International Relations: In-Depth Career Guide

International relations graduates are experts in international politics, with a deep understanding of the institutions, practices, and foreign policy issues that drive contemporary diplomacy. An international studies background typically leads to jobs in public policy and administration or research and education.

Which Types of Jobs are Available For Those Interested in International Relations?

International studies experts offer high-level skills in the administration and development of foreign policy. Jobs in international relations emphasize public service, but also include opportunities in the private and non-profit sectors. A sampling of career paths includes:

• Foreign affairs officer
• Counter-terrorism analyst
• Policy analyst
• Non-profit development coordinator
• Non-profit policy advocate
• International relations professor or instructor
• International think tank researcher
• Diplomat
• Human rights NGO administrator
• Environmental regulator

Work requirements and conditions vary widely depending on the job. Most jobs in international relations require travel or foreign residency. Research and communication are chief components of many job roles, from foreign service to education. International relations careers offer the advantage of an interesting, culturally enriching, and high-impact job. Challenges may include maintaining a balanced, stable family life, along with the workplace demands of slow-moving bureaucracies and intractable diplomatic negotiations.

Formal Training Required to Work in a Career Related to International Relations

Jobs for international relations majors require at least a bachelor's degree in the field, and many employers prefer or require a graduate degree.

• A bachelor's degree qualifies you for entry-level administrative positions at a non-profit or government agency. Jobs for international relations majors include entry-level roles in foreign service, policy analyst, and research assistant.
• A master's degree in international relations or political science qualifies you for work as a policy analyst, management-level administrator, or think-tank researcher.
• With a PhD degree, you may qualify for a career as an international relations or political science university professor, or academic researcher.

To prepare for a career in international relations while in school, pursue opportunities such as internships with public agencies or non-profits, study-abroad programs, and international cultural exchanges. Research and teaching assistantships also offer important preparation for many jobs in international relations.

The Typical Career Path of Someone Interested in International Relations

International relations appeals to adventurous and intellectually curious people with a facility for interpersonal communication. The career trajectory generally leads from assistant roles to supervisory or research positions. With experience and a terminal degree, you may advance into top positions such as agency director, U.S. diplomat, or professor.

Job Outlook and Salary Information for International Relations Majors

International relations majors face a varied career outlook depending on education level and specialty area. Demand for public policy and foreign affairs research is growing, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, particularly in areas such as social and environmental policy, health care, and immigration. The largest employer of international affairs graduates, the federal government, expects 10 percent growth in employment, with particular need for law enforcement, national security, and public health experts. A global economy has also expanded jobs for international relations majors, driving opportunity for private consultants and non-profit administrators.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks data on the following jobs for international relations majors:

• Political scientists should see employment growth of 19 percent in the 2008-2018 decade, faster than average for all U.S. occupations. Median earnings were $101,050 in 2009. Federal political scientists earned $114,040 in that period, while educators in the field averaged $54,190.
• Political and social advocacy jobs should grow by about ten percent, about as fast as average for all professions. Non-profit and political advocacy workers brought in $77,410 in 2009.
• Federal agents can also expect strong opportunity, with ten percent job growth in the 2008-2018 decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, federal criminal investigators and specialists for agencies such as the FBI, CIA, military, etc. had a median annual income of $89,930 in 2009.

In each of these occupational profiles, the Bureau of Labor Statistics emphasizes the value of an advanced degree. The master's degree in international relations offers both the standard credential and the necessary research training for most jobs in the field.

A career in international relations promises offers more than a job. It's an adventure--an opportunity for lifelong learning and cultural exchange. With a graduate degree in international affairs, you can put your efforts and expertise toward the common goal of a just and equitable global community.