Have you ever wondered why Model UN delegates are so well rounded? You may be thinking, how do they win conferences, complete all their homework (and get A’s), and have a bustling social life all while getting accepted to the world’s most prestigious universities? But what you’re not realizing is that the skills they gained during Model UN conferences help them do just that. Not only is Model UN (in my opinion) the best activity in the world, but it also prepares you for future endeavors, and sets you up for a successful career.
- Meeting New People
Walking into a room full of hundreds of people who are already milling around chatting with each other is stressful for most people, but not the Model UNer. They know how to navigate stressful social situations, from having been in committees of hundreds of new faces, and coming out with a new group of friends. Model UN forces delegates to bond on the spot, making it easier to engage in conversations with people you’ve just met. After all, life is just one long unmoderated caucus.
- Speaking on the Fly
Everyone’s been put on the spot during an argument with friends, an interview, or any setting that may include having to answer questions or speak without being totally prepared. Thanks to Model UN, MUN delegates don’t have to worry about the stress of speaking on the fly. Resolution Q & A’s, impromptu speeches, and having to debate topics that are not extremely familiar have made these situations much less stressful for students who participate in Model UN.
- Negotiation and Compromise
All MUNers know that at some point during the conference they’re going to have to make a compromise. Whether its making an amendment to a resolution or merging with a rival bloc, delegates are forced to negotiate with one another, just like at the real United Nations. The skills of negotiation and compromise that students learn in Model UN can be applied to anything from group projects, to future careers, and even who gets the last cookie on the plate!
- Stamina
Three to four days of constant debate, writing, and solving the world’s most difficult problems late into the night with little breaks, all while sustaining yourself on granola bars and Chipotle, can prepare you for anything! The stamina needed to remain relevant in a committee during Model UN is incomparable to almost any other extracurricular activity. Model UN forces delegates to work on little sleep and always stay focused. The stamina that MUNers develop allows them to juggle school, jobs, out of school activities, and so much more.
- Flexibility and Adapting to New Situations
Secretariats of Model UN conferences do their best to make sure that everything runs smoothly during a conference, but veteran delegates know that that’s not always the case. During every conference there can be bumps in the road such as inexperienced chairs, bloc drama, and the committee choosing the topic that you chose to completely ignore. At first it can be difficult to handle these situations, but Model UN forces you to adapt. Being flexible and able to adapt to unanticipated situations is imperative for future success.
- Grit
As much as your adviser will tell you that Model UN is only about making friends and “the experience”, most delegates come to conferences with a mission: to get the gavel. There are times when delegates are excelling in committee and feel like they have the award in the bag, but when closing ceremonies rolls around you are crushed with disappointment. But MUNers never give up. Not getting an anticipated award just fires delegates up even more to go to their next conference with vengeance. The grit that delegates gain when evaluating why they didn’t preform well in conferences, and working hard to improve their skills instead of giving up, sets them up for a more successful and prosperous life ahead!
