The study of international relations is not only an essential part of understanding global issues but can also be extremely rewarding and satisfying. It has a wide range of applications and is an excellent foundation for a variety of career paths.
It is a broad field that includes the study of interactions between states, as well as non-state actors, like corporations and multinational organizations, NGOs and transnational networks. It combines the perspectives of various disciplines, such as political science, economics, sociology, and history to analyze the world from different angles.
Analytical skills are crucial to success in international relations, as you must be able to process information quickly and work with people from all over the globe. These skills are also valuable outside of the field, as many employers look for employees with strong analytical thinking and cross-cultural management.
While a bachelor’s degree in international relations can lead to a number of career options, graduate programs offer more in-depth exploration of global issues and the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through internships or research. A master’s program may allow students to select a concentration such as diplomacy or international development and can provide advanced training in areas like foreign policy analysis, international law, or regional conflict. It is common for graduate programs to require a thesis or capstone project.