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A degree in international relations helps students understand some of the biggest global challenges we currently face and will typically cover issues such as human rights, sovereignty, international security, and environmentalism.
The multi-faceted nature of the degree means it often incorporates insights from multiple disciplines, including history, political science and economics. As such, graduates are well prepared for a variety of careers.
Some of the most important skills you’ll gain from a degree in international relations include:
Strong verbal and written communication
Ability to collect, organise and analyse data to gain insights
Critical thinking, particularly when evaluating solutions to global challenges
Intercultural awareness
Teamwork through group projects
With that in mind, here are some examples of career paths for international relations graduates:
Policy officer
Working as a policy officer involves researching and analysing data to help public organisations or businesses make informed decisions. One of the main responsibilities is to consider the impact of these decisions and policies on local communities.
Policy officers work in a range of sectors, with central government being the most common type. Opportunities are also available in think tanks and non-profits where you’ll be expected to influence policies with a specific outcome, such as reducing social inequality.
If you decide to work for a private sector company, you’ll be assessing and creating internal policies for the organisation.
International aid worker
International aid workers establish long-term and sustainable solutions to issues that arise in developing countries. Examples of fields you can work in include sanitation, education, agriculture, governance and gender equality.
Some of the day-to-day responsibilities may involve liaising with NGOs, training volunteers, drafting funding proposals for overseas programmes or carrying out strategic planning for disaster management.
The nature of the work can be emotionally intense at times so it’s important to be patient with yourself and remain flexible in unexpected scenarios. Awareness of cross-cultural sensitivities is also a must when working directly with local communities.
Foreign diplomat
Diplomats represent a nation’s interest overseas, and are often based in embassies, high commissions and consulates around the world.
As an example, in the UK, graduates can apply for the Diplomatic Service track through the Civil Service Fast Stream. You’ll be employed by the Foreign and Commonwealth and Diplomatic Office (FCDO), and after your initial training, can expect to be moved to a different post within the UK or abroad every two to three years.
Depending on the department you work in, typical responsibilities may require organising and managing ministerial visits and attending events to represent a country’s interest. As you’d expect, excellent communication skills are a necessity, together with a demonstratable interest in international affairs and potentially proficiency in a second language.
Intelligence analyst
The role of an intelligence analyst is to gather and analyse data, make assessments and develop reports based on information gathered. You may also need to make presentations on your findings to senior leaders to help guide business and geopolitical decisions.
For some positions, proficiency in another language besides English is essential. It’s also worth bearing in mind the application process may involve extensive background checks before a formal offer can be made, particularly if you’re dealing with sensitive data.
Journalist
Although journalism isn’t directly related to a degree in international relations, reporting on international news or politics could be well-suited to someone with a strong interest in current affairs.
The job will normally involve finding and maintaining contacts, interviewing sources, writing, editing and publishing copy, researching and verifying facts, as well as liaising with editors, photographers and designers.
Roles are normally open to graduates from any discipline although a degree in international relations is useful for roles specific to international affairs. Studying a course accredited by the NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists) can help candidates find a job, especially if they haven’t formally studied journalism or English.
Aisha is Content Editor for TopUniversities.com and TopMBA.com, creating and publishing a wide range of articles for an international student audience. A native Londoner, Aisha graduated from the London School of Economics with a degree in Philosophy and has previously worked in the civil service.
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What can you do with an international relations degree?
Aisha Khan
Updated Feb 09, 2023Save
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A degree in international relations helps students understand some of the biggest global challenges we currently face and will typically cover issues such as human rights, sovereignty, international security, and environmentalism.
The multi-faceted nature of the degree means it often incorporates insights from multiple disciplines, including history, political science and economics. As such, graduates are well prepared for a variety of careers.
Some of the most important skills you’ll gain from a degree in international relations include:
Strong verbal and written communication
Ability to collect, organise and analyse data to gain insights
Critical thinking, particularly when evaluating solutions to global challenges
Intercultural awareness
Teamwork through group projects
With that in mind, here are some examples of career paths for international relations graduates:
Policy officer
Working as a policy officer involves researching and analysing data to help public organisations or businesses make informed decisions. One of the main responsibilities is to consider the impact of these decisions and policies on local communities.
Policy officers work in a range of sectors, with central government being the most common type. Opportunities are also available in think tanks and non-profits where you’ll be expected to influence policies with a specific outcome, such as reducing social inequality.
If you decide to work for a private sector company, you’ll be assessing and creating internal policies for the organisation.
International aid worker
International aid workers establish long-term and sustainable solutions to issues that arise in developing countries. Examples of fields you can work in include sanitation, education, agriculture, governance and gender equality.
Some of the day-to-day responsibilities may involve liaising with NGOs, training volunteers, drafting funding proposals for overseas programmes or carrying out strategic planning for disaster management.
The nature of the work can be emotionally intense at times so it’s important to be patient with yourself and remain flexible in unexpected scenarios. Awareness of cross-cultural sensitivities is also a must when working directly with local communities.
Foreign diplomat
Diplomats represent a nation’s interest overseas, and are often based in embassies, high commissions and consulates around the world.
As an example, in the UK, graduates can apply for the Diplomatic Service track through the Civil Service Fast Stream. You’ll be employed by the Foreign and Commonwealth and Diplomatic Office (FCDO), and after your initial training, can expect to be moved to a different post within the UK or abroad every two to three years.
Depending on the department you work in, typical responsibilities may require organising and managing ministerial visits and attending events to represent a country’s interest. As you’d expect, excellent communication skills are a necessity, together with a demonstratable interest in international affairs and potentially proficiency in a second language.
Intelligence analyst
The role of an intelligence analyst is to gather and analyse data, make assessments and develop reports based on information gathered. You may also need to make presentations on your findings to senior leaders to help guide business and geopolitical decisions.
For some positions, proficiency in another language besides English is essential. It’s also worth bearing in mind the application process may involve extensive background checks before a formal offer can be made, particularly if you’re dealing with sensitive data.
Journalist
Although journalism isn’t directly related to a degree in international relations, reporting on international news or politics could be well-suited to someone with a strong interest in current affairs.
The job will normally involve finding and maintaining contacts, interviewing sources, writing, editing and publishing copy, researching and verifying facts, as well as liaising with editors, photographers and designers.
Roles are normally open to graduates from any discipline although a degree in international relations is useful for roles specific to international affairs. Studying a course accredited by the NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists) can help candidates find a job, especially if they haven’t formally studied journalism or English.
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Aisha is Content Editor for TopUniversities.com and TopMBA.com, creating and publishing a wide range of articles for an international student audience. A native Londoner, Aisha graduated from the London School of Economics with a degree in Philosophy and has previously worked in the civil service.
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