You need a slap! Sorry Roberta! I mean well when I say this but I read your last post months ago and Im sorry to hear you are in the same position. But you really should try the private sector even as an assistant then diversifying into the public sector after a year or so. I think this is much better than babysitting for your CV and for your pocket as well.

If you need any advice just drop me a message I know lots of agencies in Geneva as I was job hunting and found something in one month. Im also in my 20's International Relations degree and wanting to work for an NGO but at some point (sooner rather than later) you have to be realistic of this sector and move on and plan for the future! Unless you have the means to continue trying and intering...I suggest you get application to everything BUT internships. And I know you will get lucky and better options as well maybe :) 

Just remember you dont need to work in an NGO to make a difference in the world.

:)

Roberta, I can empathize with your situation but can't say I'm sorry for you because as an American and immigrant who moved to France on a tourist visa (just across the border from Switzerland) and am STRUGGLING to find work, you have an advantage of being a citizen of the EU, which gives you the right to work ANYWHERE in Europe and a paid job!!  

Meanwhile for me to work in Europe, as in the instance of any alien, I have to prove that my skills in my area of work far exceed not only the skills of someone in France who could work in my same position but the rest of the European Union.  I, like you, am also 28 and have had many a 'come to Jesus' talks with myself but have resigned that just because I cannot work where I want doesn't mean I can't do anything.  I have LOADS of time so I volunteer here and there.  If you are feeling like you want to make a difference, why don't you just volunteer in your community and get a nice paying job with insurance?

I can't make money and for that I truly envy you because you can, being an EU citizen.  But I can volunteer and give time and use that as experience while I am here, until my French boyfriend decides to marry me then I can fill out a bunch of paper work and then I can work...if someone will hire me.

Anyway, good luck to you.   

I thank all of you for your answers, that I somehow expected. Recently I have been thinking on my situation very hard, and I do hope these threads would be of some help to the other interns or post-interns in Geneva.

As you all stated, I also think I did enough unpaid work so far, and I should start getting a real position soon. I applied for some positions in the private sector, but with no success. Probably my CV is too specific, since in the last 4 years I have only been working in the humanitarian field. I am not English native speaker, and my French is just conversational (for now). I do something else on a side, tho: I have a job as a part time babysitter (that I won't leave) and I give Italian lessons, plus I continue my studies in French and Arabic.

 I believe everybody deserves to be happy with what they do, tho - even with simple jobs. What would you do if you had to choose between a- do a simple job that gives you enough money, but makes you happy even if it doesnt add anything to your CV; b- do something you totally dislike, which wouldnt add anything to your CV either, but that maybe would give you more money?

Myself? Well, my answer is a - I would rather prefer to work as babysitter than sitting in an office unhappy, and I even have my doubts on how willing a company would be on hiring me, when there is planty of people with MBAs in Geneva, who speak 3 languages fluently.

Maybe I am  one of those who want to do something good for people just 'cause they feel guilty, and for that I could volonteer in my community to satisfy my will (and need) to help others. But, isnt that what I would do by accepting this internship?

My hope is that, by keeping one food in this field, sooner or later I will make it. Yes in an NGO.

Not meant to discourage you - but it's a fact that it's very difficult to get a job with NGO in Geneva (even at entry-level or near entry level level). You have to be realistic and understand that you're not only competing with people from GE, but a lof of Americans, British, etc. who are looking to move to Europe.

Many jobs are interviewing because they have to - but they already might have someone in mind, or in fact even working already at this position.

I agree with Private Sector comment. Try not to limit yourself with NGOs at this point. Also, don't let languages to hold you back. Just stay persistent with resumes and interviews. Make it a full-time job. Also, try to have your resume evaluated bysomeone in HR - maybe you havecertain improvements to make in order to stand out. There was someone on the forum who offered this sort of assistance. 

And best of luck to you in your career endevaros.

If you have enough money - hold out for what you want - if not enough money bite the bullet and find any work you can bear