What can I do with an International Relations degree?

What Can I Do With a Degree in International Relations?

• Answer:

  An education in international relations (IR) involves a broad spectrum of historical, economic and political studies on nations around the world, according to Yale University. A degree in international relations often means graduate school, as the majority of the most sought-after jobs in the field and the most interesting options may require a post-graduate degree. While this is an extremely diverse curriculum that will prepare students for a variety of roles in the workforce, this degree is particularly useful for certain jobs. Diplomat Certainly the most well-known international career is a diplomat for the Foreign Service. Diplomats staff the various embassies across the world as well as the State Department and U.S. Information Agency in the United States. While these jobs are attractive to students considering a career in IR, the diplomat position is difficult to land. In recent years only a few hundred typically have been selected compared to several thousand applicants, according to Michigan State University. The Foreign Service Exam required to get a job with the State Department is free and interesting and anyone can take it. Women and minorities are particularly encouraged to apply as recruitment of those portions of the workforce is of concern to the State Department. Government There are many government options for people with international relations training. Among the departments with diverse job opportunities, including those with an IR education, are civilians in the Defense Department, the CIA, NSA, the Agency for International Development and the Department of Commerce. Journalism An IR degree and the ability to tell a story and observe detail is a great recipe for a journalism career in foreign correspondence. Assuming the education provided the student with an emphasis in a certain region of international affairs, finding work as a reporter in that region should be within reach. Depending on the current state of affairs in the world, certain regions would have more demand for correspondents, such as Afghanistan, Iran, Korea and other areas producing large amounts of news of world interest. With the increasing diversity of television and online news, this is an area that will likely continue to grow. Other Occupations A variety of jobs within the United Nations (UN) can be accessible for those with international relations degrees. Fluency in at least two of the UN languages is an important asset as is the knowledge of those countries political and social agendas. Teaching history, foreign language or political science at high school or university levels are also occupations well suited for IR graduates.