Work in international affairs can be in public (government), private (business), and nonprofit/NGO areas. Study abroad, foreign language study, and international experiences can help you be competitive in this field.
Public (government)
- Capitol Hill: Employment on the Hill generally refers to positions available in one of the Congressional offices, committees, and subcommittees.
- Federal Government: International affairs positions in government do not just exist in agencies such as the Department of State and the Agency for International Development–almost every federal department and agency maintains an international affairs division.
Private (business)
- Management Consulting: Typically, consultants conduct research, analyze data, prepare reports, and present findings; less frequently, a management consultant will become involved in the actual implementation of the plan.
- International Business: Multinational corporations, joint ventures, financial institutions, law firms, consulting firms, and manufacturers of both goods and services cater to an international clientele.
- Journalism: Journalists report on current affairs and other events for print and web publications or for broadcast on radio or television; news reporters may specialize in fields such as politics, foreign affairs, business, arts, sports, health, or science.
- Political Risk Analysis: Typically, political risk analysts gather information on an area or a country, determine the causes and sources of any related risks, and forward their findings to those making investment decisions.
Non-profit/NGO
- Associations: Explore multinational, binational, and non-U.S. national associations that operate internationally.
- Foundations: A foundation is a non-governmental, nonprofit organization with its own funds (usually from a single source, either an individual, family, or corporation) and program managed by its own trustees and directors established to maintain or aid educational, social, charitable, religious, or other activities serving the common welfare, primarily by making grants to other nonprofit organizations (Foundation Center).
Career Resources:
