Welcome to the third part of our special series of interviews with professionals who have applied for the prestigious World Bank Young Professionals Program! To preserve his confidentiality, our interviewee has chosen to use the codename “William.”

In this interview, William, who has dual nationality – American and Costa Rican – shares his experiences and insights on how OpenIGO has helped him in his career journey. He provides valuable advice from his own perspective to those seeking an international career.

In pursuit of its mission, the OpenIGO network has prepared a comprehensive eBook and support and guidance services with the aim of highly increasing your chances of success in this competitive process.

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William is a brilliant professional in the field of Private Sector Development, with a specific focus on Investment Analysis and Risk Management. Join us as we explore his valuable insights and experiences.

1. Can you tell us about your background and experience?

I am a 28-year-old professional with dual nationality (American and Costa Rican). I have always been passionate about private sector development and have specialized in investment analysis and risk management. I believe that these areas are critical for the growth of businesses in today’s ever-changing global landscape.

In order to further my career goals, I pursued a Master’s degree in Enterprise Risk Management, at Columbia University. This has given me a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that have helped me succeed in my field and work with private sector banks worldwide. In one of the projects that I participated in with a private bank, I mitigated evolving risks by conducting a detailed audit, which prevented a potential loss of 100 million dollars for the organization. These was certainly one of my most relevant career achievements.

2. How did you know about the World Bank YPP selection process?

I first learned about the World Bank YPP selection process through my network of colleagues and mentors who are active in the field of international development. As someone who has always been interested in this field, I make a conscious effort to stay connected with individuals who share my passion for creating positive change around the world.

Through these conversations, I learned about the YPP and the rigorous selection process required to become a part of this prestigious program. I was immediately drawn to the challenge of the selection process and the potential opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading experts in development finance and policy.

After researching the program further, I was convinced that this was an opportunity that I could not miss, and I quickly set to work preparing my application and honing my skills in order to become a competitive candidate. The rest, as they say, is history!

3. Why did you apply for the World Bank?

I applied for the World Bank for several reasons. First and foremost, I am passionate about international development and the Bank’s mission to promote sustainable economic growth in developing countries resonated deeply with me. Private sector participation in the economy is crucial for that.

Secondly, the World Bank is widely recognized as one of the leading international organizations in the development field, and I saw it as an incredible opportunity to work alongside some of the most talented professionals in the industry.

Thirdly, the World Bank YPP offered an unparalleled opportunity for professional growth and development. As a young professional, I was eager to learn and expand my skill set, and I believed that the YPP would provide me with the resources, mentorship, and exposure to achieve these goals.

Overall, the opportunity to contribute to the Bank’s important mission, work alongside top talent in the field, and grow both personally and professionally made the World Bank an obvious choice for me.

4. What were the main challenges of applying for the World Bank YPP and how did you find OpenIGO’s services?

“It can be difficult to stand out from the crowd and showcase one’s unique qualifications and experiences.”

I believe the main challenges of applying for the World Bank YPP were the intense competition and the rigorous selection process. The Bank receives thousands of applications every year from highly qualified candidates, and the selection process is designed to identify only the best and most suitable individuals for the program. As such, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd and showcase one’s unique qualifications and experiences.

During one of my daily research activities, I came across OpenIGO’s website. I found OpenIGO’s services to be essential in overcoming these challenges. The platform provided me with access to a wealth of resources, including detailed information on the YPP selection process, tips and strategies for crafting a successful application, and personalized coaching and feedback from experienced professionals in the field.

One of the most helpful resources that I found on OpenIGO was their comprehensive guide to the YPP, which provided a detailed overview of the application process, including timelines, requirements, and key considerations. Additionally, the platform offered a range of services, such as resume and essay reviews, which helped me to present myself in the best possible light and showcase my unique skills and experiences.

Overall, I found OpenIGO to be an incredibly helpful and supportive resource throughout the YPP application process, and I would highly recommend their services to anyone who is considering applying for the program.

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5. How far did you get in the World Bank YPP selection process?

Having applied for the International Finance Corporation Track of the YPP, I feel fortunate to have progressed to the IFC test and panel interview stages of the selection process. It was a rigorous and competitive process, and I feel proud to have made it that far. It was an incredibly rewarding experience to be able to showcase my skills and experience in front of such an esteemed panel of professionals. Even though I was not ultimately selected for the program, I feel that the experience has been invaluable in helping me to refine my skills and better understand my career goals.

Overall, I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in the World Bank YPP selection process and to have gained so much from the experience. This was actually my second time applying to the program. In 2021, I wasn’t even selected for the IFC test, so I feel like I am making progress. In my case, I believe that being selected for the program is only a matter of time. I will definitely apply for this year’s edition as well!

6. What recommendations do you have for someone who is applying for the 2024-2025 World Bank YPP?

“Seek out mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in the field […] OpenIGO professionals are certainly competent in providing this sort of feedback.“

This is a really interesting question. My first recommendation would be to start preparing early and to stay focused and motivated throughout the process. The selection process can be long and challenging, but with hard work and dedication, it is possible to succeed. 

Secondly, I would advise candidates to thoroughly research the YPP and the World Bank’s mission and values in order to demonstrate a genuine interest and understanding of the organization’s work. This includes keeping up-to-date with the Bank’s latest projects and initiatives, and identifying areas where they could contribute their unique skills and experiences.

Thirdly, I would suggest that candidates carefully review and tailor their application materials to the specific requirements of the YPP, highlighting their relevant qualifications, experiences, and achievements. This includes crafting a clear and compelling personal statement that showcases their passion for international development and their unique strengths and perspectives.

Fourthly, I would recommend that candidates seek out mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in the field, including those who have successfully gone through the YPP selection process. OpenIGO professionals are certainly competent in providing this sort of feedback.

Finally, I would advise candidates to stay positive and persistent throughout the process, even if they face setbacks or challenges. The YPP is a highly competitive program, but with determination and resilience, it is possible to achieve success and make a meaningful impact on the world through the World Bank.

Do you want to become the next World Bank’s Young Professional? We can help you as we did with William!

OpenIGO is an extensive network composed of former young professionals, professors and researchers from the best universities in the world, international civil servants and Human Resources specialists.

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