Are you interested in diplomacy, international development, national and international security, intelligence, international business, law, or consulting work – or simply working abroad? Would you like to help improve the world through conflict resolution, fighting disease, restoring the environment, reducing poverty or hunger? Would you like to study and create knowledge in an academic role or government research, or work in journalism and communications? The flexible and interdisciplinary nature of International and Global Studies programs is a great starting point for a meaningful career in the public, private, non-profit and non-governmental organizations. Take a look at some potential career paths below, and contact a faculty advisor if you have further questions about the training and preparation required to pursue your dream job.
Business
The world is a global marketplace; all types of businesses conduct operations across borders. Supply chains extend worldwide. Most consumers live outside your national borders. Multinational corporations, financial institutions, law firms, consulting firms, manufacturers, and other private sector entities value the ability to anticipate risk, work across cultures, navigate governments, and advance their business’s work worldwide.
Paths into this field may include:
- Area Studies & Communications & Data Analysis » Management Consultant
- International Studies & Economics & International Business » Export/Import Specialist
- Area Studies & Government » Government Relations Manager
Communications & Public Relations
National governments, for-profit companies, intergovernmental organizations, non-profits, and other actors need their messages to resonate. Excellent writing and oral presentation skills, ideally in multiple languages, enable these organizations to spread their messages across cultures and borders.
Paths into this field may include:
- Global Studies & Marketing » Public Diplomacy Coordinator
- Area Studies & Journalism » International Correspondent
- Area Studies & Communications & Economics » International Marketing Manager
Development & Conflict Resolution
International Development seeks to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It includes provision for short-term relief and building long term economic, political, and social systems for economic growth. Conflict Resolution professionals work to understand violent conflict and prevent, resolve, or manage it in some way. Both fields encompass research, policy development, project management, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation, and capacity building.
Paths into this field may include:
- International Development & Information Systems » Mobile Health Manager
- International Development & Finance » Microlending Associate
- International Development & Psychology » Youth Development Specialist
Diplomacy & Policy
Diplomacy considers the conduct by government officials and other relations between nations. It may involve the formal representation of one’s country on consular, economic, political, cultural, or technical matters. Non-governmental organizations may also convene government representatives for official conversations. These positions value objectivity, a call to serve one’s nation above others, composure amid challenges, and adaptability to new situations.
Paths into this field may include:
- Politics & History & Languages » Country Officer
- Diplomacy & Economics » Trade Negotiator
- History & Politics & Writing » Policy Researcher
Education
International education fosters the exchange of ideas – it exposes possibilities and opportunities far beyond an individual person or classroom. The field includes skills in teaching, curriculum development, technical assistance, interpersonal exchange, training, public diplomacy, tourism, and the promotion of intercultural understanding. Professionals work in schools, refugee camps, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, foundations, and private firms.
Paths into this field may include:
- Area Studies & Counseling » Study Abroad Advisor
- Global Studies & Languages & Social Work » Refugee Assistant
- Area Studies & History » Cultural Protection Officer
Energy & Environment
Sustainable sources of energy will drive economic development, political stability, conflict, and other issues in the future. In the private sector, there is an increased focus on energy and environmental issues as they relate to supply chain management, transportation costs, and corporate responsibility. The public, private, and non-profit sectors also look at the relationship between natural resources, regional conflict, and national security.
Paths into this field may include:
- Environmental Studies & International Development » Climate Change Specialist
- International Development & Environmental Geology » Program Officer for Water
- Area Studies & Urban Planning & Energy » Sustainable Transportation Coordinator
Science & Technology
There is an increasing awareness of the economic, political, and social consequences of scientific and technological advancements, as well as an expanding role for science and technology experts in the fields of international security, development, and trade. Combining expertise in science, technology, and policy helps overcome shared problems and bring people together to agree on solutions.
Paths into this field may include:
- Computer Science & International Studies » Cybersecurity Fellow
- Astronomy & Government & Global Studies » Space Policy Analyst
- Global Studies & Biology & Security Studies » Counter Bioterrorism Agent
Security & Intelligence
Jobs in security and intelligence require the ability to quickly gather, evaluate, and synthesize large amounts of information to make credible recommendations to political, military, non-governmental, and industry leaders. These fields encompass diverse sub–fields that range from food-, water-, human-security to nuclear non-proliferation. Positions may be with a government, private company, think tank, or non-profit.
Paths into this field may include:
- Area Studies & Data Analysis » Intelligence Officer
- Area Studies & Economics & Writing » Political Risk Analyst
- International Development & Nutrition » Food Security Officer.
*Information courtesy of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA)