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Do you want a career that can expand outside of the United States? Do you tend to think about international relations and how other countries interact with each other? Are you passionate about another culture and/or language? If so, you might want to consider a career path in international affairs.

International affairs careers can be found across all sectors, private, public, or government. There are also many think tanks and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) devoted to international relations.

Jinsuh Cho ’18 interns at UN Refugee Agency
Jinsuh Cho ’18 interns at UN Refugee Agency

Explore Careers

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).

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


Prepare for Jobs and Internships

Information, tips, and strategies to help prepare you as an undergraduate.

  • 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 barrie