International Studies Career Paths
International studies degrees, and other degrees with international emphasis, are passports to impactful, and exciting career opportunities around the globe. Such degrees open a kaleidoscope of professions to college graduates, unrestricted by national boundaries and unbound by a single career path. Graduates with these degrees can solve global challenges, work across cultures and engage impactfully in many meaningful ways.
The degree equips learners with cross-national, cross-cultural, multilingual and multipurpose skills. These toolkits enable young people to navigate complex global environments— a worthwhile skill set in today’s dynamic global job market. What careers can be pursued with these degrees? As it turns out, many. They offer sparks of awareness and windows of opportunity. Here are five fascinating global careers awaiting those equipped with a global-minded education.
- Impacting global communities and changing lives: International Development and Humanitarianism.
For those looking to accelerate effective solutions to global challenges, to save lives, and build resilient communities in underserved regions across the world, a career in international development and humanitarianism is a perfect path.
In the UN bubble you have UNICEF, the WFP, UNDP and UNHCR as places to start. In the non-UN bubble, perfect platforms for public service and global impact include: The Borgen Project, Save the Children, Catholic Relief Service, International Rescue Committee, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Those interested in international development and humanitarianism might find it helpful trying out no visa jobs.com, Devex.com, and Impact pool.org.
- Driving the global economy through transnational business and trade.
International studies majors with business acumen, a knack for quantitative analysis and strategy will find careers in international business or trade incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s working for multinational corporations or firms such as the World Bank Group or the Asian Development Bank; or analyzing markets as a global consultant with McKinsey, Deloitte or BCG; or promoting exports for government trade departments, there are endless opportunities. They could also utilize their international studies knowledge to establish their own global business ventures, in any field, with any partners, across any part of the globe.
- Shaping global peace through diplomacy and foreign Service.
Geostrategic competition, social media wars, trade-civil and inter-country wars, human rights violations, and competing global governance philosophies call for strong diplomatic channels. International studies graduates are particularly suited to promoting global peace by addressing humanitarian crises, resolving global conflicts and influencing international relations. Those serving as diplomats or foreign service officers, in embassies or intergovernmental organizations such as the United Nations will be well prepared and well suited to represent global interests by negotiating treaties, championing global norms and fostering international collaboration and cohesion.
- Transnational storytelling through media and journalism
Journalistically passionate international studies majors will enjoy telling global stories through multinational multimedia storytelling, journalism, or photojournalism on a global stage. Major media outlets present International Studies graduates with plenty of opportunities to report on global issues, craft documentaries, or analyze geopolitics from and in diverse parts around the globe. Transnational journalism presents international studies majors with the opportunity to travel the world and break major news stories, uncover untold stories, and influence global public understanding of complex global issues.
- Bridging global diversity through cultural exchange and education
For those who think worldly, and love to broaden their horizons, cross-cultural exchange and education is an exciting and viable pathway to a remarkable global career. Following this path plays a vital role in helping others see the world in new perspectives and fosters intercultural understanding. International studies majors could pursue this path by teaching abroad, working in international education organizations or coordinating study abroad programs.
Forging your path for a global career
With a wide array of options that an international studies degree offers, one can find it difficult to pick the right path. Here are some helpful tips from Carpe Global:
- Building a global network: Connect with mentors who have walked the global path, attend global summits and conferences, and join global organizations.
- Finding internships or engaging in ethical volunteering, visiting our global resources, or doing a study abroad: Engaging in any of these activities will enable you to gain a real-world experience in various fields across various parts of the globe and it can help you discover what career path suits you.
- Identifying what you are passionate about: What drives you? What fascinates you? What piqued your interest in international studies? Are you drawn to culture and cultural immersion? Or are you passionate about global policy, climate change, or migration? Having a sense of your passion and drive will help you narrow your focus in identifying a global career that fits your interests
An International Studies Degree is more than an academic endeavor — it is a launchpad for a life of global exploration, engagement, and careers.
Connect, explore, and become even more worldly at Carpe Global, where you can learn about great resources and opportunities like those shared above! Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media @carpeglobal.
Michael Araka is a communications consultant with Carpe Global. Michael writes extensively on policy issues and current affairs. He holds an Msc in Management Science in Global Affairs from Tsinghua University where he was a Schwarzman Scholar, and a BA in Ethics and Politics from Bard College Berlin.
