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Public (government)

• Capitol Hill: Employment on the Hill generally refers to positions available in one of the 535 Congressional offices (100 Senate and 435 House of Representatives) or 300 committees and subcommittees.
• Federal Government: Interested in a career in the Foreign Service? Check out DOSCareers, an app by the Department of State. International affairs positions in government do not just exist in agencies such as the Department of State and the Agency for International Development, almost every federal department and agency maintains an international affairs division.

Private

• Management Consulting: Typically, consultants conduct research, analyze data, prepare reports, and present findings; less frequently a management consultant will become involved in the actual implementation of the plan.
• International Business: Multinational corporations, joint ventures, financial institutions, law firms, consulting firms, and manufacturers of both goods and services cater to an international clientele.
• Journalism: Journalists report on current affairs and other events for print and web publications or for broadcast on radio or television; news reporters may specialize in fields such as politics, foreign affairs, business, arts, sports, health, or science.
• Political Risk Analysis: Typically, political risk analysts gather information on an area or a country, determine the causes and sources of any related risks, and forward their findings to those making investment decisions.

Non-profit/NGO

• Associations: Approximately 22,300 multinational, binational, and non-U.S.national associations operate internationally. The majority of associations in the US are headquartered in Washington, DC, New York, or Chicago.
• Foundations: A foundation is a non-governmental, nonprofit organization with its own funds (usually from a single source, either an individual, family, or corporation) and program managed by its own trustees and directors established to maintain or aid educational, social, charitable, religious, or other activities serving the common welfare, primarily by making grants to other nonprofit organizations (Foundation Center).

For more information, visit:

These organizations can be great places to make connections, learn more about the field, and search openings. Many have discounted student memberships.

• Describe your international experiences as they relate to this position.
• How has your study abroad experience contributed to your candidacy?
• Describe an experience dealing with a cultural difference and barrier. How did you react/handle the situation?
• Describe a current global issue that matters to you.
• Are you willing to travel to countries without western amenities as part of your job?
• Tell me about a time when you completed a research project?
• Tell me about a time when you managed a project?

Knowledge of industry news can give you a sense of the culture and make you a better interview candidate. Social media can be a great tool to stay current:

• Follow for updates, news, and job postings
• Follow
• Twitter tip: search “international affairs” as a keyword for great results on who to follow

Follow each organization, office, and agency on multiple social media outlets for job postings, updates, and other resources

Some possible graduate degrees:

• Master of Arts in International Affairs (M.A.I.A.)
• Master of Arts in International Communication (M.A.I.C.)
• Master of Arts in International Development (M.A.I.D.)
• Master of Science in Development Management (M.S.D.M.)
• Master of Arts in International Peace and Conflict Resolution (MAIPCR)
• Master of Arts in Law & Diplomacy (MALD)
• Global Master of Arts Program (GMAP)
• Master in International Business (MIB)
• Master of Laws in International Law (LLM)
• Master of International Service (M.I.S.)
• Master of Science in International Affairs (MSINTA)
• Ph.D. in International Relations (Ph.D.)

Graduate School Resources

What led you to pursue your current role?

It combines many different interests including international affairs, economics and finance, public service, and travel. I value work that is challenging but very rewarding when it improves the lives of other people.

What activities on campus were most helpful to your transition into your industry? 

Study abroad on the London Economics Program, plus my double major in economics and international relations. I volunteered through various campus organizations, including the Newman Community.

What values do you look for in a company?

Mission-oriented, good team dynamics, positive and inclusive work environment, supports professional development, challenging and increasing job responsibilities, innovative and hardworking atmosphere.

What was the most challenging aspect of the graduate school application process?

Finding the program that is the right fit with your interests and experience, which then makes the application flow more naturally; reach out to students and staff in the program to network; standardized tests.

How would you advise students to approach the possibility of graduate school during their time at ������ and after graduation?

Understanding what you would like to pursue professionally should be a prerequisite to attending graduate school because of the time, money, and challenging coursework. There is not a right answer for attending graduate school right away or waiting. It just depends on the field of study, professional requirements, and where you are personally.

Did you take a gap year?

I did not but would have equally benefited from a few years of job experience first.