International Relations

Studying organisations such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) equips you with a solid understanding of the issues involved in international activities. Above all, you develop your understanding of the nature and significance of politics as a global activity. The content of your degree may be relevant to working within any international, governmental or non-governmental organisation (NGO).

Over the course of your degree you develop a wide mix of subject-specific and technical skills, you should consider these skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile.

Prospects

There are few careers which specifically demand a degree in international relations, but many graduates are attracted to jobs in government and international organisations where they may have the chance to use their skills in a broad political setting.

A 2010 HESA survey of 2009 graduates indicates that six months after graduation, half of international relations graduates had entered paid employment in the UK or overseas. Of these, 14% went into commercial, industrial or public sector management, 10% entered careers in business and finance, and 10% found work in marketing, sales or advertising positions. They also entered a wide range of other employment sectors, including social and welfare professions, art, culture and sport, and IT. Many graduates were also employed in retail, catering and administration.

Where are the jobs?

International relations graduates find employment with a wide range of employers including:

• the United Nations (UN);
• the European Commission;
• the civil service;
• non-governmental organisations (NGOs);
• voluntary, charitable and campaigning organizations;
• the public sector.

You may find it useful to investigate the following employment areas:

• Government and public administration - covers a diverse range of areas of government employment including the civil service and outlines possibilities within Europe and beyond.
• Social care - information on a range of employers and roles within the sector, including public sector employers and roles which make a difference to local communities.
• Charity and development work - includes information on working with voluntary organizations, including those based overseas

Jobs directly related to your degree

• Diplomatic Service operational officer
• European Commission administrator

Jobs where your degree would be useful

• Civil Service fast streamer
• Newspaper journalist
• Social researcher
• Political research assistant
• Public affairs consultant
• International organisations administrator
• Public relations account executive
• Charity officer
• Higher education lecturer
• Banker

Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it's not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

You can find more about the skills you develop during your course, the jobs listed above, plus case studies and where to find these jobs at Prospects.

Included with the permission of AGCAS. For the latest version of this publication, see www.prospects.ac.uk. For permission to reproduce, contact copyright@agcas.org.uk