How the International Relations Major Prepares You for the Job Market
As the world shrinks due to major advancements in communication, commerce, and travel technology, businesses are becoming more and more globalized and interconnected. The global economy is now just as important as the local economy, especially when supplies, goods, and services are being bought and traded with companies around the world. International relations is the study of the past, present, and future of the worldís political and economic developments, and the skills and tools that can help businesses and other organizations better navigate the multinational atmosphere. International relations majors take courses in analysis, comparative politics, international law, and other topics related to increasing the understanding between America and other countries. Many international relations degree programs have students participate in group research projects, real-world simulations of business and political conflicts, and additional work outside of just simply reading and writing in order to expand their knowledge on the topic. All of these preparations make international relations majors valuable additions to the work force upon graduation.
Best Career Paths for International Relations Majors
International relations majors are able to join in many fields that require correspondence with different countries. The best career paths for international relations majors are:
- Translation/Interpretation. Translators and interpreters work with the government, companies, and other entities to facilitate communication between speakers of one language and speakers of another language. This is especially valuable when business must be conducted between parties of differing countries and languages. Translators specialize in the written word and work on converting legal documents, literature, engravings, and other works from one language into another language. Interpreters, on the other hand, specialize in the spoken word, and thus work in speech conversion. Translators and interpreters make an average salary of $38,850 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- International Law. International law deals with issues of international practice, trade, licensing, investments, and taxation. Lawyers who work in international law must be well-versed in the customs, laws, and restrictions of various countries in addition to being familiar with the laws of his or her own country. Examples of international laws are those set up by the United Nations, one of the most authoritative developers of international agreements and laws. International lawyers earn about $110,590 annually, according to the Bureau.
How to Market Your International Relations Degree
Earning an international relations degree is an important step towards beginning your new career. However, you will also need to know how to market your degree to potential employers in order to prove that your education makes you highly qualified for the position. To do this, be specific about the skills you learned in class. For example, mention that your intensive coursework helped you gain a deep cultural awareness and sensitivity, as well as developed your ability to analyze international laws and stipulations. Reassuring employers and clients that your educational background helped you develop real-world skills is the most effective way of marketing your international relations degree.
