What Can You Do With A Major In International Studies?
International Studies involves the interrelationships among societies that focus on international relations, global and development issues, and contemporary belief systems. In this field, the developed skills in language, analytical thinking, research, and economic literacy are useful in careers in the international aspect of government, communications, business, law, journalism and non-profit organizations.
Tracks:
Asian Studies
European Studies
Latin American Studies
Middle East and African Studies
International Relations and Comparative Politics
Foreign Language and Culture
Typical Career Paths:
International Business
International Relations
Social Services
Language Services
Language Education
Communication
International Public Law
Typical Job Titles
Note: Some of these occupations might require advanced degrees
| Teacher |
|
Social Worker |
| Sales Representative |
|
Account Executive |
| Grant Administrator |
|
Counselor |
| Journalist |
|
International Banker |
| Foreign Service Officer |
|
Consultant |
| Economist |
|
Financial Advisor |
| Head Brewer |
|
Producer |
| Chief Executive Officer |
|
Director, Marketing |
| Economist |
|
Political Officer |
| Press Secretary |
|
Publisher |
| Reporter |
|
Registered Nurse |
| Research Scientist |
|
Technical Director |
| Technical Writer |
|
Diplomat |
| International Relations Specialist |
|
Foreign Area Specialist |
| Activities Coordinator |
|
Translator |
| Intelligence Agent |
|
Affirmative Action Officer |
| ESL Instructor |
|
Program Coordinator |
| Fund Raiser |
|
Foreign Language Teacher |
| Teacher/Professor |
|
Humanitarian Relief Worker |
| Foreign Correspondent |
|
Researcher |
| Editor |
|
Tour Guide |
| Travel Agent |
|
Export Manager |
| Cross-cultural Relations Consultant |
|
Sales Coordinator |
| Public Relations Representative |
|
International Hotel Manager |
Typical Employers/Work Settings
Colleges/Universities
Government Agencies
Media
Law Firms
Accounting Firm
Banking
Medical Agencies
International Businesses
Non-profit Organizations
Technology Businesses
International Marketing Firms
International Trade Firms
Convention and Visitor's Bureaus
International Airlines
Logistics Firms
Relief Agencies
Religious Organizations
International Schools
Humanitarian Services
English Language Institutes
Foreign News Agencies
Television Networks
Wire Services
Academic Journals
International Newspapers
Match This Major To Careers
Beginning Salary Ranges
Payscale.com- Typical Salaries
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Summer 2011 Salary Survey, the average starting salary for International Studies was $31,904.
Salary Resources
Skills Needed For This Career
| Critical Thinking |
|
Analysis |
| Cross-cultural Understanding |
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Research |
| Information Synthesis |
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Problem-solving |
| Investigation |
|
Solutions Advocacy |
| Prioritization |
|
Persuasive writing/communication |
| Public Speaking |
|
Foreign Language |
| Global Financial Analysis |
|
People/program management |
| Adaptability |
|
|
Links to Professional Associations
Professional Associations are important to explore because many offer student memberships and can give you access to other professionals and their experiences, research, convention or workshop opportunities, professional development and most importantly job databases.
American Institute for Foreign Study
International Association for Translation and Intercultural Studies
Foreign Policy Association
Fulbright Scholars Program
International School Services
National Association of International Educators
International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language
International Journalists Network
International Center for Journalists
American Translators Association
Job Search Information
http://www.govtjobs.com/
http://www.hscareers.com/
http://www.internationaljobs.org/
http://www.policyjobs.net/
http://www.publicservicecareers.org/
http://www.socialservice.com/
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/
http://www.usajobs.gov/
Graduate School
Applying To Graduate and Professional Schools
Link To UNF Program
The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of North Florida offers a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies.
Holland Interest Codes
Asian, European or Latin American Studies:Social; Investigative; Artistic (SIA)
Middle East and Africa: Social; Investigative; Artistic (SIA)
International Relations and Politics: Investigative; Artistic; Social (IAS)
Foreign Language and Culture: Social; Artistic; Investigative (SAI)
Career Action Plan
- Conduct an informational interview with or shadow a professional in the field to gain more knowledge about this career
- Do at least one internship related to your career goal/program of study before graduating to gain experience
- Get involved in volunteer work and community service
- Develop leadership skills through on-campus activities such as Presidential Envoys, Residence Assistant, Student Government, Peer Advisor, etc.
- Develop team skills through involvement in student clubs and organizations on campus
- Participate in campus activities that promote interaction with international students
- Live and study abroad
- Read international newspapers to stay current on happenings in your countries of choice
- Research companies that do business with countries that speak French
- Learn a third language for increased career opportunities
- Join a professional association related to your career choice
