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First, some facts. Of the International 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 141 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 54%, International Studies graduates have a much lower likelihood (-13%) 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, 45% 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 Studies graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 54% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2015 from University of Nebraska at Omaha with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in International Studies. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONBarista Scooter's Coffee Mar 2015 - Aug 2015 Americorps Member  Cooking Matters Sep 2015 - Sep 2016 Project Lead  No More Empty Pots Oct 2016 - Jan 2018 Education Assistant Westside Community Schools Dec 2017 - Present ABOUTI am passionate about improving the world for those who live here and those who have yet to come. My primary objective is to enter the field of International Development and use the skills I have to empower others. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When diving into the job trajectories of individuals with degrees in International Studies, a significant pattern emerges concerning the types of roles they gravitate towards and their relevance to their academic background. Many of these graduates find themselves in positions that do not directly link to the core principles of International Studies, such as global politics, cultural diplomacy, or international economics. Instead, a considerable portion of their careers leans towards customer service, administrative roles, and positions within various industries that, while valuable, often neglect the specific skills and knowledge gleaned from their degree programs.
A prevailing trend is the high number of graduates employed in customer experience roles. These positions, often seen in industries such as retail and hospitality, tend to lack a direct connection to the nuances of global interactions or cultural complexities that shape international relations. Examples include Customer Experience Associates and Staff roles at fitness centers or climbing gyms, which emphasize local customer service rather than the international aspects intended by the degree. Moreover, many graduates are found occupying administrative roles that align more with logistical support rather than any form of advocacy or policy analysis, depicting a significant underutilization of their educational foundations designed to foster a deeper understanding of global interactions.
Interestingly, some graduates successfully transition into fields more closely related to their academic focus, particularly in areas like public health, immigration policy, and research. For instance, roles such as Global Case Manager, ESOL Compliance Specialist, and even Internships at key international bodies like the U.S. Department of State and non-profits tend to employ the expertise developed during their studies. Importantly, jobs that deal with legislative intern roles or community engagement posts typically reveal strong ties to the competencies learned in International Studies, reinforcing the degree's relevance when aligned with careers in policy and advocacy.
However, the crux lies in the overall assessment of career alignment for most International Studies graduates. The stark reality is that many alumni find themselves in roles that do not leverage their degree effectively, contributing to the evident disconnect between academic preparation and job market requirements. This trend raises questions about the real-world applicability of International Studies curricula and highlights a need for academic institutions to better equip students for market demands or to broaden the scope of their degree's perceived applications, ensuring that the world’s complexities are matched with fitting professional opportunities.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for International Studies graduates:
Analyzing the career trajectories of individuals who graduated with degrees in International Studies reveals a diverse picture. A considerable number of them started their professional journeys in jobs very much aligned with the field of international relations, public policy, and global affairs—an expected outcome given the nature of their degrees. For instance, graduates from institutions like American University, Johns Hopkins University, and UCLA frequently secured positions within government entities, NGOs, and international organizations shortly after graduation. These settings typically provide valuable experience that leverages their academic backgrounds in international studies, indicating a smooth transition from academic learning to professional employment.
However, not all graduates followed this path. Some individuals shifted toward careers that, while respectable, did not necessarily correlate with their International Studies degree. For example, positions in customer service, retail, or unrelated sectors became notable for several graduates. This indicates that while many students initially aspire to engage in fields closely related to geopolitics or global development, the reality of the job market may necessitate diversifying into other areas for stable employment. Looking towards the 5- and 10-year marks, there’s a mix: some graduates evolve into significant roles within their original fields, while others take detours into industries seemingly detached from their studies. Those who nurtured their connections and expertise in international studies often ended up in influential roles, such as analysts or consultants in international settings.
Ultimately, whether these graduates thrived in relevant careers or found themselves in unrelated jobs, the data illustrates a significant level of adaptability. Some of the successful trajectories after five or ten years show individuals progressing into managerial or even executive roles within governmental or international organizations. Yet, there are also examples where graduates, even after a decade, have not completely aligned their careers with their degrees and have instead pursued alternate professional routes, suggesting the variability and unpredictability inherent in post-graduate job markets. In a nutshell, while many graduates find success in their desired fields, a notable portion ends up in roles that stray from their initial studies, showcasing the vast array of opportunities—and challenges—presented by the modern workforce.
A Bachelor’s degree in International Studies can be a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty, and it really depends on what you’re into. If you enjoy reading, writing, and diving into different cultures and global issues, you might find it easier than some other degrees that are super math-heavy. But, don’t be fooled—there’s a lot of research, critical thinking, and analyzing complex situations involved, which can get pretty intense. If you're someone who thrives in discussion-heavy classes and loves staying informed about world events, you'll probably manage just fine, but if you’re more into numbers or tech, you might find this route a bit challenging. Overall, it’s about average in terms of difficulty, but your passion and interest can make a big difference in just how hard or easy it feels for you.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in International Studies.
Looking at these various job trajectories, it's clear that salary potential varies quite a bit among these International Studies graduates. Some have landed roles in established companies or even governmental positions, which generally pay decently and often come with benefits. For instance, a couple of graduates have moved into director or specialized roles that likely pull in a good salary, like those at big organizations such as Deloitte or significant government roles. However, many have also spent significant time in internships or entry-level positions that traditionally don't pay all that well, especially in non-profits or educational roles. So, while a few might be on a solid financial path, a good chunk may have to navigate some economic struggle before hitting better paychecks.
In general, it seems like those who graduated more recently are still building their careers, with some taking more time to find stable, well-paying positions, potentially limiting their earnings for now. Overall, there are a handful of success stories when it comes to salary, but for many, it could be a bit of a grind to reach decent pay, especially starting in the non-profit or educational sectors. So, if you're interested in International Studies, be prepared for an unpredictable financial journey, but know that there are also lucrative options out there if you keep pushing forward!
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 Studies. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in International Studies (ordered by the average relevance score of their International Studies graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 American University
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54 | 11 |