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Careers in International Relations... Frequently Asked Questions.

What career can I go into with a degree in IR?

There are few Careers where a degree in IR is essential, although there are numerous employers of particular interest by virtue of the requirements for a knowledge and understanding of global issues. If you decide that you do want to work for an international organisation, since they offer a wide range of career paths, your career planning should focus on what you would like to do in the organisation which would best use your knowledge skills and experience.

Visit the www.prospects.ac.uk website for further research on opportunities open to you with a degree in IR. You will find that about 40% of vacancies advertised do not ask for a specific degree subject. NTU IR graduates enter a wide range of occupations every year. Employers are interested in your general intellect, skills and experience.

How do I find a job with an NGO?

You need to research the range of NGOs (visit useful websites for careers in IR) and identify their particular requirements, eg some ask for at least a years relevant work experience and/or a postgraduate qualification. It is unlikely that they will consider a graduate applicant without some relevant work experience but it very much depends on the role.

Other than NGOs what are the jobs where an IR degree would be useful?

Some of these include:

• Charity/ Voluntary Organisations
• Civil Service roles
• Journalism and media related roles
• Financial management roles
• Research and public/social policy roles

To find out more about these roles, check out the prospects web site.

What kind of further study can I do?

The kind of further study you decide to opt for as an IR grad might depend on a number of factors:

• Your career ambitions: you may need to pursue a specific course of study to obtain the career you desire. Eg Law, Teaching, all have different training routes
• Your research interests: you may wish to study further or research in depth an area of international relations which has interested you as an undergraduate
• Your financial position: you may have to consider self financing your further study/research.

Visit www.prospects.ac.uk and click onto further study to explore this area further and search for courses.