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First, some facts. Of the International Affairs graduates 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 57 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 62%, International Affairs graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-5%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 50% 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 International Affairs graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 50% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2010 from Lewis & Clark College with a Bachelors Degree in International Affairs. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONAdult Behavioral Health Site Director Catholic Community Services Jul 2023 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMasters DegreeTulane University 2016 - 2017 ABOUTSupervising a program of dedicated Peer Case Managers and Mental Health Professionals as we serve a community grappling with homelessness, mental illness, and substance misuse. Specializing in building meaningful relationships and providing enduring support for those who can benefit from it to navigate this wild world. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the career paths of individuals with degrees in International Affairs, a clear pattern emerges in the types of jobs they’ve taken on after graduation. Many have gravitated towards roles in government, non-profit organizations, and consulting, which often align with their academic backgrounds. Positions such as program assistants, policy analysts, and those related to international development or human rights advocacy frequently appear. However, it's important to note that a significant number of these individuals have also pursued careers that are either tangentially related or entirely disconnected from the core aspects of International Affairs.
In terms of relevance, while several roles directly utilize skills and knowledge gained from an International Affairs degree—such as positions at the U.S. State Department or NGOs focused on global issues—many others do not. For example, jobs in sales, marketing, and administrative support often lack the deeper connection to international relations. Even within organizations that might seem relevant, such as entry-level roles at consulting firms, the daily tasks often focus on management or operational logistics rather than engaging with international policy or relations. This discrepancy highlights a potential gap between the educational preparation provided by International Affairs programs and the practical job market realities graduates face.
Students entering the job market should be aware of these trends. While the degree certainly offers valuable skills in critical thinking, analysis, and understanding global contexts, many positions may not explicitly require that expertise. As such, graduates should strive to seek diverse opportunities, potentially leveraging internships or volunteer experiences that can enhance their career trajectories in more directly relevant fields. Ultimately, while International Affairs graduates have entered a broad range of job markets, their career paths suggest the necessity for both strategic networking and continued education to align their professional roles more closely with their studies.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for International Affairs graduates:
From analyzing the career trajectories of these International Affairs graduates, it’s clear that there are some varied paths taken after obtaining their degrees, but there are definitely some themes that emerge. For many of these individuals, their first jobs right after graduation were often internships or entry-level positions, which is pretty typical for graduates in this field. Roles at diplomatic missions, non-profits, and governmental agencies tend to dominate the early career stages, reflecting a desire to gain relevant experience. For example, someone graduated from the University of Maryland took an entry role as a Program Assistant at the U.S. Department of State right after graduation, which is a fantastic leap into a significant and relevant role in international affairs.
Fast forward five years or more, and many graduates seem to be climbing the ladder in organizations that align with their fields of study. For instance, George Washington University graduates tend to remain in public sector or global policy roles, but not exclusively within traditional diplomatic spheres. Several have shifted into strategic consulting, program management, or non-profit leadership, indicating not just survival in their field, but growth and diversification of responsibilities. However, on the flip side, there are also notable instances where some have drifted into jobs that seem relatively disconnected from their International Affairs degrees. A few graduates show a shift towards roles in sales, teaching, or even various corporate sectors, suggesting that while some find their niche in International Affairs, others may pivot to different fields altogether, perhaps out of necessity or personal preference.
Overall, it looks like while a solid portion of these graduates land meaningful jobs connected to their International Affairs studies, especially in roles related to government and NGOs, there’s an undeniable split in career paths over time. Some shine in impactful positions, while others seem to navigate towards unrelated careers, which highlights the unpredictable nature of job markets and personal career satisfaction. So, if you're considering this path, it’s definitely worth pursuing your passion but staying flexible and open to the myriad of opportunities that come your way!
A Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you enjoy subjects like politics, economics, and history, you might find it engaging rather than overly difficult. There’s a lot of reading, research, and writing involved, so if you're not into that, it could feel tougher than your average degree. Plus, discussions about global issues can get pretty complex, requiring critical thinking and analysis. Overall, it’s probably a bit harder than the average degree because of the broad range of topics and skills you need to master, but if you’re passionate about the subject, it’ll be a rewarding journey!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in International Affairs.
Looking at the job histories of these International Affairs graduates, it seems there’s quite a bit of variety in terms of income. For instance, those who have moved into roles with established companies or government positions tend to have a better paycheck. The ones from The George Washington University and University of Georgia have landed roles that likely provide a decent salary, especially in governmental or analytical positions where experience and education are highly valued. On the other hand, positions like those at entry-level non-profits or some educational roles may offer more modest pay, particularly early on in their careers.
In general, it appears that many of these individuals have been building solid careers, which usually lead to better compensation as they gain experience. Some have even transitioned from internships straight into managerial or specialized roles, hinting at good upward mobility. Overall, while some may still be on the lower end of the salary spectrum, many are trending toward making decent money in their fields as they progress in their careers.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in International Affairs. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in International Affairs (ordered by the average relevance score of their International Affairs graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 The George Washington University
|
75 | 15 |