Savanna Hoffman
International relations is a diverse field that opens up a range of career opportunities. Students can pursue careers in diplomacy, foreign service, international organizations, non-profit organizations, research institutes, multinational corporations, and more. A degree in international relations helps students understand global challenges, including human rights, sovereignty, international security, and environmentalism. It also equips them with critical thinking, analytical skills, and intercultural competence. With the right educational background and professional network, international relations graduates can find employment in various sectors, including government, law, journalism, consulting, and academia. They can also work in international business development, global business careers, and international education coordination. Additionally, further training can lead to professions such as teaching, journalism, and human resources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Degree type | A bachelor's degree and relevant work experience may be sufficient for some employers, but a master's degree is standard for most jobs in international affairs. |
| Skills | Critical thinking, analytical skills, intercultural competence, language proficiency, and excellent communication skills. |
| Career paths | Diplomacy, foreign service, international organizations, non-profit organizations, research institutes, multinational corporations, media, teaching, business, law, human resources, journalism, consulting, academia, and government. |
| Job sectors | Public, commercial, charity, and education. |
| Employers | Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), the United Nations, NGOs (e.g., Oxfam, Greenpeace, Médecins Sans Frontières), government departments, universities, government agencies, think tanks, and corporations. |
| Job roles | Policy officer, intelligence analyst, researcher, political consultant, foreign service officer, PR professional, business and research professional, advertising and marketing associate professional, HR officer, and national government administrative officer. |
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What You'll Learn
Intergovernmental organisations (IGOs)
An intergovernmental organization (IGO) is an entity created by a treaty involving at least three states that work together on issues of common interest. IGOs are essential actors in the international community, with over 300 IGOs around the world. They are established by governments through intergovernmental agreements and are subject to international law, with the ability to enter into enforceable agreements.
The main purposes of IGOs are to foster collaboration and cooperation among nations in areas such as peace and security, conflict resolution, international relations, environmental protection, human rights, social development, humanitarian aid, and economic development. An example of a prominent IGO is the United Nations (UN), which offers various opportunities for international relations students, including volunteering, internships, traineeships, and the Young Professionals Programme for graduates aspiring to become international civil servants.
The UN has also established multiple universities, such as the United Nations University and the University for Peace, dedicated to research and education around issues like peace and sustainable development. Additionally, the UN has a training arm called the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). Other examples of IGOs include the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the Bank of the South.
Working for an IGO can be an excellent career path for international relations students as it provides an opportunity to apply their knowledge of international relations, global trends, and their impact on local trends. International relations graduates can bring critical thinking, analytical skills, and intercultural awareness to their work in IGOs. However, it is important to note that competition for positions in IGOs can be high, and further education, such as a master's degree, may be required for certain roles.
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Diplomacy and foreign service
Foreign Service Officers
Foreign Service Officers represent their nation around the world. They travel abroad to assist in peace efforts, promote prosperity in other countries, and protect their nation's citizens abroad. They work in diplomatic posts, embassies, and consulates. To be considered for a Foreign Service Officer position, candidates must meet citizenship requirements, meet an age requirement, accept necessary assignments, meet minimum qualifications, and pass all assessments.
Foreign Service Specialists
Foreign Service Specialists provide the critical expertise and operational support that allows diplomacy to function. They bring their specialized training in areas like IT, security, medicine, logistics, and public outreach to global missions in embassies and consulates.
Political Consultants
Political consultants support political candidates or government officials in capacities like public relations, communications, strategy, fundraising, and advocacy. They may work for specific campaigns or find opportunities with lobbyists, political action committees, industry organizations, or businesses.
International Affairs Analysts
Also known as foreign affairs analysts, these professionals research policies, collect and interpret data, evaluate programs, and make recommendations. They prepare reports and briefing materials and often specialize in a particular international affairs field like healthcare, trade, or the environment.
Interpreter, Translator, or Language Expert
International affairs is an area of study with a strong foreign language component, so another opportunity in this field could be to work as an interpreter, translator, or language expert. These roles can be found in education, legal environments, business, government, and more.
Research and Fact-Checking
Another career pathway in international affairs is research and fact-checking for speeches, publications, or academic outlets. Positions can be found with universities, government agencies, think tanks, or corporations.
Nonprofit Program Coordinators
Nonprofit program coordinators develop and manage initiatives in line with the mission and goals of the organization. They work to strengthen partnerships with related organizations and their responsibilities may include budgeting, fundraising, networking, and community outreach.
Volunteering and Internships
It is important for international relations students to gain relevant work experience. Volunteering is a useful way to do this, and intergovernmental organizations like the United Nations offer volunteering opportunities, internships, and traineeships. The UN also offers a Young Professionals Programme for graduates wanting to start a career as an international civil servant.
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Research and fact-checking
International relations is a diverse field that opens up a range of career opportunities, including working in government, human rights, and development roles. International relations graduates can pursue careers in diplomacy, foreign service, international organisations, non-profit organisations, research institutes, and multinational corporations.
International relations students develop critical thinking and analytical skills, allowing them to analyse complex issues, evaluate different perspectives, and form well-reasoned arguments. These skills are essential for research and fact-checking roles, where individuals need to evaluate information from multiple sources and develop informed insights.
Additionally, international relations graduates often possess intercultural competence and language proficiency, having had opportunities to study abroad and immerse themselves in different cultures. This cultural sensitivity enhances their ability to work effectively in diverse environments and understand global trends and their impact on local trends.
When considering a career in research and fact-checking, international relations students should also be aware of the importance of further education and specialisation. While some employers may accept a bachelor's degree, a master's degree is standard for most jobs in international affairs. Master's programs allow students to gain field-specific specialisations and practical experience through capstone projects, internships, and independent research. Pursuing a master's degree from a university with a dedicated career services team can provide access to extensive resources and guidance for career development.
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International business development
International relations is a diverse field that opens up a wide range of career opportunities, including international business development roles. International relations graduates may be well-prepared for these roles, which exist in all sorts of firms.
International relations graduates can also pursue international business roles in human resources, marketing, management analysis, sales, and executive positions. Their understanding of international affairs, cross-cultural communication, and global issues can be a valuable asset in these roles.
Additionally, international relations graduates can find international business development opportunities in the technology sector. Their critical thinking, cultural competency, and strong communication skills can be well-suited for positions in technology policy, government relations for technology-focused companies, or other roles within the industry.
International relations graduates interested in global business careers can also pursue further education, such as a Master's in International Relations or a dual degree in international relations and Master of Business Administration. These programs can provide specialized knowledge, networking opportunities, and hands-on experience to enhance career prospects in the field of international business development.
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Consulting and lobbying
International relations is a diverse field that opens up a wide range of career opportunities. Consulting and lobbying are two such areas that international relations graduates can explore.
Consulting
Consultants in the field of international relations often work with political candidates or government officials. They provide support in various capacities, including public relations, communications, strategy, fundraising, and advocacy. Consultants might also work with lobbyists, political action committees, industry organizations, or businesses. This role requires strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and the ability to develop and implement effective strategies.
Lobbying
Lobbying involves advocating for a bill, a social cause, public policy, or a politician's campaign. It is a political role that requires an understanding of how politics works at both the local and international levels. As a lobbyist, you would need to strategically engage with target audiences to gain support and raise funds for your cause. Lobbying internships are a common way to enter this field, and gaining relevant experience is crucial.
International relations graduates interested in consulting or lobbying can also consider further education, such as a Master's degree, to specialize in a specific area of international relations and gain additional knowledge that can enhance their career prospects.
Additionally, developing a global outlook and gaining intercultural awareness are essential for a career in international relations. Language skills, for example, can be highly beneficial when working in consulting or lobbying roles that may involve engaging with diverse stakeholders or collaborating with international organizations.
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Frequently asked questions
International relations students can work in the public sector at the local, state, or federal government level. They can also work in government agencies, foreign service, diplomacy, and international organizations.
International relations students can work in multinational corporations, universities, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). They can also work in international business development, international marketing, and global business careers such as economists, policy analysts, and management consultants.
International relations students can work in non-profit organizations, research institutes, and intergovernmental organizations. They can also work as nonprofit program coordinators, developing and managing initiatives to strengthen partnerships with related organizations.
