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What kind of jobs can i get with a major in international affairs?
I have always been interested in global affairs and I am currently apart of Model UN #international-affairs #global-issues
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yoonji KIM
CareerVillage.org TeamDirector of Operations at CareerVillage.org
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yoonji’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Christy, that's a great question! There are so many paths you can take from studying international affairs. That was my major in undergrad and graduate school, so I'll share what I've seen from my path and with my classmates.
NGO/nonprofit - This is the path I'm on. Before starting at CareerVillage.org as a Partnerships Manager, I was in a partnerships-related role at a public diplomacy organization that worked with the US Department of State on their International Visitors Leadership Program. This program invites emerging leaders from all over the world to the US, where they come to DC and travel across the country to meet their peers working on the same issues at the federal, state, and local levels. Great networking and capacity-building opportunity for them and a way for the US to build connections with future global leaders. There are so many fantastic NGOs out there. Think about the causes or regional issues you're most passionate about. There's an organization doing meaningful work to move that issue forward. Research those organizations and get familiar with the work they're doing. One day you might be applying for jobs there!
Government - If you're interested in joining a government agency, you can explore options like the Pathways program (https://www.usajobs.gov/help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/). It has 3 different tracks: Internship program, Recent Graduates Program, and the Presidential Management Fellows program. I don't know where you are in your academic journey but I would look into the track that best fits your current status. You should also create a profile on USAJobs, the primary hiring website of the US government so that you can find internship and job opportunities and apply to them. There are a lot of resources online and tips for creating a profile on USAJobs (it has its unique qualities that you should look into), and I would invest time and energy in that. You could also join the Peace Corps as an option to help you join the federal government. Another great option is to get an internship on Capitol Hill at your local Member of Congress's office to get exposure to policy and politics. You could also work at a think tank and work on research and policy. These are great job experiences to add to your resume, and you'll make meaningful connections to help with your next career step in government!
Corporate - There are many roles within a corporation with a regional focus like Asia-Pacific or MENA, Middle East North Africa, or around functions like sustainability or public affairs. You can apply your understanding of international affairs to be a Project Manager or a Communications professional, among many other career paths. If you speak another language, it's a great thing to highlight since so much of our work and world are interconnected.
International Affairs is a fantastic degree to have. I loved every minute of my classes! The only thing I would change about my education is to add a specialty area so I have a broad, global view of international affairs but also an expertise area to apply it to. That could've been a business minor or joint MA + MBA degree or a joint MA + JD (law degree). Something to think about. I hope this helps!
NGO/nonprofit - This is the path I'm on. Before starting at CareerVillage.org as a Partnerships Manager, I was in a partnerships-related role at a public diplomacy organization that worked with the US Department of State on their International Visitors Leadership Program. This program invites emerging leaders from all over the world to the US, where they come to DC and travel across the country to meet their peers working on the same issues at the federal, state, and local levels. Great networking and capacity-building opportunity for them and a way for the US to build connections with future global leaders. There are so many fantastic NGOs out there. Think about the causes or regional issues you're most passionate about. There's an organization doing meaningful work to move that issue forward. Research those organizations and get familiar with the work they're doing. One day you might be applying for jobs there!
Government - If you're interested in joining a government agency, you can explore options like the Pathways program (https://www.usajobs.gov/help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/). It has 3 different tracks: Internship program, Recent Graduates Program, and the Presidential Management Fellows program. I don't know where you are in your academic journey but I would look into the track that best fits your current status. You should also create a profile on USAJobs, the primary hiring website of the US government so that you can find internship and job opportunities and apply to them. There are a lot of resources online and tips for creating a profile on USAJobs (it has its unique qualities that you should look into), and I would invest time and energy in that. You could also join the Peace Corps as an option to help you join the federal government. Another great option is to get an internship on Capitol Hill at your local Member of Congress's office to get exposure to policy and politics. You could also work at a think tank and work on research and policy. These are great job experiences to add to your resume, and you'll make meaningful connections to help with your next career step in government!
Corporate - There are many roles within a corporation with a regional focus like Asia-Pacific or MENA, Middle East North Africa, or around functions like sustainability or public affairs. You can apply your understanding of international affairs to be a Project Manager or a Communications professional, among many other career paths. If you speak another language, it's a great thing to highlight since so much of our work and world are interconnected.
International Affairs is a fantastic degree to have. I loved every minute of my classes! The only thing I would change about my education is to add a specialty area so I have a broad, global view of international affairs but also an expertise area to apply it to. That could've been a business minor or joint MA + MBA degree or a joint MA + JD (law degree). Something to think about. I hope this helps!
Updated
Gary’s Answer
Hi,
Great question...I found this link for you:
https://ir.cas2.lehigh.edu/content/careers-international-affairs
There are many government jobs in international affairs, foreign service, even Homeland Security (also government but some private companies as well).
If you are interested in the military, a career in Intelligence would be a good place to start (I was trained in Military Intelligence in the Army and it was very interesting).
Good luck!
Updated
Yona’s Answer
There are diverse paths one could take with this major. It would depend on your interests, the job market, what you intend on taking as your minor and your skill set.
Academia - lecturing, conducting and presenting research or publishing
Government - policymaking, policy advising, diplomacy, research
Civil society - think tanks, research institutes, NGOs, IGOs
All these are good avenues to consider. I am in the civil society and academic spaces, having been part of Model UN as well. It would also be prudent to look into postgraduate studies in the discipline and volunteering for an NGO, for example.
All the best!
Academia - lecturing, conducting and presenting research or publishing
Government - policymaking, policy advising, diplomacy, research
Civil society - think tanks, research institutes, NGOs, IGOs
All these are good avenues to consider. I am in the civil society and academic spaces, having been part of Model UN as well. It would also be prudent to look into postgraduate studies in the discipline and volunteering for an NGO, for example.
All the best!