if you have a political science/international relations degree what are the jobs you can do?

Hello Ana,

I always get so excited when I know of people that wants to know more about international relations. I got my degree in that major and in my perspective, international relations/studies provided me with the ability to analyze world issues from a non biased perspective. The major was compiled of a variety of classes, from micro/macro/international economics, geography, religion, politics, to history, literature, research and study abroad requirements. There are also paths that you will choose from within international relations. For example at California State University Long Beach, students had to choose a specific track from: Journalism, politics, development, and business.

As for jobs, since I chose the development track, I currently work for a nonprofit organization in Los Angeles that is focused on the empowerment of low income communities within its county. Definitely I would like to go back for my MA and become a diplomat, but but there are different ways to achieve this since a bachelors in International Relations gives you a very broad knowledge in multiple subjects. Political Science will deal more with the laws or rules of people, International Studies aims to provide students with the skills in language, analytical thinking, research, and economic literacy that are necessary for graduate study and careers in international fields.

Hope that my answer is able to give you an insight to International Relations and the mindset that you could develop with this major.

The following link is for the CSULB International Studies program:

http://www.cla.csulb.edu/departments/ist/

If you want more information don’t hesitate to message me back! (:

Hi Ana, I am glad you have chosen or are considering political science and international relations. There are many options for you if you obtain a bachelor's degree in this area. In my case, I went to law school after graduating with a degree in political science and became a lawyer. However, many people do not go to graduate school, or at least not right away. Instead, they work in business or management consulting, teaching in high school (possibly internationally, through the Peace Corps), non-profit organizational work, or work for the state or federal government in a variety of positions. You can also work a political campaign or a lobby organization, do research for a professor, write for a newspaper or magazine.

It is difficult to assess all of those options while you are still in school. Most of your professors would have gone to graduate school to obtain a doctoral degree but they may not have worked in other areas for a while. So it is important to remember that a wide range of options work well for students with a degree in political science, even if the job posting does not specifically say "political science degree required." I would advise you to think about the career that appeals to you most for now. Would you like to be a journalist? Perhaps work for a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad? Join a non-profit that targets a worldwide problem such as hunger, poverty or access to education? Be the assistant to a state senator and help draft legislative language? Think about your interests and pursue internships in some of those areas to narrow down the list of your interest and choose a direction.

Hi Ana!

I don't have any experience in your field; however, I have conducted research about your career path in political science and international relations. I came across interesting employee positions in utilizing your degree. As for international relations degree, you can look into becoming a Diplomat (maintaining good relations between countries); Intelligence Specialist (gathering state critical information); Political Analyst (explaining the political climate); Lobbyist (promoting ideas to those who can make them a reality); and Communications Specialist. To utilize the political science degree, you can be a Policy Analyst; Legislative Assistant; Public Relations Specialist; Social Media Manager; Political Consultant; Attorney; Intelligence Analyst; Political Campaign staff; and College Student Leadership & Activities Officer.

I hope this gives you an idea of the jobs that you can obtain in political science and international relations. For further information, you can research the following websites that I retrived the information from that is listed below:

https://www.mastersportal.com/articles/584/what-can-i-become-if-i-study-international-relations.html

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/top-jobs-for-political-science-majors-2059632