What can you do with a International Relations and Affairs degree?

First, some facts. Of the International Relations and 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 704 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 52%, International Relations and Affairs graduates have a much lower likelihood (-15%) 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, 43% 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 and Affairs graduate.

See the details:

• What jobs can you get with a International Relations and Affairs degree?
• What do International Relations and Affairs graduates do 1, 5 or 10 years out?
• How hard is a International Relations and Affairs degree? How long does it take?
• How much money can you make with a International Relations and Affairs degree?
• What are the best colleges for International Relations and Affairs?

View a random International Relations and Affairs graduate and our analysis:

Relevance score: 73% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree. DEGREE INFO Graduated in 2012 from Boston University with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in International Relations and Affairs. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION Coordinator, Student Affairs and Administration Global Maximum Educational Opportunities, Inc Aug 2012 - Feb 2014 As a Coordinator in Student Affairs and Administration, some knowledge of international relations may be beneficial, but the core qualifications of the job primarily focus on administrative skills rather than international relations expertise. Native English Teacher Daebu Elementary School (GEPIK) Feb 2014 - Mar 2016 The role of a Native English Teacher does not require specific knowledge in International Relations, focusing instead on language instruction without substantial use of related skills or knowledge from the degree. Academic Coordinator Kaplan International English Jul 2016 - Jan 2018 The position as an Academic Coordinator at Kaplan International English directly involves working with international students and requires knowledge in international education policies, making it highly relevant to the degree. Student Services Coordinator / DSO Kaplan International English Jan 2018 - Dec 2018 As a Student Services Coordinator/DSO at Kaplan International English, the role involves significant interaction with international students and requires understanding of international education standards, aligning closely with the degree. International Student and Scholar Advisor University of Maryland Baltimore County Jan 2019 - Oct 2022 The role of an International Student and Scholar Advisor at the University of Maryland Baltimore County directly utilizes knowledge of international relations and immigration policies, making it highly relevant to the degree. Graduate Research Assistant - Global Affairs and Human Security University of Baltimore Aug 2022 - May 2023 As a Graduate Research Assistant in Global Affairs and Human Security, the work may involve applying some principles from international relations, but it is more focused on a specific area that may not directly apply to the broader field. Senior International Services Advisor The Johns Hopkins University Nov 2022 - Present The position of Senior International Services Advisor at The Johns Hopkins University requires extensive knowledge and skills in international relations, making it directly relevant to the Bachelor's degree in International Relations and Affairs. ABOUT International educator exploring the intersections of international education policy and foreign policy. Master's Candidate and Graduate Research Assistant, University of Baltimore - Global Affairs and Human Security. As an international student and scholar advisor I firmly believe exposure to other cultures is a paramount part of a comprehensive education. Policies across all levels - institutional, national and international, should support students and provide them with necessary resources to thrive in their host cultures. This thought system has been informed by my own experiences with cultural exchange; namely immigrating to the United States from Ghana as well as my time studying and teaching in South Korea. I strive to bring a culturally sensitive approach to advising while preparing students to critically and practically approach their educational opportunities in the United States. Areas of Expertise: International Student Advising, F-1 visa advising, orientation programming, academic advising, intercultural communication, process monitoring and evaluation

What jobs can you get with a International Relations and Affairs degree?

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

• Intern
• Law Clerk
• Research Assistant
• Legal Intern
• Administrative Assistant
• Project Manager
• Summer Associate
• Associate
• Associate Attorney
• Program Associate

After delving into the job trajectories of individuals with degrees in International Relations and Affairs, a few clear trends emerge. It appears that many graduates gravitate towards roles that are not directly aligned with their field of study, often venturing into sectors like customer service, hospitality, or technical roles. Common job titles include administrative positions, customer service representatives, and various management roles not explicitly linked to international relations expertise. For instance, many individuals listed jobs such as barista, administrative assistant, or sales representative, which focus on interpersonal skills or operational tasks rather than the analytical, strategic, or diplomatic skills one might expect to be leveraged with an International Relations degree.

However, there are definitely exceptions. Some jobs, particularly those within governmental organizations, non-profits, and consultancies, do reflect the skills and knowledge obtained through their degree. Positions such as government relations interns, program associates at international organizations, legal assistants focusing on international law, and roles within diplomatic missions illustrate the direct application of their education. In particular, roles that involve policy development, humanitarian aid, or international communications tend to leverage the graduates' studies more effectively. Jobs such as analysts at think tanks or international organizations also indicate the potential relevance of International Relations training to real-world applications. Furthermore, those working in law or public policy often find their educational background beneficial for interpreting legal frameworks that intersect with international issues.

Overall, while it's evident that many International Relations graduates end up in roles that are not directly tied to their degree, there exists a significant number of positions that utilize their skills within governmental, non-governmental, and legal frameworks. The variation in career paths raises discussions about the alignment of higher education curriculums with job market demands, and the need for graduates to articulate and leverage their skills in diverse roles, even when they may not be explicitly related to International Relations and Affairs.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for International Relations and Affairs graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do International Relations and Affairs graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Wow, looking at the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in International Relations and Affairs gives a pretty clear picture of where this education leads. First off, many of these individuals start with foundational roles right after graduation, often in internships or entry-level positions such as program assistants, research interns, or administrative roles. These initial jobs seem to emphasize gaining experience in governmental or nonprofit organizations, which makes sense considering the nature of International Relations. It appears that numerous graduates are putting their degrees to use in positions that directly relate to international studies, policy analysis, or public affairs. For instance, many have worked with prestigious institutions such as the United Nations, various government agencies, or nonprofits dedicated to global issues. This suggests that, at least in the early phases of their careers, many of these graduates are aligning with their fields of study, which is quite commendable.

However, it also seems like after five years, the paths start to diverge. Some graduates stick with their passion for international affairs and government, moving into more advanced roles involving policy development or direct participation in international projects. Others, however, transition into roles that are only partially related to International Relations. For example, a substantial number have shifted towards positions in project management or private sector roles that may not entirely utilize the specifics of their degrees. This might reflect a broader trend of professionals adapting to job markets that favor versatility and broader skills over niche specializations. So while many graduates find meaningful careers in their initial positions, the long-term success varies significantly. Some climb the ladder within related fields, while others find their way into different industries entirely.

This eclectic mix in career paths serves as a reminder that while an International Relations degree can open doors to exciting and relevant opportunities, the outcomes can be uneven. It ultimately highlights the importance of networking, continuous learning, and being open to diverse professional experiences. To sum it up, it's clear that while many alumni embark on promising and relevant career paths right out of college, not all maintain that trajectory in the long run. They often find themselves in roles that may stretch the skills they learned into broader applications, which is quite telling about the flexibility of their chosen degree.

How hard is a International Relations and Affairs degree?

A Bachelor's degree in International Relations and Affairs can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. It definitely has its challenging moments, especially with subjects that dive deep into political theory, global economics, and complex historical events. You’ll also have to stay updated on current affairs, which can feel overwhelming. That said, if you’re passionate about the topics and enjoy reading, writing, and discussing global issues, it can feel more like engaging conversations than traditional "hard" schoolwork. Overall, it's maybe a little harder than average, but it really depends on your interests and the workload from your specific program.

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 International Relations and Affairs.

Do International Relations and Affairs graduates tend to make good money?

Based on the LinkedIn profiles you've analyzed, it seems like many of the graduates have taken varied routes in their careers, with a mixed picture regarding their earning potential. Some graduates, especially those who moved into high-demand sectors like technology, law, and government, have likely secured decent salaries. For instance, individuals working in legal positions or in major consulting firms can typically expect to earn more than average, especially as they gain experience. Others who opted for public service roles or non-profit sectors may not see the same level of financial reward, often working for causes rather than high salaries.

In general, while some graduates are building solid careers with promising financial growth, others appear to be in roles that might not pay as well, especially those in education, non-profits, or lower entry-level positions. Overall, this diversity in career paths means that earnings can vary greatly based on the industry and role chosen. It’s essential for students to consider their long-term financial goals when selecting their career paths post-graduation, as some sectors tend to offer more financial stability than others.

What buzzwords do International Relations and 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 International Relations and Affairs. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for International Relations and Affairs?

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

College	Score	Count
The George Washington University	70	36
American University	64	21
Boston University	63	12
The University of Georgia	56	21
University of Southern California	56	13
James Madison University	53	11
University of California, Davis	50	11
University of Colorado Boulder	49	16
Florida International University	47	36
Florida State University	45	29