Professionals in international relations develop a remarkable skill set that includes deep cultural awareness, political acumen, rigorous research skills, and policy influence. This field encompasses a diverse array of roles, including positions such as foreign service officers, policy analysts, economists, diplomats, and various other roles.
With a combination of experience and academics, graduates may become leaders on the front lines of addressing major global issues: from negotiating trade agreements and mediating disputes to putting together strong international security plans, fighting terrorism, defending human rights, and leading peacekeeping missions.
- Ability to Communicate - Present ideas clearly in writing and orally; Turn data into useable information; Argue and debate effectively; Negotiate and mediate conflicts; Listen critically
- Methods and Research - Interpret and analyze data; Perform basic quantitative analysis; Effectively employ a variety of research sources, including the Internet; Design research; Summarize findings; Test theories and hypotheses
- Analytical Ability - Understand components of complex problems; Synthesize themes from complex issues; Think "outside the box;" Think internationally; Assess policy and propose options; Analyze and solve problems systematically and logically
- Planning and Development - Organize information; Conceptualize problems; Implement strategies; Make effective decisions; Demonstrate leadership
- Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing or verifying information or data.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgement to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Group Skills - Develop consensus; Interact effectively within a diverse environment; Work in a team and individually
To identify what education or training is typical for careers within the public administration field, use the O*Net hyperlinks below and click on "Job Zone."
As with all majors, the education you receive serves as a foundation of knowledge that prepares you for what you may face in the professional world. The career field you chose may require additional education or experience.
Gaining real-life experience is an ideal way to start a new career. The job board within CareerLink has an extensive list of internships. Browse through the internships organized by interest, location, or organization.
Students with open elective credit in many programs have the option to participate in an internship Course for Elective Credit. To learn more about this option, log-in to CareerLink and search Internships in the resources section.
There are government-organized internship programs, many of which require students to maintain either a half-time or full-time student status. The best ways to identify potential opportunities such as these is to contact branch offices directly, to search USAJobs.gov, or to look at the agencies' career portals. Keep in mind that these positions are not always posted online, so direct contact with the agency is key.
Pathways
The Pathways Program is a federal initiative that offers internship programs for current students and training and career development opportunities for recent graduates. Recent graduates must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion (except for veterans, due to their military service obligation, will have up to six years to apply).The internship program for current students replaces the former Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) and Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP).
The Presidential Management Fellows Program (PMF)
PMF is designed to attract to federal service outstanding men and women from a wide variety of academic disciplines who have a clear interest in, and commitment to, a career in the analysis and management of public policies and programs. To be eligible for nomination, an individual must be a graduate student completing or expected to complete, during the current academic year, an advanced degree from a qualifying college or university.
The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP)
WRP is coordinated by the Office of Disability Employment Policy and the U.S. Department of Defense, and aims to provide summer work experience, and in some cases full-time employment, to college students with disabilities. The program develops partnerships with other federal agencies, each of whom makes a commitment to provide summer jobs and a staff recruiter. Each year, recruiters interview about 1,500 students with disabilities at college and university campuses across the nation, and develop a database listing the qualifications of each student.
There are several government agencies and organizations that seek candidates with degrees in international relations. The list below provides a few places one might find employment specific to this degree.
Involvement in professional organizations is a great way to stay up-to-date on new technology, tools, and best practices in your field. Professional organizations are also a great networking opportunity. Below are a few professional organizations you may be interested in as an international relations major.