What I do with a degree in International Studies?
This section contains several pieces of information which hopefully will help you to plan for a career. There is life after graduation! I encourage you to explore this page in its entirety.
Life after Graduation
Whether in government, business, non-profit organizations, international media and educational settings, careers with an international scope require certain traits and abilities. These include: a conceptual grasp of history and contemporary events and the ability to relate specific cases to general patterns; basic skills in economic and political analysis; knowledge of other cultures, and languages; ability to analyze events across cultural or national lines; good articulation of ideas; good writing; a professional vocabulary and problem-solving skills.
The IS major will provide you with the tools to develop these skills. But, the program is only part of the process in getting to your professional career. While Knowledge of international relations and knowing you want to work in an international field are absolute necessary, Your task as a student is to research and to accumulate the skills needed to enter the field of your choice. Note also that your first job may still not be the career of your dreams. You must constantly improve your skills and be attentive to new opportunities. The challenge is to respond to the opportunities, making each job a step toward your goal.
You can get the experience you need to stand out after graduation. Below are just a few ideas:
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Take positions of leadership in campus organizations
Volunteer time at community organizations or trade associations
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Study abroad or intern abroad
Participate in internship programs in the U.S.
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Conduct a research project on a relevant topic
Learn a second (or third!) language
- Compiled from several sources - Updated July 2008
International Studies: Careers, Employers and Job Market Strategies
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CAREERS
- Management; Human Resources; Labor Relations Manager/director
- Banking and Finance Executive
- Sales; Marketing; Product Management
- Agricultural Economics Advisor
- Travel Coordinator; hotel manager
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS EMPLOYERS
- Domestic and foreign corporations; Domestic and foreign financial institutions
- International marketing firms; International trade firms
- Contracting and consulting firms; Convention and visitors' bureaus
- International airlines; Transportation, travel, and hospitality industry
CAREER STRATEGIES
- Learn at least one additional language. Spend a semester studying abroad.
- Obtain volunteer, part-time, or summer experience at related organizations
- Learn about NAFTA, WTO, and IMF policies
- Acquire supervisory skills by taking leadership roles in student organizations
- Learn about geography; keep abreast of political changes worldwide
- Sharpen your public speaking skills and communication skills between cultures
- Make a commitment to continuous growth in understanding cultural diversity
- Develop an understanding of the international business environment
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS/ GOVERNMENT CAREERS
- International Law; Diplomacy; Foreign Affairs; Public Service
- Public Policy Analysis; Government communications
- Law enforcement; National Security
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS EMPLOYERS
- United Nations; Aid & Relief organizations; Religious, humanitarian organizations
- Educational institutions; Peace Corps
- Research institutes; Foundations
- Federal, state and city governments
CAREER STRATEGIES
- Participate in an overseas mission experience
- Plan to study abroad or participate in an international work experience
- Learn a second or third language
- Demonstrate your depth of dedication, willingness to adapt, and coping mechanisms to combat stress and difficult situations
LANGUAGE SERVICES/EDUCATION CAREERS
- Teaching; Curriculum Development
- Interpreting; Translating
- Research and Writing
- International Student Support Services; Study Abroad Programming
LANGUAGE/EDUCATION EMPLOYERS
- Community organizations; Federal government agencies
- English language institutes; Overseas schools
- Religious and volunteer organizations
- Colleges and universities; Museums
CAREER STRATEGIES
- Gain practical domestic teaching experience and training or certificate to teach abroad
- Research certification options (TESOL, CELTA, CELTC, TEFL)
- Consider obtaining intensive TESOL (Teaching English and a Second Language) training
- Volunteer to tutor children and adults in English.
- Sharpen intercultural competency, sensitivity, and tolerance
- Develop superior written and oral communication skills in the English language
- Notify local hospitals, schools, and chambers of commerce of your availability to translate or interpret for international visitors
- Minor or double major in another subject that you could also teach
- Earn a master's degree in College Student Affairs to work with study abroad programs or with international student services.
JOURNALISM, INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA CAREERS
- Foreign News Correspondence; International Broadcasting; Reporting
- Editorial/Column writing; Investigative Journalism
- Photography; Freelance Work
JOURNALISM AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA EMPLOYERS
- Foreign news agencies; TV networks
- Large circulation newspapers; Wire services
- Trade newspapers; Online publishers
- Academic journals; international newspapers; magazines
CAREER STRATEGIES
- Obtain a summer job or internship with a newspaper
- Demonstrate curiosity, high energy level, ability to produce under pressure, and withstand criticism
- Develop excellent grammar and writing skills
- Create a portfolio of writing samples, especially those that have been published
- Join a professional journalism organization
- Research international newspapers; Gain experience with campus newspaper or media
- Travel or study abroad.
Compiled from the University of Tennessee at Knxville and other sources
International Studies: Prospective Employers & Job Opportunities
Foundation Center: Institutes & Non-Profit Agencies
UN & International Organizations
Fulbright Programs: Teach English Abroad
U.S. State Department
U.S. Federal Jobs
Human Rights Watch
Teach for America
National Endowment for Democracy
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