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First, some facts. Of the International and Global Studies 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 596 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 51%, International and Global Studies graduates have a much lower likelihood (-16%) 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, 38% 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 and Global Studies 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 2021 from Indiana University Bloomington with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in International and Global Studies. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONQuality Manager Epic Jan 2022 - Present ABOUTI am a graduate of Indiana University Bloomington with BAs in International Studies and Near Eastern Languages and Cultures and a minor in American Studies. I have interests in the politics of the Middle East, diplomacy, intelligence, and human rights. I have achieved an advanced level in speaking, reading, and writing Arabic since studying abroad in Amman, Jordan during part of the Spring 2020 semester. The experience provided me with an extensive knowledge of Jordanian and Middle Eastern culture as well. I hope to find a career path that fits my interests, helps me expand my knowledge about global affairs, and allows me to utilize my research, analysis, and writing skills. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Based on the analysis of numerous LinkedIn profiles of individuals holding degrees in International and Global Studies, it becomes clear that a large majority of graduates find themselves in positions that do not directly align with the specific skills and knowledge acquired through their studies. The most common jobs associated with these graduates are in fields like banking, marketing, education, and customer service, with many opting for roles such as loan processors, administrative positions, and general workforce roles. These positions tend to focus more on operational tasks and customer interactions, with minimal application of international relations or global studies knowledge.
However, there are notable exceptions where graduates have secured roles closely related to their degrees, particularly in areas such as international relations, policy analysis, and global advocacy. Positions such as immigration paralegals, policy analysts, and various roles within international organizations and NGOs highlight that some graduates are indeed utilizing their education effectively. Roles like being a legislative intern, working for the Foreign Affairs Committee, or directly engaging with refugee services also point to a direct application of their knowledge. Yet, the sheer number of graduates who are in less relevant roles raises questions about the direct career applicability of an International and Global Studies degree in today's job market.
Despite the evident disconnect for many, it’s clear that those who venture into sectors directly related to their studies are making significant strides in advancing global understanding and addressing international issues, which is a positive reflection on the potential of the degree. This peculiarity showcases a vital insight: while International and Global Studies provide a diverse and broad framework for understanding global issues, the specific applications might vary widely, leading many graduates to pathways that, while perhaps unrelated to their degree, nevertheless contribute valuable skills for their professional growth.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for International and Global Studies graduates:
When analyzing the career trajectories of individuals with degrees in International and Global Studies, a mix of paths emerges that illustrates both success in relevant fields and some divergence into other industries. Broadly speaking, many of these graduates tend to start their careers in roles that are either directly related to their studies or utilize their skills in international settings, but as time progresses, paths often diverge, leading to a variety of career outcomes.
For those just entering the workforce, graduates frequently take on internship positions or entry-level roles that align closely with international relations, global policy, or humanitarian efforts. For instance, positions like "Legislative Intern," "Research Assistant," or "Coordinator" for NGOs are common stepping stones shortly after graduation, helping them to build a foundation in their field. Over the span of five years, many maintain a trajectory toward more strategic roles, such as "Program Manager" or "Analyst" positions, which often have a more direct impact on policy or international relations. However, it's also apparent that some early-career professionals shift into areas that may initially seem unrelated but still leverage their skills, such as marketing or education roles.
Ten years down the line, the results of this educational path reveal a duality. A substantial number of those who stayed within international studies do advance into notable positions within government, non-profit organizations, or the private sector, taking on roles like "Policy Director" or "Senior Consultant." However, a significant number venture into fields that diverge from their majors, such as marketing, education, or business—often leveraging transferable skills gained during their studies. This trend raises questions about the direct applicability of an International and Global Studies degree to certain industries, prompting some graduates to reflect on their career paths and the value of their education in their current roles.
Ultimately, while some graduates find rewarding careers that utilize their specialized knowledge in global affairs, others find themselves in occupations that, while successful, may not align with their original career aspirations. This mixed outcome highlights the importance of adaptability and the ongoing development of one's career path, prompting future International and Global Studies students to consider the breadth of opportunities available and the potential for non-linear career trajectories in today's diverse job market.
A Bachelor’s degree in International and Global Studies can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. It’s not typically one of the hardest degrees out there, but it does require a decent amount of reading, writing, and critical thinking about complex global issues. You’ll deal with a lot of different subjects, from politics and economics to culture and history, so it can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not passionate about these topics. Group projects and discussions can also add some extra pressure, but if you're interested in the world and enjoy exploring different perspectives, you might find it manageable and even fun. So, while it's not a walk in the park, it's not usually the toughest degree either—just a solid mix of challenge and interest!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in International and Global Studies.
When looking at the job history of these International and Global Studies graduates, it's clear that some have landed well-paying roles while others have faced a more challenging career path. The graduates from schools like Duke and Yale often end up in high-profile positions, perhaps as consultants or in government roles that have good pay scales. For instance, the individual who climbed from loan processor to commercial relationship manager at a credit union likely earns a decent salary as they progressed in the banking industry, which can be quite lucrative. On the other hand, many findings indicate that other graduates have had roles in nonprofits or educational sectors that typically offer lower salaries, like teaching or community outreach positions, which can make it harder to amass wealth based on those initial jobs alone.
So, in summary, while there are clear pathways to good salaries, especially in banking, government, and tech roles, others are navigating through lower-paying, less stable positions. It really comes down to the specific career path these graduates chose after their studies, and while some are likely doing well financially, others might be just scraping by early 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 and Global Studies. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in International and Global Studies (ordered by the average relevance score of their International and Global Studies graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 American University
|
67 | 16 |
 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
|
61 | 13 |
 UC Santa Barbara
|
49 | 14 |
 University of Utah
|
46 | 10 |
 University of California, Santa Barbara
|
41 | 11 |