What can you do with a Global Affairs degree from George Mason University?

First, some facts. Of the Global Affairs graduates from George Mason University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 12 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Bad. Overall, with an average relevance score of 45%, Global Affairs graduates from George Mason University have a substantially lower likelihood (-22%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 45%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 58% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Global Affairs graduate.

See the details:

View a random Global Affairs graduate from George Mason University and our analysis:


Relevance score: 28%

We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2014 from George Mason University with a Bachelor's Degree in Global Affairs. Also pursued further education since (see below).

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Senior Market Specialist
FedBid, Inc.
May 2014 - Oct 2017
The role of Senior Market Specialist may involve some understanding of global market dynamics, which could relate to aspects of global affairs, but it does not require a substantial use of skills or knowledge directly derived from the degree.

Teacher
Richmond Public Schools
Aug 2019 - Apr 2023
Teaching at Richmond Public Schools does not utilize skills or knowledge from a degree in global affairs as the core qualifications are centered around education rather than international or global issues.

Marketing Coordinator
Unboxed Training & Technology
Apr 2023 - Present
As a Marketing Coordinator at Unboxed Training & Technology, the position may involve aspects of communication and organizational skills related to global affairs, but it is not directly relevant to the core content of the degree.

FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING
Master of Education - MEd
Virginia Commonwealth University
2017 - 2019
ABOUT

I am proud to hold a Bachelor of Arts in Global Affairs from George Mason University, with specializations in Environmental Policy and International Development, complemented by a Master of Teaching from Virginia Commonwealth University. My professional journey encompasses over six years of customer service excellence in both the retail and hospitality sectors, alongside significant contributions in federal procurement. My dedication to education is demonstrated through five rewarding years as a 5th grade language arts teacher in Richmond Public Schools, where I specialized in supporting high-needs students and those with special educational needs. My role as the lead reading teacher underscored my commitment to educational excellence.Currently, I am part of the dynamic marketing team at Unboxed Training & Technology, where I leverage my diverse skill set in event management, editorial content creation, and project management. My focus is on ensuring our brand maintains its reputation for delivering unparalleled expertise.

What jobs can you get with a Global Affairs degree from George Mason University?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


Looking at the LinkedIn profiles of graduates from George Mason University with a degree in Global Affairs, it seems that many of them are employed in roles that are somewhat related to their field of study, but not always in a deep or direct way. A noticeable trend is that a lot of these graduates end up in positions like consultants, analysts, and some roles within the financial sector. While these jobs might touch on international issues or require some knowledge of global dynamics, they often focus more on specific business or operational skills rather than the core themes of global affairs like international relations or diplomacy.

Interestingly, there are a few standout roles that do directly involve the sort of knowledge and skills one would expect from a Global Affairs degree, especially in areas like humanitarian aid and global health, such as positions at the World Food Programme or Mayo Clinic. However, many other positions appear to prioritize different skill sets, with graduates working in education, operations, and even sales roles that don't substantially utilize their educational background in global issues. Overall, while there are certainly opportunities related to Global Affairs, they are mixed in with many positions that don't fully engage the core competencies of the degree.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Global Affairs graduates (this is across all Global Affairs graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to George Mason University):

What kind of career trajectories do Global Affairs graduates from George Mason University have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Looking at the career trajectories of George Mason University graduates with a degree in Global Affairs, it seems like many of them have started off with solid internships or entry-level positions, often in government or nonprofit sectors. For instance, some graduates began their careers as interns at places like the U.S. Department of State or as AmeriCorps volunteers, which is a great way to gain relevant experience in the field right after graduation. Moving a few years down the line, it appears that many have transitioned into more specialized roles, such as consultants or project managers in various sectors, including healthcare and finance. The progression usually leads to more senior positions, often within a few years, which suggests that they are finding pathways that align with their education in global affairs.

However, it's also worth noting that not all graduates remain strictly within the sphere of global affairs. Some have found themselves in roles that, while valuable, may not be directly related to their degree, such as various positions in sales or marketing. Overall, though, many of these graduates seem to be carving out meaningful careers that utilize their skills in analysis, communication, and project management within relevant sectors, particularly in government, healthcare, and technology. So, while some might have a winding path, a significant number are landing in good jobs that build on their global affairs background.

How hard is a Global Affairs degree from George Mason University?

Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Global Affairs at George Mason University can be a mixed bag in terms of difficulty, just like most college programs. You’ll dive into a lot of interesting topics like international relations, economics, and even some policy analysis, which can be super engaging but also a bit challenging—especially if you're not used to studying those subjects. While some students find the workload manageable and enjoy the discussions and projects, others might feel overwhelmed by the amount of reading and writing that’s expected. Overall, it’s probably about on par with most liberal arts degrees; it requires a good effort but is definitely doable if you stay organized and passionate about what you’re studying. Just be ready to engage with a lot of different ideas and perspectives!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Global Affairs.

Do Global Affairs graduates from George Mason University tend to make good money?

Looking at the job histories of these George Mason graduates, it seems like some are doing pretty well, while others are still climbing the ladder. For example, the 2011 grad went from internships at the State Department to a senior VP role at Citi, which definitely suggests a solid paycheck in the banking sector. On the flip side, the 2014 grad who started as a market specialist and ended up as a teacher might not be bringing in the big bucks, considering educators often earn less than professionals in finance or tech. Overall, there’s a mix—some are raking it in with impressive titles in high-paying industries, while others are likely earning more modest salaries in public service or education. If you’re thinking about career paths, you might want to keep an eye on those sectors with higher earning potential!

What buzzwords do Global Affairs graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Global Affairs (this is across all Global Affairs graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to George Mason University). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Global Affairs?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Global Affairs (ordered by the average relevance score of their Global Affairs graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
George Mason University 45 12