My Journey to the World Health Organization (WHO), HQ Geneva
Hello, I am Jahnavi Akula, a master’s student in Preventive Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis. Currently, I am working as an Arbovirus Intern at WHO HQ Geneva in the Unit of Emerging Zoonoses and High Impact Epidemics, Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Threats Management (EPM), Emergency Program (WHE). Honestly, this role is something I never imagined for myself, not even in my wildest dreams.
It has been quite a journey, one filled with growth, challenges, and continuous learning. As an international student from India, every step brought its own hurdles, adapting to a new culture, adjusting to different teaching styles, balancing work, and life, and learning how to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. It felt overwhelming at times, but slowly, I learned to embrace the fear of the unknown.
Back in my undergraduate years, I was that quiet, introverted person who had no idea how to navigate the world properly. Public speaking terrified me. To push myself, I started participating in literary events, which helped me build confidence, little by little. At UC Davis, I took it a step further. Beyond my core coursework, I joined advanced classes in microbiology, biotechnology, and molecular techniques not because I had to, but because I loved learning new things.
Getting into WHO was far from easy. Only a handful of candidates are selected each year. To be one of them, you must stand out from the crowd. That meant working harder, taking extra steps, and staying optimistic despite setbacks. I did not just wait for opportunities; I worked on myself. I attended workshops, refined my CV, and even built my own website with the help of my sister, an engineer. It may have been a small step, but it mattered to me. These small things helped me stand out.
In March, I received an interview invite from WHO. Out of 700 applicants, I was one of only seven candidates interviewed. Although I was not selected and received a rejection four days later, it left me with mixed emotions. On one hand, I was proud to make it that far. On the other, I could not ignore the disappointment of coming so close.
Despite the self-doubt, I pushed forward. I have had more rejections than interview calls, but I kept going. I tracked my progress with a spreadsheet, set small daily goals, and applied to at least multiple positions every day. Eventually, I realized consistency is everything. I stopped applying randomly and focused on priority applications roles that truly aligned with my interests and skills.
Then, in the first week of November, early one morning, I received another email from WHO: “We would like to select you for the position. Would you like to proceed with the recruitment process?” For a moment, I was in a trance. It was a feeling of peace and joy I had not experienced in a long time.
Between June and November, I refined my process and networked relentlessly. Networking was tough at first, but stepping out of my comfort zone helped me grow. The UC Davis Management Fellowship gave me leadership skills and broadened my perspective. Slowly, every setback and small step started to feel like progress toward something bigger. Looking back, I am so grateful for UC Davis and everything it gave me. My professors and advisors, especially Janet Foley, guided and supported me at every step.
I still remember my undergrad days, staring at posters and bulletin boards displaying disease fact sheets from WHO and WOAH. I used to think it was impossible for me to ever be part of those organizations. Now, here I am at WHO.
Surround yourself with the right people and cut out negative influences. Meditate if needed. Calm your mind and keep going. Do not get caught in the rat race for chasing timelines and money; think differently, embrace new perspectives, and take small steps every day.
At the end of the day, if I can be answerable to myself and my parents, I know I am on the right track. My younger self would be proud of how far I have come. Those late-hour coursework sessions, long hours in the lab, unpaid internships, and continuous efforts to improve myself, everything is finally paying off. The fruit I am experiencing now is the result of many years of consistency and hard work.
There is still much more to learn and contribute, but I am excited for what is ahead. Take breaks if you need to, but never quit.