The interdisciplinary nature of International Studies graduates make them ideally suited for careers in business and organizations with international clientele. Given their foreign language skills, political and cultural knowledge base, and background in economics, especially if combined with a Business degree, graduates are attractive to international businesses.
The foreign language and economic skills of International Studies graduates is useful for global financial analysis: assessing the economic performance of companies and industries for firms and institutions to invest in a globalized market, working as security analysts, investment analysts, portfolio managers, fund managers, risk managers, financial advisors and wealth managers. A bachelor's degree is acceptable for entry-level positions in this field, with most in finance eventually seeking an MBA.
International Studies graduates are excellent candidates for law school due to their written and oral communications abilities, their knowledge of politics and international affairs and their research skills. International law is an extremely competitive field concerned with whether the behavior of governments corresponds with international laws, and increasingly, the behavior of international corporations. Prior to attending law school, students with undergraduate degrees in International Studies can seek jobs as paralegals.
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Foreign service positions are extremely competitive, but those who pass the foreign service exam join a group of 9,000 who staff U.S. embassies abroad, the State Department and the United States Information Agency.
There are many other government agencies besides the State Department which hire International Studies graduates; most International Studies professionals in Washington work for other agencies such as the Defense Department, Central Intelligence Agency, Homeland Security and National Security Agency (the majority as intelligence analysts or and a few as clandestine operators). Others work for The Agency for International Development, which administers U.S. foreign aid.
As international economics and homeland security become increasingly prominent political issues, the number of international studies professionals who work on Congressional staffs has increased dramatically.
While difficult to obtain, administrative and communications positions within the United Nations are excellent opportunities for international studies graduates with strong language skills.
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International non-profit organizations that work to distribute foreign aid, improve humanitarian conditions and tackle issues such as famine relief are largely staffed by international relations/studies graduates.
The Peace Corps sends Americans abroad, typically for two year terms to developing countries are those in political or economic turmoil, to help the people of other countries work toward economic and social development. Volunteers often work alone in physically demanding conditions, and get independent management experience at a young age, making their experiences highly valued by employers hiring for international jobs. International Studies can prepare graduates for this challenging experience.
International Studies graduates who go on to get doctorates teach, research and write in a university setting, or research and lecture within think-tanks.
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An understanding of international relations is critical to government jobs domestically and abroad.
The nation's capital has many private research and intelligence contractors that perform government work on a contractual basis.
With the increased prominence of cable and Internet news, there is increased demand for journalists with backgrounds in international affairs and business experience as well as foreign language skills to work as foreign news correspondents.
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Acquire first-hand experiences with diverse cultures, peoples and places
Develop leadership, critical thinking and problem-solving skills while framing issues in a global context
Increase your language skills and fluency and enhance your skills in intercultural communication and internationalize your network of peers/colleagues
Critically analyze stereotypes, generalizations, and media accounts based on first-hand information and broaden your cultural awareness, appreciation and engagement
Increase confidence, resourcefulness and resilience in handling dynamic situations which arise in international travel and cultural exchanges
“ Studying abroad forced me out of my comfort zone, introduced me to lifelong friends, and showed me how important it is to see the world through the eyes of others. ”
Sociology provides many distinctive perspectives on the world, generating new ideas and critiquing established ideologies.
A department that is dedicated to teaching, research, service, and public engagement in the areas of politics in the local, state, national and international arenas.
Explore how the past shaped modern society.
The MPA program is an interdisciplinary professional degree designed for students looking to start or advance their careers in the public, nonprofit or private sectors.
The multi-disciplinary post-baccalaureate program in conflict management and resolution is ideal for professionals, practitioners and students who wish to gain a greater understanding of conflict in both domestic and international settings.
