First, some facts. Of the International and Global Studies graduates from UC Santa Barbara 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 14 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 49%, International and Global Studies graduates from UC Santa Barbara have a much lower likelihood (-18%) 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, only 21% 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 a Bachelors degree is enough for most International and Global Studies graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 39%We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2011 from UC Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in International and Global Studies. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONInterior Design AssistantWendy Posard & Associates Architecture and Interior Design Dec 2011 - May 2012 Sales & Marketing Coordinator The Event Team May 2012 - Jul 2014 Account Manager White Lotus Event Productions Jul 2014 - Dec 2015 Account Manager Destination Concepts inc Jan 2016 - Jun 2016 Senior Designer Destination Concepts inc Jun 2016 - Oct 2018 Account Executive 360 Destination Group Oct 2018 - Feb 2021 Director, Business Development Destination PROS Feb 2021 - Mar 2023 Account Executive Destination Concepts inc Apr 2023 - Present ABOUTProficient in Spanish, MS Office Suite, Social Tables |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Analyzing the diverse career paths of those with a degree in International and Global Studies from UC Santa Barbara, it seems that many graduates find themselves in roles that aren’t directly linked to their field of study. A lot of the positions indicated—such as office manager, sales associate, or even account executive—are more focused on administrative, marketing, or managerial tasks. While some roles might touch on cultural awareness or global issues, they seem to lack a strong connection to the core principles and specialized skills developed through an International and Global Studies program.
That being said, there are definitely exceptions. Some positions, like those of Community Education Associate or Coordinator of Food & Housing Security, show that graduates can leverage their education in meaningful ways, particularly in roles that emphasize cultural sensitivity or engage with global issues. Overall, it looks like while the degree provides valuable knowledge and perspectives, many graduates end up in jobs where they may not be using this knowledge on a daily basis. It's a bit of a mixed bag, really—some align closely with the degree, while others don't seem to require it at all.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for International and Global Studies graduates (this is across all International and Global Studies graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to UC Santa Barbara):
Graduates from the International and Global Studies program at UC Santa Barbara seem to have diverse career trajectories. Right after graduating, many of them often find themselves in entry-level positions that don't strictly align with their field of study. For example, early roles include office management, account management, and various administrative positions. Over time, some graduates manage to pivot into roles that have more relevance to their degree, such as positions in project management, community education, and even business development. However, a noticeable number appear to be working in fields unrelated to global studies, particularly in sales, customer service, and design.
When looking at graduates five to ten years down the road, there’s a mix of success stories and those who seem to have meandered into less relevant domains. Some individuals take on significant roles in organizations related to development, consulting, and community outreach, while others remain in administrative or support roles that don't leverage the skills they acquired during their studies. It's clear that while some graduates find fulfillment in careers that align closely with International and Global Studies, others may feel a disconnect, indicating a varied spectrum of outcomes. Overall, it's a mixed bag—there are opportunities for meaningful careers, but some may find themselves in roles that don’t quite fit the bill.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in International and Global Studies at UC Santa Barbara can be pretty challenging, but it's not the most difficult path out there. You’ll dive into a mix of subjects like politics, economics, culture, and languages, so there's a lot to juggle. It’s definitely a step up from high school, especially if you're not used to the reading and critical thinking involved. That said, if you have a genuine interest in global issues and enjoy exploring different cultures, it can also be really rewarding and engaging. Just stay organized and keep up with your assignments, and you'll likely find it manageable!
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.
Looking at the job trajectories of these UC Santa Barbara International and Global Studies grads, it’s a mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. Some, like the grads who moved into project management or director roles, seem to be climbing the ladder and likely earning pretty well, which is awesome! However, others are in more entry-level or support roles that usually don’t pay as much, especially those in counseling and care positions, which can sometimes be lower-paid, depending on the organization. Overall, while some are definitely raking it in, others are probably just getting by, so it really depends on the specific path each person has taken after graduation.
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 is across all International and Global Studies graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to UC Santa Barbara). 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 |