Career and Graduate School
Information for International
Studies Majors
Prepared by the International Studies Program, University of South Alabama
Career
International
Studies
a) Tips … p. 1
b) Options…p. 1
c) More info… p. 5
d) Internships… p6
Graduate School
a) Tips … p. 7
b) Options … p. 7
c) Academic Common
Market … p. 10
c) More info … p. 11
d) Time table … p. 12
2009 Edition
According to a report from the College Placement Council Foundation, “employers place the highest
value on skills not usually associated with specific training: generic cognitive skills and social skills.” The
study called cross-cultural competence “the critical new human resource requirement created by the
global environment” (Careers in International Affairs, 1997: 3)
What you should do?
•
“It is crucial that you realize responsibility for finding a job is basically yours” (Careers in
International Affairs, 1997: 3)
•
Consider internal and external factors: Internal is your self-knowledge; external is your
knowledge of the world – must know both and combine them.
•
“You should approach career planning in the same way you approach your studies” hence,
research, use resources, learn how to prepare an impressive resume and write a targeted cover
letter, etc. FINDING A JOB IS A FULL TIME JOB and takes a lot of work.
•
Think now about the future and think of ways to enhance your career skills while you are in
college. WHAT HELPS MAKE YOU MARKETABLE? Consider doing things that help
distinguish you like an internship, study abroad, a unique program, etc.
•
Seek help… start early… know your options … discover and create your opportunities…
Areas/options:
I . U.S. Government –
Tips: no longer a single structure or examination process – decentralized – requires creativity and
patience, perseverance, and hard work –
“nearly every federal agency has some office, division, or identifiable group of staff that has
international relations as its focus” “it is crucial that you realize responsibility for finding a job is
basically yours” (Careers in International Affairs, 1997: 13)
“case examining” – candidates applying for a position are rated and ranked against the job
qualification and selections are made
3 step process: a) find out what jobs are open – call Career America Connection or visit Federal
Employment Information Center – b) identify potential job and request an application and/or
vacancy announcement – c) follow instructions for application
Areas:
Agency for International Development
Agriculture, Dept of
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
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Office of International Cooperation and Development (OICD)
Agriculture and Trade Analysis Division
Commerce, Dept of
International Trade Administration (ITA)
Office of International Economic Policy
Office of Trade Administration
Office of Trade Development
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Defense, Dept of
Office of the Asst. Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (ISA)
Office of the Asst. Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy (ISP)
Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD)
Drug Enforcement Agency
Intelligence Division
Operations Division
Education, Dept of
Office of Postsecondary Education’s Center for International Education
Office of Intergovernmental and Interagency Affairs
Energy, Dept of
Office of the Asst. Secretary for International Affairs
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of International Activities
Export-Import Bank (mainly in accounting, computer science, economics, financial analysis, law,
marketing, and public affairs)
Foreign Credit Insurance Association
Federal Maritime Commission
General Accounting Office
National Security and International Affairs Division
Health and Human Services, Dept of
Office of International Health
Immigration and Naturalization Service
Inter-American Foundation
Interior, Dept of
Bureau of Mines
Branch of Foreign Data
International Trade Commission (minimum of 21 credit hours in economics; also, international law,
international trade, business adm, and regional studies)
Labor, Dept of
Bureau of International Labor Affairs
Management and Budget, Office of
International Affairs Division
Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)
Peace Corps
Securities and Exchange Commission
Office of International Affairs
Trade and Development Agency
Trade Representative, Office of (limited, highly competitive)
Transportation, Dept of
Office of Policy and International Affairs
FAA – Office of International Aviation
Treasury, Dept of
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Office of the Asst. Secretary of International Affairs
Deputy Comptroller for International Relations and Financial Evaluations
Special areas of interest ================
STATE, Dept of (recruitment through Foreign Service Exam: a) written exam offered once a year; b)
day-long oral assessment; c) graded personal interview )
Information Agency (USIA) – includes public affairs, information and cultural affairs officers
stationed in overseas offices –
Foreign Service – includes administration, consular, economic and political officers –
internship program
Bureau of International Organization Affairs -- assist US citizens interested in employment in
international organizations (can also apply directly to the IGO)
INTELLIGENCE (focuses on many issues, include strategic issues, science and technology, economics,
politics, and societal affairs) –
CIA -- careers in almost every academic discipline
Defense Intelligence Agency
National Security Agency
Military Intelligence
Bureau of Intelligence and Research, Dept of State
Legislative Branch
Senate and House offices do most of their own hiring – often preference for local constituents, so
offices of the hose state delegation should be first stop
Placement office helps fill offices for support staff
Legislative Correspondent, Legislative Assistant, Legislative Aide/Research Assistant
II. International Organizations
no fixed or central recruitment mechanism – range of job categories –
Caribbean Development Bank
Food and Agricultural Organization
Inter-American Development Bank
International Labour Office
International Monetary Fund
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
Organization of American States
UNITED NATIONS
Conference of Trade and Development
Children’s Fund
Development Programme
Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization
Environment Program
High Commissioner for Refugees
Industrial Development Organization Population Fund
World Trade Organization
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III. Business
“growing complexity can provide opportunities for graduates in international affairs who are able
to combine a business mind-set and know-how with international skills and experience. As a hob
candidate, it is a plus to be perceived as global, or as a regional expert, particularly when fluent in
one or more languages” (Careers in International Affairs, 1997: 149)
“The most obvious and recognized international skill is speaking another language fluently and
being familiar with the cultural and regional knowledge that accompanies it” (Careers in
International Affairs, 1997: 152)
Banks – mainly in the US, mainly in NY – strong evidence of business or finance focus
Business-Related Organizations
American Electronics Assoc.
Council on Competitiveness
Environmental Export Council
National Assoc. of Manufactures
U.S. Council for International Business
Consulting
Manufacturing – Services – Trade
GE
MCI
P&G
IV. NGO’s (Non-profit and education organizations)
Academy for Educational Development
American Society of International Law
Amnesty International
The Carter Center
Catholic Relief Services
Global Exchange
Human Rights Watch
Salvation Army
YMCA International Division
V. STATE/LOCAL
State Economic Development Office
Foreign Trade Commission
Shipping Businesses
Manufacturing Business – Degussa, Goodrich, etc.
Local Banks
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Books/ Publications
Brinkerhoff and Brinkerhoff, Working for Change: Making a Career in International Public
Service (Kumarian Press, 2005). USA Library: HF 5381 .B6528
Carland and Faber, eds. Careers in International Affairs (8th edition) (Georgetown University,
2008). USA Library: JZ 1238 .U6 C37
Halloran, Ed. Careers in International Business (McGraw-Hill, 2003). USA Library: Electronic
Books.
Krannich and Enelow, Best Resumes and CVs for International Jobs: Your Passport to the Global
Marketplace (Impact Publications, 2002). USA Library: HF 5383 .K685
Kruempelmann, Elizabeth. Creating an International Life and Career (Ten Speed Press, 2002)
Lauber, Daniel. International Job Finder: Where the Jobs are Worldwide (Planning and
Communications, 2002)
Mueller, Nancy. Work Worldwide: International Career Strategies for the Adventurous Job Seeker
(Avalon Travel Publishing, 2000). USA Library: HF 5382.55 .M83
Penrith, Deborah. Directory of Jobs & Careers Abroad (12th edition) (Vacation Work Publications,
2004).
Swartz, Salli, ed. Careers in International Law (American Bar Association, 2008). USA Library:
University Library: KZ 1238 .U55 C37
Ninal Segal and Eric Kocher, International Jobs: Where They Are, How to Get Them by (6th
edition) (Perseus Books, 2003). USA Library: HF 5382.7 .K62
Thompson, Mary, The Global Resume and CV Guide (Wiley 2002). USA Library: HF 5383 .T53
On Line
Most agencies and businesses have web sites that include information on jobs and the application
process – For example:
o U.S. State Department http://www.state.gov/employment/
o CIA http://www.cia.gov/employment/index.html
o Peace Corps http://www.peacecorps.gov/
On Campus
Career Services (Meisler Hall)
Big Guide to Living and Working Overseas (comprehensive interactive web site that helps
students and young professional build global career skills) – accessible only through USA Career
Services http://www.southalabama.edu/careerservices/ Access to the “Big Guide” registration site
is also available by going directly to: www.workingoverseas.com/usouthal.
Jobs abroad web page: http://www.southalabama.edu/careerservices/abroadlinks.html
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Internships are a great way to gain practical, professional experience and are becoming a major tool to
prepare students for careers. Internships provide skills and help students gain network. Most internships
are unpaid. You can do an internship as part of your IS program (IS 496).
•
Local. Many students choose to do an internship with a local organization or business. This
range from the Chamber of Commerce to Refugee Resettlement to local businesses. Many
students find internships on their own, approaching potential partners on their own. The IS faculty
can help identify and pursue an internship opportunity.
•
National. Many organizations run established internship programs. The State Department, CIA,
etc. offer highly competitive internship programs. Check the web sties for information. The
National Security Agency, for instance, conducts a Summer Program on intelligence analysis.
•
Abroad. An internship abroad – combined perhaps with study abroad – provides invaluable
experience. Examples/Information:
o
o
o
Transitions Abroad. Offers Study Abroad Internships sponsored by universities and
designed for undergraduates in a number of locations and Internship Exchange/Work
Permit Programs. (www.transitionsabroad.com)
International Cooperative Education. (ICE). Offer 2-3 month programs in a variety of
countries in retail sales, supermarkets, hotels/restaurants, agriculture, offices, hospitals,
banks, computer science, engineering, marketing, recreation and teaching.
(www.icemenlo.com)
Visions Intern. Visions in Action is an international non-profit organization in
Washington DC promoting social and economic justice throughout the developing
world. Its Classic Volunteer Program sends volunteers to Uganda, Tanzania,
South Africa and Mexico to work with local NGOs. They charge a program fee
that includes housing, health insurance, a 2-3 week orientation in-country, staff
support in the US and abroad, and visa processing. (www.visionsinaction.org)
•
•
•
•
•
•
Internships (latest edition) (Peterson’s Interhsips) by Jennifer Fishberg, et al.
Jill Lacey “Working Abroad: Finding International Internships and Entry-Level Jobs”
Occupational Outlook Quarterly 50 (3) 2006: 2-19.
The Back Door Guide to Short-term Job Adventures: Internships, Summer Jobs, Seasonal
Work, Volunteer Vacations, and Transitions Abroad by Michael Landes (Ten Speed
Press, 2005).
go to the web sites of the organizations themselves (State Dept, CIA, Peace Corps, etc)
www.transitionsabroad.com – has links to many organizations offering internship
programs and opportunities
International Internship Opportunities -- http://www.globalexperiences.com/internships/
Office of International Education (Alpha East)
Internships and Work Abroad web page: http://www.southalabama.edu/oie/internships.html
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• Should you go to graduate school?
To answer this, you should think about your plans, your strengths and weakness, and your current
experience. A good indicator of whether to go to graduate school is your current experience: If you
are really enjoying college, have a keen interest in certain courses, and are doing well academically,
then graduate school may be right for you. Graduate school is more of the same, but better. Also,
think about your career objectives. What do you want to do? What are you interested in? Today, “A
master’s degree is required for most professional jobs in international affairs” (International Jobs,
2000: 21).
o
o
o
o
o
Determine your strengths, interests and needs
Consider the size, location and culture of the program.
What employment and internship opportunities are available?
How competitive are you as a candidate?
What is your commitment to the field?
•
“It is strongly suggested that you get practical training in the form of internships, and preferably
full-time work experience, before you apply to graduate school” (International Jobs, 2000: 21)
[unless you are interested in a career in academia]
•
If you are interested in a career in academia, a Ph.D. is normally required and the degree should
probably be within a traditional discipline.
• What is graduate school? How does it differ from undergraduate?
Graduate school is like undergraduate school in that you take classes, read, do papers and
presentations etc. But it is much more rigorous and serious. You usually take fewer classes per
semester. There are a number of different types of programs that are available for IS students. These
programs are often quite flexible.
Professional versus Academic Programs. Both PROFESSIONAL and ACADEMIC programs
are available. Professional programs usually offer terminal Masters degrees that focus more on
practical training to work in education, NGOs, business, etc. Academic programs focus more on
the discipline and research. The terminal degree is a Ph.D. Your selection depends on your career
objectives.
Discipline-based versus Interdisciplinary Programs. In addition to the programs in the
traditional disciplines (Foreign Language, History, Philosophy, Political Science), there are a
wide array of interdisciplinary programs, particularly among the Professional programs. Your
selection depends on your career objectives. If you wish to work in academic, a traditional
discipline may be best.
Options/Flexibility. There is usually a good bit of flexibility to graduate programs. Many
programs, for example, offer a range of tracks or concentrations so that you can tailor the
program to fit your needs. Even at the Ph.D. level, students may have options to include outside
areas in their program of study. You should seek a program that fits your needs, rather than fitting
your needs to particular programs.
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• How much does it cost?
Though it varies by areas, most graduate students receive some sort of financial assistance. This
usually comes in the form of a teaching or research assistantship, which normally a stipend and
tuition waiver. Because of this, applying for graduate school is more about applying for the
assistantship/fellowship money rather than simply admittance into the program. In certain areas, like
business and law, there are fewer opportunities for assistantships. The costs can be considerable, but
the earning potential is greatly enhanced with a masters degree.
Examples
•
Business – MBA – most MBA programs are structured like the undergraduate BBA programs
though with some opportunity to specialize in international business -- see the American
Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) at www.aacsb.edu
o Special International Business programs -- you will probably need more basic business
courses – you can take them there, or here
Thunderbird, American Graduate School of International Management – 4
semester lock-step program includes about 60% international business courses,
20% international studies and 20% language courses – expensive, but excellent
placement of graduates
University of South Carolina – International Master of Business Administration –
includes required overseas program
Memphis State University -- offers an IMBA -- similar in structure with
specialized tracks in Country Business, World Region or US Business. Offer
summer programs that include internships abroad.
•
Foreign Language – graduate programs – teaching language an option – MAT programs allow
you to go straight to teaching foreign language in high school. In Spanish, relatively easy to get
assistantships at large institutions given the demand for Spanish.
•
Geography
•
History
•
International Affairs/International Studies – see Association of Professional Schools of
International Affairs (APSIA), an association of 16 schools offering degrees in International
Affairs (web site link on IS homepage). Programs vary, but offer specializations in development,
regional studies, international relations, international organizations
o
o
North Carolina State University offers a Master of International Studies that prepares
students for careers in government service, international institutions and NGOs.
University of Miami offers a Master of Arts in International Administration (MAIA)
MAIA focuses on the world of the 21st century. Graduates emerge with expertise in a
range of contemporary issues. It uses state of the arts educational methods and
information technology.
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o
o
o
o
George Mason University offers a Master degree in International Commerce and
Policy. This is a professional degree providing practical skills for the global marketplace
that integrates economics, trade, business, and investment with the study of politics,
technology, and culture.
University of South Carolina offers a Master and a Ph.D. in International Studies.
Seton Hall University (NJ) offers a program in Diplomacy and International Relations.
Texas A&M. Master in International Affairs is a 21-month, masters-level program that
offers concentrations in National Security Affairs and International Economics and
Development.
•
International Development
o The New School (NY) offers a hands-on, problem-solving, practice-oriented graduate
program combining analysis of the changing global economy and culture with an
understanding of the economic and social problems facing developing countries.
o School for International Training (VT) offers a Master of Arts in Sustainable
Development that prepares professionals for careers with international or communitybased organizations dedicated to an equitable sharing and sustainable use of the world’s
wealth and natural resources.
o Tulane. Program in International Development is designed for current and prospective
development professionals. Courses are interdisciplinary - reflecting the integrated nature
of the development process.
o University of Denver offers a Master of Arts in International Development (MOD). This
is a professional M.A. degree that trains students to analyze political, economic and
social problems that face developing countries.
•
Regional Studies
o Asian Studies
UCLA Center for East Asia
University of Arizona East Asian Studies Program
University of Texas Austn’s Dept of Asian Studies emphasizes classical East
and Southeast Asian languages and lit.
University of Virginia’s Center for South Asian Studies emphasizes SouthCentral Asia w/ extensive language program
George Washington University – MA Program in Asian Studies
Most programs require a year or two in an Asian language prior to admission—
usually want about 24 hours in Asian studies at undergraduate level -o European Studies
o Latin American Studies
University of Arizona
University of Florida – offers disciplinary and topical specializations. Topical
specializations include Andean studies, Brazilian studies, Caribbean studies,
development studies, gender studies, international communications, Latin
American business environment, Latino studies, religion and society, and tropical
conservation and development. Also offer a joint MALAS/JD program.
University of South Florida.
University of Texas
Vanderbilt University.
o Russian Studies
University of Kansas – Master of Arts in Russian and East European Studies
University of Surrey School of Language – one-year Diploma/M.A.
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University of Texas – M.A. in Russian, East European, Eurasian
specialization in many departments
University of Virginia – Dept of Slavic Languages and Literature -- options
in Russian Lit, Slavic Linguistics, or Contemporary Russian Studies
•
Political Science
o Regional
University of Alabama
University of Georgia
University of Florida
Florida State University
•
Joint Law Degree Programs – many schools offer joint degree programs in regional studies
or international affairs and Law. For example:
• University of Florida – MA in Latin American Studies and Law Degree (4 year
program )
This is a program set up among southern states that allows students to attend graduate programs not
available in their own state and pay only the in-state tuition. Among the IS-related graduate programs
available for Alabama residents (2007) are:
Masters in
• Diplomacy and International Commerce - University of Kentucky
• International Commerce and Policy – George Mason University
• International Affairs – Florida State University
• International Studies – University of South Carolina
• Slavic Languages/Literature – Florida State University
• Classical Languages/Literature – University of Kentucky
• Russian and East European Studies – Florida State University
• Conflict Analysis and Resolution – George Mason University
Doctorate in
• International Development – Southern Miss.
• International Studies – University of South Carolina
• Conflict Analysis and Resolution – George Mason University
-- for more information visit
http://www.sreb.org/programs/acm/acmindex.asp
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Books/ Publications
• Decision Guides: Graduate Schools In The USs. 2006 (Peterson's Graduate Schools in the US
2005)
• Paying for Graduate School Without Going Broke, 2005 Edition (Princeton Review Series) by
Peter Diffley,
• Peterson's Graduate Studies in Social Sciences & Social Work (University-Wire, Graduate
Studies Series) by Peterson's.
On Line
Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs http://www.apsia.org/
International Studies: GRADUATE SCHOOL DIRECTORY
http://www.gradschools.com/listings/menus/int_stud_menu.html
Graduate Programs in International Affairs in the Southeast
http://programs.gradschools.com/southeast/international_studies.html
Graduate Programs in Area Studies
http://www.gradschools.com/listings/menus/AreaStudies_menu.html
Graduate Programs in Latin American Studies
http://www.gradschools.com/programs/latin_american_studies.html
Graduate Programs in Asian Studies
http://www.gradschools.com/programs/asian_language_studies.html
International Studies Program web page
On Campus
professors – we all went to graduate school and can tell you about it
library
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Suggested Time Table for Graduate School
Fall Semester – Junior Year
•
•
•
take GRE training
workshop
discuss options with IS
faculty
assess your career goals
and skills
Spring Sem. – Junior Year
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fall Semester – Senior Year
•
•
•
apply to graduate schools
ask faculty to write letters
of recommendation
enhance career skills
take the GRE
gather graduate school
material
use this time to prepare
for another GRE, if
necessary
search for information on
graduate programs.
Familiarize yourself with
the programs.
continue to discuss your
options with IS faculty
enhance career skills
Summer Sem. – Junior Year
• retake GRE if necessary
• enhance career skills
Spring Sem. – Senior Year
Summer Sem. – Senior Year
graduate schools make
decisions in March/April
decide on your options
enhance career skills
• get information on reading
lists to begin work on area
• register for courses
• get settled into new
location
•
•
•
Fall Semester
Begin graduate program
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION go to
Dushkin Online (McGraw-Hi
www.dushkin.com/online/on2.mhtml?SITE=%2Fonline%2Ffuture%2Ffuturemain.mhtml&TITLE=Your+Future
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