Demand for Graduates in International Studies
There is substantial and growing demand for
graduates with concentrations in international studies in both the private sector and
government. Majors in International Studies at VCU are qualified to follow a number of
career paths.
Further, as is shown in several illustrative
job ads presented below, students who combine an international studies major with majors
in other fields enhance their suitability for many kinds of jobs. An undergraduate degree in International Studies
provides an excellent background for the study of law and advanced graduate study in a
number of social science disciplines, business, and journalism.
Job postings in newspapers and other sources
(e.g., CareerPath.com, Careers.com, HotJobs.com) make clear that international studies
training prepares students for a wide variety of positions opening in today’s market. The following representative jobs listed were
advertised over the past feww years for individuals with a bachelor’s degree and are
entry-level or near entry-level.
· Micron Technology (Boise, Idaho). Job title:
Export Specialist. Required education: “Bachelor's degree (business or international
studies preferred).” Source: CareerPath.com.
· Litton PRC (McLean, Virginia). Job title:
Functional Applications Analyst. Job description (partial): “If recent college
graduate, a degree in International Studies or a financial background would be a plus.”
Source: The Washington Post (classifieds).
· World Wildlife Fund (Washington, DC). Job
titles (two positions): Program Officer, East and SE Asia; Program Officer, East and
Southern Africa. Required background
(partial): “Relevant degree and work experience abroad required.” Source: The
Washington Post (classifieds).
· Booz-Allen and Hamilton (McLean, Virginia).
Job title: E-Strategist/Developer in Hong Kong, China. Qualifications (partial): ”Knowledge
of Asian culture a plus.” Source: The
Washington Post (classifieds).
· Science Applications International Corporation
(McLean, Virginia). Job title: Junior
Analyst. Qualifications (partial): “Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations
Research, International Relations (with quantitative analysis experience), or related
fields.” Source: The Washington Post (classifieds).
· Institute of Pacific Rim Studies (Lacey,
Washington). Job title: Recruitment and Placement Coordinator. Qualifications (partial):
BA degree in International Education or Social Sciences preferred.” Source:
CareerPath.com
· DCS Corporation (Alexandria, Virginia). Job
title: International Program Analyst. Qualifications (partial): “You must have at
least a BA/BS degree and 4 years of experience in Business Administration, Acquisition
Management, or International Relations.” Source: The Washington Post (classifieds).
· Macromedia (San Francisco, California). Job
title: Sales and Marketing Coordinator (near entry-level). Qualifications (partial):
“Four year college degree; Strong interest in international marketing, the Internet,
and the Web.” Source: Careers.com.
These listings are abundant. In today’s
global economy, a broad spectrum of business organizations are seeking applicants with
international studies skills and training. For
those who are drawn to employment in government, careers include work in the areas of
policy analysis, economic development, Foreign Service, international affairs,
international development, foreign trade, and finance.
An overview of “Careers in International
Studies” developed by the International Studies Program at DePaul University points
out that “There are more executive branch agency jobs available to international
specialists than congressional positions and judicial posts combined. . . . A good
government position can be found in the literally thousands of positions that require
related social science training, experience, and skills" (available at http://www.depaul.edu/~rrotenbe/careers.html).
A wide range of jobs also is available to
International Studies graduates in teaching and work with private public service
organizations. A listing of several hundred
current international job openings, some of them entry level positions, is available from
the International Career Employment Center (http://www.internationaljobs.org/hotjobs.html).
Illustrative job categories in a recent listing include international development and
assistance, program officer (country programs), relief services (religious organizations),
institutional development, economic/community development coordinator, monitoring and
evaluation specialist, human resource recruitment manager, regional advisor on children,
and others.
Among the organizations that have job openings
listed with the International Career Employment Center are the U.S. Agency for
International Development, Peace Corps, Catholic Relief Services, American Refugee
Committee Amnesty International, Kuleana Center for Children, World Neighbors, Care USA,
International Rescue Committee, The Ford Foundation, The American Red Cross, Mercy Corps
International, European Centre for Common Ground, Open Society Institute, Radio Free
Europe and The Asia Foundation.
Another category of jobs for which
international studies graduates often are especially well suited is overseas employment in
a variety of fields. A large number of country-by-country job listings can be accessed
through the Internet, and applicants can investigate specific job openings and make
contact with potential employers through these services. Online job banks can help
students identify specific work opportunities in particular locations around the world.
One example among many Web sites that catalogue such resources is The Riley Guide (http://www.dbm.com/jobguide/internat.html).
Academic employment also is available for many
specialists who pursue graduate work in international studies. For a listing of current positions advertised
through the International Studies Association, see the ISA web site: http://csf.colorado.edu/isa/employment.html
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