HR teams to observe their processes in action or contributing to the organization of the prestigious United Nations Volunteer Award. Each new responsibility I took on added another valuable layer to my understanding of the humanitarian sector and illuminated the critical role that internal processes play in driving external impact. Engaging with different teams not only broadened my perspective but also deepened my appreciation for the collaborative efforts that lead to meaningful change.

Leadership in Action: Redefining the Role

One of the most profound lessons I learned was that leadership doesn’t always require a title or a spotlight. My work wasn’t flashy or public-facing, but its impact was tangible. Leadership, I realized, can manifest in the willingness to improve what exists, propose small but meaningful changes, and create value in unexpected places.

For instance, redesigning the intranet was more than a technical project—it was about understanding the needs of its users and creating solutions that would support them in their work. I learned that leadership is as much about empathy and foresight as it is about action.

Challenges: A New City, a New Perspective

Living in Budapest was a lesson in adaptability. Navigating an unfamiliar city alone—finding the right tram line, tackling a language barrier, and understanding local customs—was at once challenging and rewarding. Coupled with the slightly slower, unstructured pace of my work, it was a sharp departure from the fast-paced academic environment I was used to.

But these challenges forced me to step out of my comfort zone. I turned the slower pace into an opportunity for growth, scheduling coffee chats with colleagues, expanding my professional network, and diving into the cultural richness of the city.

Final Thoughts

My Leadership-in-Action project was a transformative professional experience that went beyond completing a set of tasks. It offered an opportunity to develop practical skills, adapt to a cross-cultural environment, and understand how leadership can manifest in less conventional but impactful ways. I learned the importance of persistence when navigating challenges, such as balancing my responsibilities with adapting to a new city and workplace culture. Building strong professional connections and seeking mentorship helped me to grow, both personally and professionally. Most importantly, the experience showed me how even small contributions, when aligned with broader organizational goals, can create meaningful change.