As international travel and global connections continue to facilitate the exchange of people, ideas, and products around the world, careers in international affairs continue to increase in demand. Whether through diplomacy, development, security, trade, or communication, there are many different ways you can apply your skills on an international level!
Key Skills and Abilities
- High-level intercultural communication skills
- Clear, concise writing skills
- Program management
- Relationship-building
- Ability to speak and understand a language other than English
- Experience living, working, and traveling abroad
Common Employers
- The US Department of State and other federal agencies
- Congressional Committees such as Foreign Affairs, Defense, etc.
- Think Tanks focused on world regions
- The US Military
- International nonprofits/multilaterals
Though international affairs is a constantly growing and evolving field, it is also highly competitive. Many people, all over the world, are interested in the same jobs and opportunities that you are, so it’s important to develop relevant skills early on and work toward building an area of expertise that helps you stand out. Start during your undergraduate years, by taking classes that allow you to explore your interests in depth and from multiple perspectives, and practice researching, analyzing and writing about relevant world issues. Then, find ways to gain experience!
Experience in international affairs can certainly come from interning or studying abroad, but also from participating in language/cultural exchanges, volunteering with communities that are different from your own, or building expertise in your field of choice that can easily translate to other communities. SuccessWorks is here to help you get started in this process, and take your first steps toward a globally relevant career!
Continue Exploring
