What Can I Do With a Major In International Affairs?

• Model United Nations
• SPIA Student Organizations
• SPIA Study Abroad opportunities
• Center for the Study of Global Issues (GLOBIS)
• Center for International Trade and Security (CITS)
  • Richard B. Russell Security Leadership Program
• SPIA Ambassadors Program

To find additonal clubs and organizations, visit the Center for Student Organizations.

And connect with your Career Consultant!

SKILLS acquired with your degree

Critical Thinking

• Understanding complex factors within problems
• Perceiving patterns/structures
• Comparing/contrasting interpretations
• Assessing cultural differences
• Assessing conflicting viewpoints

Communication

• Analytical writing
• Editing
• Drafting documents
• Summarizing and presenting information
• Public speaking
• Language proficiency
• Strong writing skills

Research

• Defining problems
• Formulating and assessing hypotheses
• Gathering and analyzing information
• Using original sources
• Understanding cultural contexts
• Interpreting data
• Evaluating evidence and results
• Reading critically

SAMPLE INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

• White House Fellows
• U.S. State Department
• International labor organizations (e.g. AFL-CIO)
• U.S. or State Congress
• Research Institutes/Think Tanks (e.g. Brookings Institute, Urban Institute)
• International development and relief (e.g. Freedom House, AED, USAID)
• Environmental organization (e.g. EPA, PIRC, Green Peace)
• Educational programs (e.g. Summerbridge)
• Financial services (e.g. The Emerging Markets Private Equity Association)
• Consulting firms (e.g. Drum Cussac Inc.)
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Intelligence and National Security (e.g. Intellibridge.com, CIA)
• Political Action Committees (PACs) (e.g. American Israeli PAC)
• Government consulting (e.g. DFI, SAIC)
• Non-Governmental Organizations (e.g. Search for Common Ground)

TIPS

• Develop linguistic skills. Become fluent in a second and third language.
• Demonstrate intercultural competency, sensitivity, and tolerance.
• Gain experience communicating with people from other cultures. Seek opportunities to interact with international students on campus or in your community.
• Study abroad, work abroad, or travel to a foreign country while in school to develop language skills and international competency.
• Commit to a continuous study of host country’s language.
• Develop a good understanding of etiquette and business practices in country of target.
• Look for temporary or volunteer positions abroad.
• Obtain daily papers in target city to determine international and national news, business features, real estate markets, and community calendars.
• Get your foot in the door through domestic positions because many international employers promote current employees to international positions.
• Develop traits such as creativity, initiative, tenacity, a willingness to take risks, an adventurous spirit, and a sense of humor.
• In general, international positions are competitive and difficult to obtain. Be proactive in developing the skills and experiences that will prepare you for an overseas job.
• Be very planful about building an international career. It takes time to develop a set of skills and experiences that will prepare you for an overseas job.
• Learn about international travel regulations including the specific visa requirements for the country you’re traveling to and the jobs you’ll be working in.
• Join LinkedIn groups that are related to your career interest. To search, select “groups” under the “interests” tab. Also, review the groups that professionals in your field of interest have joined and consider joining them as well.

Interested in graduate school? Find current information on getting into graduate school at UGA’s Career Center webpage.

• O*NET Online – The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations.  
• My Next Move – An interactive tool for students and job seekers to learn more about their career options.  
• Occupational Outlook Handbook – The OOH is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of jobs in the United States.  
• Vault – Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work in an industry, company, or profession – and how to position yourself to land that job.  
• Candid Career – This resource provides you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy-to-use website.  
• UGA Mentor Program – Connect with a mentor (alumni, faculty, staff) to research and explore industries and careers. Research industries and careers by connecting with a mentor for a quick chat or formal 16-week mentorship through the UGA Mentor Program.  
• Interstride - Interstride is an interactive tool for both international and domestic students to enhance their international experience and employment potential. The platform consists of job-listings, hiring trends, employer information, self-assessments, and up-to-date immigration guidance. 
• Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees and job seekers.  
• Steppingblocks - Research your future career with real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with career and education searches designed to find your best path based on millions of others. It’s data-powered career exploration for doers like you.

General  

• Handshake (scroll down to the bottom of the page; login with your UGA MyID and password)  
• LinkedIn (this popular networking site also has a job board!) 
• Idealist (non-profit jobs) 
• USAJobs (federal jobs) 

• Foreign Policy Association
• Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs
• International Strategic Studies Association
• Center for International Policy
• Council on Foreign Relations
• American Foreign Policy Council
• Center for Strategic and International Studies
• American Foreign Service Association
• Georgetown Journal of International Affairs