If you’re about to or have recently completed your degree in International Relations, there are various options regarding your career or further education to consider. Here are a few of the options available.
Diplomat
The main aim of a diplomat is to protect and represent a nation’s interest overseas in terms of trade, politics and consular services. A diplomat is required to spend around three years in a foreign country along with their family with the possibility of serving in countries with higher rates of disease, social conflicts and harsher climates. Diplomats can travel and reside in countries that tourists can’t go to such as Haiti, Iraq and Afghanistan. The main role of a diplomat is to act as a link between the country they represent and the country they are stationed in, as well as keeping in close contact with government officials and politicians of their host country.
Intelligence Specialist
As an intelligence specialist, you can work in various fields such as the navy, the military or almost any state department. The main duties of an intelligence specialist include collecting and analyzing operational intelligence data, conducting mission reports, using data in the form of charts and maps, evaluating results and preparing reports and statistics as well as maintaining intelligence databases, files and libraries.
Political Analyst
A political analyst is usually employed by the government; however, you can also find work opportunities within research institutes and media companies. The main duties of a political analyst include informing and interpreting various political developments, analyzing laws, government decisions and public policies, advising government officials, the media and political parties and also forecasting election results and political trends.
Lobbyist
Lobbyists are usually hired by corporations and non-profit organizations to convince government members to make decisions that would benefit the company or organization that they are representing. The main duties of a lobbyist include monitoring, researching and analyzing legislation, attending congressional hearings, reaching out to government policy makers and using communication tools to promote their ideas to the public.
International Lawyer
As an international lawyer, you can pursue a career in corporations, non-profit sectors or in the government. International lawyers will usually mediate and manage the relationship between associations, commercial organizations from different countries as well as private individuals. In some instances, an international lawyer may participate and mediate disputes between countries.
Graduate Programs and Further Education
If you’re still unsure on the exact route you want to go down, there are various options that can help you find your chosen field. If you already have a degree in international relations, Norwich University offers international relations graduate programs. Also, if you have an idea of what area you would like to go into, there are a variety of bachelor or master degrees that focus on specific areas. However, no matter which you choose, a degree in international relations will prepare you for a career in a variety of fields.
During studying, it is important to develop the relevant skills such as learning at least one foreign language and levelling up your communication, negotiation and persuasion abilities.
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