What Can You Do with an International Relations Degree? How to Find the Right Career for You
If you have an International Relations (IR) degree, you might be wondering:
• What careers are actually available to me?
• How do I know which one is the right fit?
• What if I don’t want to work in diplomacy or government?
The good news is that an IR degree opens up a wide range of career options beyond embassies and international organizations. The challenge is finding the right path that aligns with your skills, interests, and goals.
This guide will help you understand the most common career options for IR graduates and how to decide which one is best for you.
1. Career Paths for International Relations Graduates
An IR degree is broad, meaning it can be applied to multiple industries. The key is identifying where your strengths and interests align.
Diplomacy and Government
Best for those interested in international politics, law, and global negotiations.
• Foreign Service (working in embassies or consulates)
• Government Ministries (policy advisor, analyst, international affairs specialist)
• Intelligence and Security (national defense, counterterrorism, risk analysis)
• Political Risk Consulting (advising businesses on political and economic stability)
How to break in? Apply for government trainee programs, foreign service exams, or internships at embassies and ministries.
International Organizations and NGOs
Best for those passionate about human rights, development, and global advocacy.
• United Nations agencies (UNHCR, UNESCO, WHO)
• International NGOs (Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Oxfam)
• Humanitarian Aid and Development (Red Cross, World Bank, grassroots organizations)
• Climate and Sustainability Policy (UNEP, WWF, global climate initiatives)
How to break in? Start with internships, apply for graduate programs like the UN Young Professionals Programme, or volunteer for local NGOs.
Business, Trade, and Consulting
Best for those who enjoy strategy, economics, and working in multinational environments.
• International Business Development (expanding companies into global markets)
• Trade and Investment Policy (working with chambers of commerce, government agencies)
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR roles in multinational companies)
• Global Strategy Consulting (advising businesses on international growth and risks)
How to break in? Gain experience in international trade organizations, business consulting firms, or corporate sustainability programs.
Media, Communications, and Public Relations
Best for those skilled in writing, research, and digital storytelling.
• Journalism and International Reporting (news agencies, foreign correspondents)
• Public Relations for Global Organizations (NGOs, embassies, multinational firms)
• Political Communications (advising politicians, think tanks, advocacy groups)
• Digital Campaigning (social media strategy for international causes)
How to break in? Start writing for international affairs publications, build a strong LinkedIn presence, or gain experience in PR agencies.
Fashion, Luxury, and Sustainability
Best for those interested in the intersection of culture, business, and ethics.
• Sustainability and Ethics in Fashion (working on fair trade, labor rights, environmental policies)
• Global Public Relations (working in international branding and communications)
• Cultural Diplomacy (promoting national fashion industries, international collaborations)
• Supply Chain and Trade Compliance (ensuring ethical sourcing in global brands)
How to break in? Look for roles in sustainability departments of fashion brands, apply for ethical fashion initiatives, or start writing and researching industry trends.
2. How to Choose the Right Career for You
With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide on a path. Here are some steps to help you find the right fit:
Step 1: Identify What You Enjoy Doing
Ask yourself:
• Do I enjoy research and analysis, or do I prefer hands-on, practical work?
• Am I more interested in business, policy, advocacy, or media?
• Do I want to work in an office, travel frequently, or work remotely?
Step 2: Assess Your Skills
IR graduates often have strong skills in writing, negotiation, critical thinking, and languages. But what are your unique strengths?
• If you are a strong writer, consider media, communications, or policy research.
• If you like public speaking, diplomacy, lobbying, or business development could be good fits.
• If you are passionate about data and analytics, international trade or political risk consulting could be options.
Step 3: Research Job Descriptions
Go to LinkedIn, Indeed, or specialized job boards like Devex or UN Jobs. Look up roles that interest you and analyze the required skills. If you’re missing some, take short courses to close the gap.
Step 4: Gain Experience
Most IR careers require some form of experience beyond a degree. Internships, volunteer work, and online projects can help you build credibility.
• If you’re interested in diplomacy, apply for embassy internships or Model UN programs.
• If you want to work in sustainability, start researching ethical trade policies and write about them.
• If you’re interested in media, start a blog, a podcast, or contribute articles to international publications.
3. Next Steps: Join the IR Careers Course
If you want a step-by-step plan to launch your career, the International Relations Careers Course at Young and Hired can help.
• Learn how to find your niche and match your skills to real job opportunities
• Get insider tips from professionals in diplomacy, business, NGOs, and fashion
• Access CV templates, job boards, networking strategies, and application hacks
• Discover how to break into global industries—even if you don’t have experience yet
Finding a career after an IR degree doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right strategy, you can land a job that matches your passion and skills.
Start your career journey today.
Join the IR Careers Course Now
If you have an International Relations (IR) degree, you might be wondering:
• What careers are actually available to me?
• How do I know which one is the right fit?
• What if I don’t want to work in diplomacy or government?
The good news is that an IR degree opens up a wide range of career options beyond embassies and international organizations. The challenge is finding the right path that aligns with your skills, interests, and goals.
This guide will help you understand the most common career options for IR graduates and how to decide which one is best for you.
1. Career Paths for International Relations Graduates
An IR degree is broad, meaning it can be applied to multiple industries. The key is identifying where your strengths and interests align.
Diplomacy and Government
Best for those interested in international politics, law, and global negotiations.
• Foreign Service (working in embassies or consulates)
• Government Ministries (policy advisor, analyst, international affairs specialist)
• Intelligence and Security (national defense, counterterrorism, risk analysis)
• Political Risk Consulting (advising businesses on political and economic stability)
How to break in? Apply for government trainee programs, foreign service exams, or internships at embassies and ministries.
International Organizations and NGOs
Best for those passionate about human rights, development, and global advocacy.
• United Nations agencies (UNHCR, UNESCO, WHO)
• International NGOs (Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Oxfam)
• Humanitarian Aid and Development (Red Cross, World Bank, grassroots organizations)
• Climate and Sustainability Policy (UNEP, WWF, global climate initiatives)
How to break in? Start with internships, apply for graduate programs like the UN Young Professionals Programme, or volunteer for local NGOs.
Business, Trade, and Consulting
Best for those who enjoy strategy, economics, and working in multinational environments.
• International Business Development (expanding companies into global markets)
• Trade and Investment Policy (working with chambers of commerce, government agencies)
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR roles in multinational companies)
• Global Strategy Consulting (advising businesses on international growth and risks)
How to break in? Gain experience in international trade organizations, business consulting firms, or corporate sustainability programs.
Media, Communications, and Public Relations
Best for those skilled in writing, research, and digital storytelling.
• Journalism and International Reporting (news agencies, foreign correspondents)
• Public Relations for Global Organizations (NGOs, embassies, multinational firms)
• Political Communications (advising politicians, think tanks, advocacy groups)
• Digital Campaigning (social media strategy for international causes)
How to break in? Start writing for international affairs publications, build a strong LinkedIn presence, or gain experience in PR agencies.
Fashion, Luxury, and Sustainability
Best for those interested in the intersection of culture, business, and ethics.
• Sustainability and Ethics in Fashion (working on fair trade, labor rights, environmental policies)
• Global Public Relations (working in international branding and communications)
• Cultural Diplomacy (promoting national fashion industries, international collaborations)
• Supply Chain and Trade Compliance (ensuring ethical sourcing in global brands)
How to break in? Look for roles in sustainability departments of fashion brands, apply for ethical fashion initiatives, or start writing and researching industry trends.
2. How to Choose the Right Career for You
With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide on a path. Here are some steps to help you find the right fit:
Step 1: Identify What You Enjoy Doing
Ask yourself:
• Do I enjoy research and analysis, or do I prefer hands-on, practical work?
• Am I more interested in business, policy, advocacy, or media?
• Do I want to work in an office, travel frequently, or work remotely?
Step 2: Assess Your Skills
IR graduates often have strong skills in writing, negotiation, critical thinking, and languages. But what are your unique strengths?
• If you are a strong writer, consider media, communications, or policy research.
• If you like public speaking, diplomacy, lobbying, or business development could be good fits.
• If you are passionate about data and analytics, international trade or political risk consulting could be options.
Step 3: Research Job Descriptions
Go to LinkedIn, Indeed, or specialized job boards like Devex or UN Jobs. Look up roles that interest you and analyze the required skills. If you’re missing some, take short courses to close the gap.
Step 4: Gain Experience
Most IR careers require some form of experience beyond a degree. Internships, volunteer work, and online projects can help you build credibility.
• If you’re interested in diplomacy, apply for embassy internships or Model UN programs.
• If you want to work in sustainability, start researching ethical trade policies and write about them.
• If you’re interested in media, start a blog, a podcast, or contribute articles to international publications.
3. Next Steps: Join the IR Careers Course
If you want a step-by-step plan to launch your career, the International Relations Careers Course at Young and Hired can help.
• Learn how to find your niche and match your skills to real job opportunities
• Get insider tips from professionals in diplomacy, business, NGOs, and fashion
• Access CV templates, job boards, networking strategies, and application hacks
• Discover how to break into global industries—even if you don’t have experience yet
Finding a career after an IR degree doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right strategy, you can land a job that matches your passion and skills.
Start your career journey today.
Join the IR Careers Course Now
