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First, some facts. Of the International Relations 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 164 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 53%, International Relations graduates have a much lower likelihood (-14%) 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 Relations 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 2016 from Boston University with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in International Relations. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONEnglish Language Assistant Teaching Assistant Program in France USA 2017 - 2018 Fellow  International Wildlife Conservation at NWF 2018 - 2019 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the job trajectories of individuals with degrees in International Relations, it becomes clear that there's a diverse range of career paths being taken. Some graduates have successfully transitioned into roles that directly utilize their academic knowledge, while others have ended up in positions that seem only tangentially connected to the field. For example, jobs in education, particularly teaching roles, are prevalent. Many graduates work as teachers or tutors, which involves strong communication skills and some cultural awareness but does not directly engage the core principles of International Relations, such as diplomacy and global policies.
Another notable trend is the significant number of individuals finding roles in research and academia. Positions such as research assistants, adjunct professors, and program coordinators in NGOs or educational institutions often leverage the analytical skills and knowledge gained from an International Relations degree. However, there are also many cases where graduates have taken on roles in business, marketing, and management that do not have a clear relation to their studies. For instance, several graduates have worked in sales, human resources, and customer service roles where international relations knowledge is not a primary requirement. These contrasts raise important questions about the perceived value and applicability of an International Relations degree in today's job market.
Overall, while some of these careers are relevant to the subjects studied in International Relations, many of the jobs occupied by these graduates are not directly tied to it. This may reflect a broader issue of job market saturation and the need for graduates to adapt their skills to fit various industries. In conclusion, although there are significant and relevant job opportunities for International Relations graduates, the overall trend indicates a disconnection between the field of study and many of the roles being assumed, suggesting that graduates often find themselves navigating a complex job landscape that requires flexibility and a broad skill set beyond their specialized training.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for International Relations graduates:
Looking at the career trajectories of these International Relations graduates, it’s evident that they follow a wide range of pathways after leaving college. While many of them seem to eventually find positions relevant to their studies, there's quite a mix in their immediate post-graduation jobs and longer-term career choices. For the first job after graduating, it's common to see roles in education, internships, or administrative support. Some began their careers as teachers, others jumped straight into internships or lower-level roles in organizations related to their field, while some landed jobs that are only tangentially related to International Relations, like various management positions or even teaching positions unrelated to their degree.
Fast forward five to ten years, and we notice a more diverse set of outcomes—some graduates have indeed transitioned into meaningful positions in international organizations, think tanks, and governmental agencies, while others seem to have drifted into roles that don’t leverage their International Relations background. For instance, many have secured roles at organizations like the U.S. Department of State or related consultancy firms, suggesting a successful navigation into relevant fields. Conversely, there’s a notable number who find themselves in less relevant occupations, such as retail or other management positions, reflecting a perhaps pragmatic choice in response to the reality of the job market post-studies. With such a wide spectrum of experiences, it’s a mixed bag, showcasing both success stories and less-than-ideal career paths.
Honestly, a Bachelor's degree in International Relations can be a mix of challenging and manageable, depending on your strengths and interests. If you enjoy subjects like political science, history, and economics, you might find the coursework pretty engaging. You'll probably have to tackle some big reading assignments, write papers, and maybe even dig into complex theories about global affairs, which can feel overwhelming at times. However, it's not as tough as some STEM degrees, so it tends to be more about keeping up with the material and staying curious about the world. Overall, if you're passionate about the subject, you can definitely handle it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in International Relations.
Looking at these International Relations graduates, it seems like people's earnings really vary a lot depending on their career paths. Many of them started with internships or lower-paying roles, particularly those in education and government, which typically don't pay as well at the entry level. For example, a lot of teachers and administrative roles mentioned are indeed challenging in terms of financial rewards. On the flip side, others have gradually climbed up to well-paying jobs, especially those in consulting, finance, and technology positions, where salaries can be quite high.
In general, those who’ve gone into consulting or have taken roles in big banks or international organizations seem to be on track to make decent money. Positions like "Director," "Senior Consultant," and "Vice President" suggest a substantial income, while those who remain in teaching or non-profit roles might not see the same financial growth. So, while some graduates look like they'll do well financially, others might find themselves earning less, which is pretty typical across various fields.
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 Relations. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in International Relations (ordered by the average relevance score of their International Relations graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Boston University
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50 | 11 |