The IIHA and Fordham's Career Center host Government, Law, and Service Career Fair
BRONX, NEW YORK - FORDHAM UNIVERSITY STUDENTS PURSUE HUMANITARIAN CAREERS DESPITE U.S.AID BUDGET CUTS
Two hundred Fordham University students, ranging from humanitarian studies to international studies to pre-med, attended this year's Government, Law, and Service Career Fair. In collaboration with Fordham's Career Center, the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA) invited the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (U.N.-OCHA), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), United Nations Migration Agency (U.N.-IOM), Good Shepherd Volunteers, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and Jesuit Volunteer Corps to come speak to students about opportunities Thursday, Feb 5, 2026
The event took place during a time of uncertainty and despair in the humanitarian and international development sector. Since the dismantling of U.S.AID in early 2025, Fordham students have been curious about how the humanitarian field has adapted to cuts and changes. Most importantly, students have been inquiring, perhaps somewhat nervously, with the IIHA on the status of careers in the sector. Today proved that there is not only student interest in the humanitarian field, but plenty of job openings.
Ruth Mukwana, the Helen Hamlyn senior fellow and graduate director for humanitarian studies for the IIHA is the one who extended the invitation to international aid organizations, "Equipped and knowledgeable leaders in the humanitarian career field is much needed," "The focus of recent has understandably been on the budget cuts, but thousands of people are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance, and that number has continued to grow as the drivers of humanitarian needs remain unaddressed. It's an exciting time to enter the field for Fordham University students and graduates who are innovative and not afraid to take chances. These are the kind of aid workers the sector needs right now, and I look forward to collaborating on our Humanitarian Panel with the Career Center this week, on Feb 12 at Fordham's Lincoln Center campus."
Humanitarian studies and military student Kayla Espinoza felt a renewed sense of inspiration after attending the fair, "As a HUST student looking to pursue a career in the humanitarian sector, speaking directly with representatives from key international organizations like the ICRC, UNRWA, IOM, and UNICEF, and learning about their individual missions and global impact, has inspired and encouraged me to continue refining the necessary skills and education needed in this line of work."
When asked whether the government, law, and service fair is here to stay, despite the uncertainty in the service sector, Greg Triandis, employer relations specialist with Fordham University's Career Center, said, "Sometimes the perception is that we only host businesses at career fairs here at Fordham University. That's a niche sector with a tight recruitment schedule, so we recognize that it's very important to host the service sector every year. We have to provide opportunities to the entire community."
Toni Marie Perilli, the Center's marketing and communications specialist, added that "the fair aligns with Fordham's mission of preparing students to lead in a global society."
The Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs will continue to work with Fordham University's Career Center to answer the call for humanitarian career opportunities, educate the Fordham community on what students can do with a humanitarian career, and, in alignment with Fordham's Internship Promise, invite organizations to raise awareness of their internship openings. Fordham University students who are interested in future career events are invited to follow the Career Center's Handshake and the IIHA's event page.
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The Institute acts as a bridge between the University and humanitarian practice, hosts lectures and symposia on a regular basis, and is the US partner for NOHA, a consortium of 12 European universities offering humanitarian education. The IIHA at 2546 Belmont Ave, Bronx, New York also provides space for undergrad and graduate students to meet and gallery showings. In addition to our courses, the IIHA publishes on a wide range of humanitarian topics, such as A Skein of Thought. Media Inquiries: [email protected].