What Can I Do With A Major In International Studies?
The International Studies major is designed to provide the student with an interdisciplinary approach to studying global issues that will contribute to a broadly based but critical understanding of our ever-changing global environment. Such an interdisciplinary approach will prepare the student to enter an increasingly interdependent and globalized world and effectively face the challenges that these developments bring to them as both an individual and a global citizen.
Possible Career Options
(Some may require further education/specialization)Anthropologist
Anti-Terrorism Intelligence Agent
Campaign Worker
Chamber of Commerce Manager
Community Relations Manager
Congressional Aide
Cross Cultural Trainer
Diplomat
Editor
Exporter/Importer
Foreign Correspondent
Foreign Exchange Trader
Foreign Service Official
Foreign Service Peacekeeping Specialist
Government Intelligence Analyst
Government Service Executive
Government Worker
Humanitarian Relief Worker
Intelligence Specialist
International Lawyer
International Relations Specialist
International Student Adviser
International Trade Specialist
Labor Relations Specialist
Lawyer
Legislator
Librarian
Library Consultant
Lobbyist
Military Officer
Missionary Worker
Newspaper/Magazine Journalist
Peace Corps Volunteer
Political Consultant
Politician
Probation/Parole Officer
Professor
Public Affairs Coordinator
Public Relations Specialist
Radio/TV Announcer
Researcher
School Administrator
Social and Community Service Managers
Teacher
Technical Espionage Intelligence Agent
Travel Writer
VISA Worker
Types of Employers
Private & Non-Profit Organizations
Advertising Agencies
Archives
Banks
Book/Magazine Publishing Companies
Civic Organizations
Collection Agencies
Community Arts Centers
Community Organizations
Consulting Firms
Cultural Organizations
Education Institutions
Foundations
Historic Sites/Historical Societies
Insurance Companies
International Publications
International Visitors Councils
Labor Unions
Law Firms
Libraries
Museums
Newspapers
Political Organizations
Professional Associations
Public Interest Groups
Public Relations Firms
Radio/TV Companies
Research Firms
Government Agencies
Department of Commerce
Department of Justice
Department of State
Drug Enforcement Administration
Embassies
FBI/CIA
Federal/State Congressional Offices
General Accounting Office
National Archives and Records Administration
National Endowment for the Humanities
National Park Service
Peace Corps/AmeriCorp
Political Parties
Smithsonian Institution
US Agency for International Development
US Customs Service
US Information Agency
Transferrable Skills
General Skills
Understands and adapts programs, products and services to the cultural background of the audience
Becomes knowledgeable of other cultures, languages and institutions
Ability to analyze across cultural or national lines
Conducts and explains scientific research clearly
Communicates ideas to others
Focuses on the structure and function of the government and the necessity for human social order
Develops ability to adapt and appreciate others and their lifestyle
Gains and develops language skills
Understands and interacts with people who are culturally diverse
Problem Solving Skills
Thinks analytically
Evaluates problems and makes appropriate decisions
Analyzes concepts, definitions, arguments and complex problems
Organizes ideas, deals with questions of value, and extracts essential information
Distinguishes fine difference between views and discovers common ground
Persuasive Skills
Constructs clear formulations, good arguments and examples
Builds and defends views and appreciates completing positions
Persuades people and adapts to change
Communication Skills
Speaks articulately
Presents ideas through well-constructed, systematic arguments
Expresses a distinctive view and explains difficult material
Eliminates ambiguities and vagueness in communication
Constructs useful analogies
Writes interpretively, argumentatively and descriptively
Develops structure and technique while anchoring generalizations
Research Skills
Reads comprehensively
Organizes and interprets social, economic and political data
Summarizes complicated materials
Experiential Education
Completing an internship with a local, state or federal government agency
Volunteering with a humanitarian service organization
Studying a foreign language of a country you hope to work with in the future
Taking part in a Study Abroad or Cross Cultural experience
Professional Associations
American Foreign Service Association,
afsa.org
American Friends Service Committee,
afsc.org
Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs,
apsia.org
Foreign Policy Association,
fpa.org
International Studies Association,
isanet.org
Young Professionals in Foreign Policy,
ypfp.org
Enhancing Your Employability
Join relevant student organizations to develop leadership skills
Participate in internships and field experience placements
Participate in a study abroad opportunity
Become active in alumni and/or mentor networks
Plan on a graduate degree for advancement
Take part in mock interview opportunities