International Affairs Career Advice 101
The world of international affairs (commonly referred to as international relations) careers is vast. Pinpointing your interests, experience, and strengths is critical to finding the right position and career for you.
As you look at your career options, don’t limit yourself to organizations you “know.” Think outside the box, research what similar government agencies, companies or associations are in the same sector and look at getting informational interviews or applying to those organizations as well. Too often applicants limit themselves to known brands or organizations that are ultra-competitive or aren’t the best fit for their skill set.
International Affairs Careers Rewards and Potential Drawbacks
Rewards: Living or traveling overseas, learning new cultures/languages, meaningful work on important world events, cross-cultural work with fascinating colleagues, working on critical world issues that matter to humanity and the United States, your work is often in the news, learning languages, trying new food, and so much more.
Drawbacks: Living or traveling overseas can be taxing on personal relationships including friends and a significant other. Many jobs in the field can require long hours. With some exceptions – most do not enter the field for money. There can be extensive bureaucracy in many institutions, progress and promotion can be slow.
Major Sectors in International Affairs Careers
- Foreign Affairs Agencies (Ex: U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Commerce)
- National Security (Ex: Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), National Security Agency (NSA))
- Law Enforcement (Ex: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Customs and Border Protection)
- U.S. Congress (Ex: Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Congressional Research Service (CRS))
- International Organizations (Ex: United Nations, World Food Program)
- International Development (Ex: Red Cross, Oxfam, Mercy Corps)
- Associations (Ex: U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers)
- Non-Governmental Organizations (Ex: National Endowment for Democracy, International Republican Institute)
- Think Tanks/Academia (Ex: Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Carnegie Endowment, Hoover Institution, East West Center)
- Private Sector (Ex: International Government Relations, consulting companies, political risk)
Getting the Job: Key Tips
- Networking: Knowing people is very helpful to obtain most jobs in international affairs. Constantly building, maintaining and expanding your network is essential to getting where you want to go.
- Translate Your Work Experience Effectively: Many jobs in international affairs are complicated or unique and translating that experience for future employers to understand is critical. Whether it is your resume or cover letter, telling a story that future employers can understand is an art.
- Updated Digital Presence: For many jobs, an updated, sharp, digital profile is key to building your credibility in international affairs. Whether it is LinkedIn or your biography on a volunteer website, a polished online profile can be helpful. This isn’t easy for some if you have worked in government service where your work is difficult to talk about publicly.
