From Istanbul to London to Geneva

Born in Adana but raised in Ankara and Istanbul, Gizmenur Ozdinc grew up in a diplomatic arena. She did her undergraduate studies in Ankara in international relations and travelled to the University of Westminster in England to complete a master program in international security where she focused primarily on human security. Her past experiences with NGOs in London allowed her to be well-equipped for her apprenticeship with the Institute for Media and Global Governance (IMGG) in Geneva Switzerland.

Her humble character exuberate a positive energy in the office as she is truly passionate to help the humanitarian sector.  A well-travelled and experienced individual, Giz came to work with IMGG because of her passion to human rights and the ability of media to act as a tool for change. She hopes to get project management skills at the end of her stage. “I will get so much knowledge I could not get from school or books.” Her desire for hands-on work will allow her to act as a dynamic contingent for future opportunities.

 From event planning, to fundraising to networking, Giz hopes to come out with essential tools she can use in her future career.  She hopes to work for an NGO related in prevention of torture, human security or human rights.

Her most rewarding accomplishment so far is two-folded. On paper, she is proud of her master degree in international security. In practice, her work with Women’s Platform in London was incredibly rewarding. “I felt like what I was doing something for humans, for women and children.”

Hopeful for the future, she envisions the humanitarian sector as a productive and effective product for change. Giz tells those intending to enter this field to stay positive and persistent as it is very competitive. “If you are not ambitious, you will not survive in this world and this line of work.” Remaining true to her values and ambitions, Giz understands what it takes to succeed in the humanitarian sector.

“If you work for a government, you work for a statesman. If you work for a corporation or business, you work for a fat-cat. But if you work for an NGO, you work for a mission.” As she stated with tenacity, I understood that it was people like her that makes me want to continue in this field as there is hope that others feel the same way as she does. In her early 20s, Giz understands that it is about sticking to your values and not giving into the system that leads to a rewarding life.