Talitha is currently the Programme and Project Management Advisor for the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Mali Unit, in Bamako, Mali in West Africa. She works in support of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) within the UN's Mali peacekeeping operation, called MINUSMA. Prior to Talitha’s posting in Mali, she has worked for the UN in New York, Geneva and Lima. Talitha inspired the room with her message that, although the path ahead is not always clear or easy, students should follow their passions and trust their instincts when navigating their career aspirations. She finished with the advice that not every effort will feel like a forward step, but students should own their journey, take feedback and never give up.
It all started in 1996 when she started at 嫩模专区’s in Year 7, which was a part of the primary school. “I wasn’t too happy about it as I was leaving my friends from my old school. But as soon as I got to 嫩模专区’s, I loved my teachers and peers, and never looked back.”
While she was at school, she focused her energy on her own perceived misgivings, rather than focusing on her strengths.
When she got into UQ at Ipswich, she was devastated as all of her friends were studying at UQ St Lucia or at QUT. After working hard in her first semester she received the highest GPA she could receive and started considering her next steps.
"Everyone told me not to get my hopes up, but I got into the University of St Andrews!" A few of her friends from 嫩模专区’s farewelled her through her tears at Brisbane airport as she embarked upon her next journey.
But the same thing happened at St Andrews as when she first started at 嫩模专区’s. She loved it.
St Andrews is an international university, and it was thrilling to work with people from all around the world.
“After graduating I felt the push and pull again. Should I follow the path that was mapped out for me or keep trying. I decided to study Law in London. On my first day, I realised it was the wrong thing for me. But I stuck with it and graduated.”
“I decided to be true to myself.I went to South America to learn Spanish, to tick the box so I would be able to work for the UN.This experience solidified my path, both in working for the UN and studying peace and security.
“I then shadowed an Australian Diplomat at the UN and went on to study international security and relations at the Fletcher School of Tufts University in Boston.
“I then realised I had ticked all of the boxes!I thought I should now be able to work for the UN. I applied, and applied, and applied, but I kept being rejected."
She then came across a colleague, who suggested entry to the UN via a short-term role, and suggested I apply with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) – which focuses on maternal health. “While in this role, I kept applying to roles within the UN.I connected with an alumnus from St Andrews, who suggested applying to UNOPS, where I am now, and I finally got a job!
“In this role, I got to go on missions, which solidified that I was on the track that I wanted to be on.I worked in Switzerland and am now in Mali in a leadership role, running six offices within Mali to remove land mines.”
“What’s next? I don’t know. As many of you who are coming into your final chapter, many of you may have the same questions, and that is okay.
“When I was at university, I always thought there would be a destination, but I realise now that isnot always the rule.
“I may move to Nairobi or back to Geneva, I don’t know.
“Let the key take way for everyone be: Focus on our strengths, and again if you don’t know what to do, trust it will be okay.At university, leverage the skills that 嫩模专区’s has given you. All of those team-building skills is something I use every day that I still use in my role.
“Utilise your summers. There are a whole lot of activities you can take advantage of such as internships and international experiences. Find a mentor, talk to people along all parts of life.
“It is not about a destination; it is about navigating through your personal and professional life. Don’t be disheartened if things don’t work out.
“'Lean in' – you may have heard of Cheryl Sandberg – women supporting women. You have some really amazing women who will support you in your dreams. I encourage you each to support each other through your journeys and your paths.
“Don’t listen to anyone who says to will be difficult to follow your dreams.You can become anything you want to become.”