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The skills you learn over the course of an international relations master’s program are highly transferable. They include everything from learning how to present yourself through public speaking and in writing, to forming persuasive arguments, to collaborating with others toward common goals.
These skills are desirable to employers for many different roles, from working in public affairs to roles at non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Graduates who have completed the IE School of Global and Public Affairs’ Master in International Relations programme have gone on to work across an array of industries and at global players such as UNICEF, the European Parliament, Klarna the OAS and more.
TopUniversities spoke to IE School of Global and Public Affairs to learn more about some of the possible career paths available to students choosing a master’s in international relations.
Working in public affairs toward conflict resolution or policy development
Serving abroad as a diplomat
Examples of specific roles available to graduates include European parliamentary assistant, research assistant and public affairs intern.
Each of these roles capitalises on the knowledge that your international relations degree gives you regarding history and the dynamics between political groups or countries with varying interests. In addition, you’ll rely on the research skills you hone during your studies to stay up to date on current affairs.
Journalism
You can also apply your skills in political analysis to work as a journalist.
Since you’ll develop strong writing skills as an international relations student, you’ll be well prepared to construct coherent analyses of current events for publication across various types of platforms.
International finance and consultancy
Studying international relations involves developing the skills to analyse a multitude of factors and the way they can influence the outcomes of a situation. This capacity for analysis is especially valuable in the business realm.
As such, some international relations students go on to become important figures in international banks, or working as marketing executives, consultants or economists.
The ability to assess factors at play and to forecast are key to success in these roles.
IE School of Global and Public Affairs’ partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) ensures that students are surrounded by opportunities to learn how to apply these skills in roles involving economic decision-making.
What’s more, students can make important connections while they study, with nearly 200 recruiting partners having visited IE’s campus in the 2019-2020 academic year—including Uber, Facebook, Nike, Goldman Sachs and S&P Global.
Another common career path for international relations students is in social development or roles in international aid organisations. Both NGOs and government-funded organisations often recruit international relations graduates because of their skills in problem-solving, communication and intercultural awareness and cooperation.
Prestigious NGOs such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Save the Children have participated in IE School of Global and Public Affairs’ special careers forum for international relations students, meaning that you’ll have the opportunity to start building your network with these organisations while you study.
Furthermore, an international relations background can also help you find work with organisations closer to home or smaller NGOs, such as working as a lobbyist in your local or national government. Such a role will allow you to drive efforts for transformative changes at the legislative level.
A Master in International Relations equips you with skills and knowledge that you can use in a myriad of ways. Whether you’re aiming for a career in the public, private or non-profit sector, you won’t regret studying such a dynamic, relevant field that offers constant stimulation and countless possibilities.
As Head of Content, Craig is responsible for all articles and guides published across TopUniversities and TopMBA. He has nearly 10 years of experience writing for a student audience and extensive knowledge of universities and study programs around the world.
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What career paths can I follow with a master’s in international relations?
Craig OCallaghan
Updated Aug 22, 2022Save
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Sponsored by IE School of Global and Public Affairs
The skills you learn over the course of an international relations master’s program are highly transferable. They include everything from learning how to present yourself through public speaking and in writing, to forming persuasive arguments, to collaborating with others toward common goals.
These skills are desirable to employers for many different roles, from working in public affairs to roles at non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Graduates who have completed the IE School of Global and Public Affairs’ Master in International Relations programme have gone on to work across an array of industries and at global players such as UNICEF, the European Parliament, Klarna the OAS and more.
TopUniversities spoke to IE School of Global and Public Affairs to learn more about some of the possible career paths available to students choosing a master’s in international relations.
Public affairs and politics
International relations students acquire a skillset which is extremely useful in roles related to political science.
Common jobs in this area include:
Examples of specific roles available to graduates include European parliamentary assistant, research assistant and public affairs intern.
Each of these roles capitalises on the knowledge that your international relations degree gives you regarding history and the dynamics between political groups or countries with varying interests. In addition, you’ll rely on the research skills you hone during your studies to stay up to date on current affairs.
Journalism
You can also apply your skills in political analysis to work as a journalist.
Since you’ll develop strong writing skills as an international relations student, you’ll be well prepared to construct coherent analyses of current events for publication across various types of platforms.
International finance and consultancy
Studying international relations involves developing the skills to analyse a multitude of factors and the way they can influence the outcomes of a situation. This capacity for analysis is especially valuable in the business realm.
As such, some international relations students go on to become important figures in international banks, or working as marketing executives, consultants or economists.
The ability to assess factors at play and to forecast are key to success in these roles.
IE School of Global and Public Affairs’ partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) ensures that students are surrounded by opportunities to learn how to apply these skills in roles involving economic decision-making.
What’s more, students can make important connections while they study, with nearly 200 recruiting partners having visited IE’s campus in the 2019-2020 academic year—including Uber, Facebook, Nike, Goldman Sachs and S&P Global.
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Social development and international aid
Another common career path for international relations students is in social development or roles in international aid organisations. Both NGOs and government-funded organisations often recruit international relations graduates because of their skills in problem-solving, communication and intercultural awareness and cooperation.
Prestigious NGOs such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Save the Children have participated in IE School of Global and Public Affairs’ special careers forum for international relations students, meaning that you’ll have the opportunity to start building your network with these organisations while you study.
Furthermore, an international relations background can also help you find work with organisations closer to home or smaller NGOs, such as working as a lobbyist in your local or national government. Such a role will allow you to drive efforts for transformative changes at the legislative level.
A Master in International Relations equips you with skills and knowledge that you can use in a myriad of ways. Whether you’re aiming for a career in the public, private or non-profit sector, you won’t regret studying such a dynamic, relevant field that offers constant stimulation and countless possibilities.
As Head of Content, Craig is responsible for all articles and guides published across TopUniversities and TopMBA. He has nearly 10 years of experience writing for a student audience and extensive knowledge of universities and study programs around the world.
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