Do you find yourself often marvelling at how the World works? Do political systems and their working attract you? Do you dream of making the world a better place, someday? Do you imagine a career in working for the United Nations one day? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then a career in international relations might just be the one for you.
One of the lesser chosen careers, pursuing a career in international relations can be greatly rewarding and enjoyable. A career in international relations involves travelling, meeting foreign dignitaries, delegating at international conferences, and being the sole representative of your country. Here is what you can do, with an International Relations degree –
Intelligence specialist
An intelligence specialist is responsible for collecting data and information for a mission, and working with the military, the navy, or any other government agency. Another form of this is a political analyst, a person generally recruited by the government to analyze public policies, identify various political issues for research, and advised political leaders on foreign government policies.
An intelligence specialist collects data and information for the military, navy, or other government agencies that deal with security of the country. Another form of this job is a political analyst, a person hired by the government to analyze public policies, identify various political issues for research, and for advice on foreign government policies.
Diplomacy
A diplomat has to represent and protect a nation’s interests abroad in terms of politics, trade, and consular services. Mainly, diplomats act as links between the country they represent, and the country they live in. Diplomats collect and report information related to the ties with their country of origin and host country. The diplomat discusses, negotiates, and mediates with the local government when issues about peace and war, trade, commerce, economics arise.
United Nations
The United Nations is the peacekeeping organ of the world. Although it has many employees, jobs on its permanent staff are allocated based on national quotas. A career in United Nations entails representing your country’s stance on a subject of global importance. The United Nations has helped control wars and provided refuge to millions of immigrants. If you aim to change the world someday for the better and be paid while you’re at it, this is your best bet.
Non-Governmental Organizations
A degree in International Relations also helps you in working for the welfare of society. Non-governmental organizations work to fulfil financial or educational needs, including Preventing human trafficking, fighting racial discrimination and misogyny, conserving forests and natural resources and providing money and education
Teaching
You can take the National Eligibility Test for junior research fellowship (JRF) and lectureship conducted by University grants commission (UGC). After cracking this exam, students can apply for research roles and scholarships and can work as a professor/ lecturer in leading universities.
Civil Services
You can join the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), after clearing the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) every year. This route, although closely related to International Relations does, in no way, require an international relations degree.
Top universities offering Masters in International Relations are:
- Tufts University, in Medford, United States;
- The New School, in New York City, United States;
- Radboud University, in Nijmegen, Netherlands;
- Yasar University, in Izmir, Turkey;
- Roskilde University, in Roskilde, Denmark;
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India;
- Delhi University, New Delhi, India;
- Christ University, Bengaluru, India
A major in International Relations gives you necessary life skills important for any job, by emphasizing clarity in speech and writing, analytical skills. Detailed knowledge of world politics prepares students for careers in government, journalism, law, non-governmental organizations, international business, and teaching and research. The reader must note that the careers mentioned do not require an international relations degree specifically, but students are encouraged to study International relations with a double major of their choice in subjects like Political Science, Language, and History.
