A GUIDE TO WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

HOW TO BREAK INTO GLOBAL STUDIES AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Table of Contents

Global Studies and International Relations: Careers and Compensation →

What are Global Studies and International Relations? →

Industry Outlook →

Taking the Next Step in Your Career →

Skills for Success in International Relations →

An Insider's Perspective →

Global Studies and International Relations at Northeastern: Fast Facts →

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In today’s increasingly interconnected world, corporations, nonprofits, and

governments find themselves

handling new transnational

challenges each day.

From alleviating poverty and improving maternal health to supporting global ties at an international company, a career in international relations provides endless opportunities to benefit societies worldwide.

As the world’s borders continue to expand, there is a need for dedicated professionals who can take on leadership roles in a wide range of globally focused organizations in the public and private sectors.

Right now, there are 3.8 million international relations and affairs professionals in the workforce, with a growth rate of 3.81 percent—on par with other growing industries. And with an average wage of $96,153, many people are looking to enter this field.

Industry Outlook

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As demand has risen, so have expectations of potential employees. In this guide, you’ll learn about:

> The difference between global studies and international relations and how they complement each other.

> The types of organizations hiring global studies and international relations professionals.

> Some of the most popular and high-profile roles available.

> The skills you need to succeed in the field.

> The role education plays in launching and advancing your career.

“I now understand the relationship between business consulting, investment, and international affairs. My studies showed me those connections are a vital piece of what we would call ‘international relations.’”

— Jonathan Hoogendoorn, College of Professional Studies, Global Studies, MS’19

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covers several different disciplines and professions. And while they do complement each other, they each have their own unique focus.

What are Global Studies and International Relations?

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Global StudiesGlobal studies examines the cause and effect of one system or institution on another. These include high-level topics such as human rights, globalization, diplomacy, and more focused issues involving health, culture, and economics. Through this analysis, global studies scientists look for patterns and trends.

Learn More | What is Global Studies? →

International RelationsInternational relations digs deeper into the relationships between sovereign states, political parties, large interest groups, and international organizations. International relations professionals use behavioral theories to interpret those relationships. Through their expertise, they can gain a greater understanding of how political decisions are made, who makes them, and how these decisions impact the global system. By studying these factors, policymakers can create successful foreign and national policies and avoid potential conflict.

Quick Definitions

Global studies asks: How does one system or institute affect another?

International relations asks: What are the relations between states or countries?

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While there’s no one specific job a degree in global studies or international relations can prepare you for, it can open the door to various careers.

Learn More | Top Global Studies Careers →

Global Studies and International Relations: Careers and Compensation

IN THIS CHAPTER

→ Nonprofits

→ Government

→ Foreign Service

→ Management

→ International Education

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NonprofitsThe nonprofit sector has grown by more than 20 percent over the last decade, while the for-profit sector has only grown by two to three percent. There are more than 1.5 million nonprofits in the U.S. alone.

There are numerous career paths within the nonprofit sector, ranging from nongovernmental organizations to service-oriented charities and advocacy groups. Organizations can range from less than 10 people to thousands of employees. Established organizations include:

> United Nations: The UN promotes international collaboration by improving relations between nations and providing economic aid worldwide.

Learn More | 9 United Nations Career Paths →

> International Monetary Fund: The IMF reduces poverty around the world by emphasizing financial literacy, international trade, and sustainable economic growth.

> World Bank Group: The World Bank Group provides loans to developing countries and offers additional help through policy guidance, research, and technical support.

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Nonprofit positions include:

Policy Analyst Median Salary: $76,540 (BLS)

Job Growth: 3% by 2029 (BLS)

Analysts, also known as policy scientists, try to change, adjust, or implement new public policies, regulations, and laws. They often work in nongovernmental organizations, which extensively lobby for policy adjustments.

Executive Director Median Salary: $104,690 (BLS)

Job Growth: 4% by 2029 (BLS)

Directors create strategies and policies to meet an organization’s goals. They often plan, manage, and coordinate nonprofit operations.

Communications ManagerMedian Salary: $116,180 (BLS)

Job Growth: 9% by 2029 (BLS)

Managers develop print and visual communications materials to enhance their organizational branding.

Development DirectorMedian Salary: $113,350 (BLS)

Job Growth: 7% by 2029 (BLS)

Directors establish fundraising goals, identify potential donors and additional funding sources, and plan outreach campaigns to solicit donations.

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Program ManagerMedian Salary: $136,408 (Salary.com)

Managers direct a team that designs programs for their organization, aligning with the nonprofit's mission and supporting long-term goals.

Learn More | 7 Popular Nonprofit Management Careers →

GovernmentThe federal government employs more than 9 million workers, including contractors and those receiving federal grants.

As a government employee, you’re able to help build communities and organizations and protect them from social, political, and economic threats.

The State Department is a popular job destination within the U.S. government, with professionals finding rewarding careers as policymakers, diplomats, foreign service advisors, and in ambassadors’ offices, among many other positions.

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Analysts are also a popular position for those with advanced degrees. They work in a variety of programs, projects, and government agencies. Well-known departments and roles consist of:

Department of Defense: Defense Analyst Median Salary: $99,730 (BLS)

Job Growth: 31% by 2029 (BLS)

The Department of Defense provides military forces to prevent war and protect U.S. security. The DoD includes the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. Defense analysts may work in a specific military branch, reviewing and analyzing global and domestic security threats. Analysts often write detailed reports that include information from military training, departmental spending, and financial patterns, making recommendations based on their findings.

Central Intelligence Agency: Intelligence Collection Analyst Starting Salary: up to $80,505 (CJDS)

Job Growth: 2% by 2029 (BLS)

The CIA collects, analyzes, evaluates, and distributes foreign intelligence to assist the U.S. president and senior government policymakers in making national security decisions. Intelligence collection analysts investigate systems, processes, and policies to target intelligence problems.

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Foreign ServiceThere are over 15,000 employees within the Foreign Service representing the U.S., with 25 different career paths. Officers and specialists can represent any embassy, consulate, or diplomatic mission in the world.

Within the U.S., the Foreign Service has five different career tracks: consular affairs, economic affairs, management affairs, political affairs, and public diplomacy. Foreign Service officers are diplomats who protect American citizens while advancing U.S. interests abroad. There are more than 300 embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic missions around the world.

Median Salary: $88,544 (Payscale)

Number of Officers: 15,600

Learn More | What Does a Foreign Service Officer Do? →

ManagementAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, business and financial roles are expected to grow by five percent in the 10 years to 2029—adding more than 467,200 new jobs.

Major employers in this sector include PricewaterhouseCoopers, Booz Allen Hamilton, McKinsey, Bain & Company, Deloitte, and Boston Consulting Group. Positions include:

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Human Resources Manager Median Salary: $116,720 (BLS)

Job Growth: 6% by 2029 (BLS)

HR managers plan, delegate, and coordinate the administrative functions of a company, serving as a link between an employer’s senior leaders and their employees.

Management AnalystMedian Salary: $85,260 (BLS)

Job Growth: 11% by 2029 (BLS)

Analysts, also known as management consultants, suggest ways to improve a company’s efficiency by advising managers on how to increase profitability through reduced costs and higher revenues.

Learn More | International Consulting: Roles, Responsibilities, and Salaries →

EconomistMedian Salary: $105,020 (BLS)

Job Growth: 14% by 2029 (BLS)

Economists analyze the production and circulation of resources, goods, and services by gathering and studying data, researching trends, and evaluating economic issues.

Learn More | 7 Business Careers You Can Pursue with a Global Studies Degree →

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International EducationInternational education enhances learning, promotes understanding among groups from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and helps develop globally minded individuals. In fact, the number of students earning a college degree outside of their home countries has tripled over the past 25 years. Currently, there are more than one million international college students in the U.S., with international students contributing more than $35 billion to the U.S. economy. Industry roles include:

Director of International Programs Median Salary: $95,410 (BLS)

Job Growth: 4% by 2029 (BLS)

Directors guide all aspects of a college or university’s international programs, including study abroad and foreign exchange programs, the international admissions process, and English language programs. They also develop strategies to attract and retain students and faculty.

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Dean Median Salary: $95,410 (BLS)

Job Growth: 4% by 2029 (BLS)

Deans direct faculty and staff, support research proposals, assist with fundraising, and implement long-term strategic goals within international education.

ProfessorMedian Salary: $79,540 (BLS)

Job Growth: 9% by 2029 (BLS)

Professors teach at the college or university level, instruct students, conduct research, and publish scholarly papers, journal articles, and books.

— Nick Johnson, College of Professional Studies, Global Studies, MS’19

“This degree has provided me with the language to engage with international relations and international organizations. They call it the language of power.”

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Employees in international relations need certain skills to thrive in their careers, including:

1 | Leadership Strong leadership and team management skills are important when directing a team, particularly within international relations. Knowing how to coach, lead, and inspire colleagues helps solidify a unified vision and move goals forward. Teams also work better when members feel they are making a meaningful contribution.

SKILLS IN THIS CHAPTER

→ Leadership

→ Communication Skills

→ Cross-Cultural Awareness

→ Research Skills

→ Analytical Skills

Skills for Success in International Relations

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Ways you can do this include:

Lead by Example: One of the greatest leadership challenges is managing change and innovation. Yet by pushing people to go out of their comfort zone, leaders are more likely to inspire individuals and guide their organizations to success. To do this, top leaders must be the first to embrace change and effectively communicate to their team.

Be Decisive: Being decisive is the ability to make decisions effectively to achieve a desired result. Almost every situation at hand has a number of potential solutions. When it comes time to making a final decision, particularly under tight deadlines, a strong leader should be confident in the outcome. Great leaders do not hesitate when it comes time to act. It’s also easier to be decisive when your team shares a common goal. Be firm in your demands, and don’t back down on your vision.

Welcome Failure: Failure is a crucial steppingstone toward success. While not all decisions result in a positive outcome, realize this is expected, and know that failure can often lead to a bigger accomplishment. Take responsibility when issues arise and be honest about what went wrong, as well as how to avoid future dilemmas.

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2 | Communication Skills Employees within international relations, whether they are a Foreign Service officer or management consultant, need excellent written, public speaking, and negotiation skills to communicate effectively. They also need to be able to present and debate ideas successfully and listen critically. This helps them build and maintain strong relationships with both individuals and teams.

Employees can become strong communicators by:

Starting with What’s Important: Start any discussion with what’s most important at hand, making sure that your audience understands the context of the conversation and can follow up with any questions.

Active Listening: It’s important not to just talk but listen. Active listening helps build rapport and creates stronger relationships. Be focused on what people are saying and note their nonverbal communication, such as eye contact, body language, and posture.

Providing Constructive Feedback: Criticism doesn’t have to be negative, and it can have a positive impact on professional growth. When delivering feedback, be specific, and make sure your tone is still respectful. Explain why you disagree and how you would change the situation.

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3 | Cross-Cultural AwarenessOur experiences, values, and cultural backgrounds guide our viewpoints and actions. It’s important to be cognizant that other people have a different perspective based on their cultural background. People view, interpret, and evaluate situations in many ways. What’s considered appropriate in one culture can be inappropriate in another. Misunderstandings occur when one person uses their viewpoint to make sense of another person’s experiences.

The importance of cross-cultural awareness, therefore, is significant. Cultural awareness is a skill that can be honed—making assignments, business meetings, and negotiations successful.

The key to successful intercultural awareness is to think globally. Research and better understand the cultures of those you are communicating with to ensure that your audience understands you. Learn about other cultures and realize that keeping a multicultural perspective is essential for international relations.

4 | Research SkillsTo have a thriving career in international relations, it’s important to have the ability to thoroughly research and examine information to make important decisions.

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This includes identifying the problem, determining what resources you need to respond to an issue, compiling and organizing information efficiently, evaluating the data, and using your findings to address the problem. Employees must be able to use their research skills to address dilemmas and influence others’ opinions.

5 | Analytical SkillsAnalytical skills are a set of techniques used to help understand problems and work toward effective solutions. These skills play an important part in many global roles. Often, the ability to analyze information to see the bigger picture or trend is important. In other cases, the ability to deconstruct large pieces of data to identify the smaller details is essential.

Each assignment you encounter has new problems and challenges, and while your background can help you solve those problems, your ability to use your analytical skill set is important. This includes the capacity to analyze information and construct coherent arguments critically.

One must ask important analytical questions, investigate data, and develop complex ideas based on research. Employees within international relations assess crises, evaluate theories, and solve problems about societies and cultures.

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The Impact of an Advanced Degree

With a growing world economy, many corporations have offices overseas and are looking for international business employees, such as management and financial analysts, marketing managers, HR professionals, executives, and economists. These companies include IBM, General Electric, Apple, General Motors, Amazon, and Facebook.

“You are well-positioned for a multitude of careers by being able to appreciate the dynamics of how to work cross-culturally,” says Gail Marcus, adjunct professor in Northeastern’s Master of Science in Global Studies and International Relations program. “By studying for a career in international business, you are preparing yourself for the world of the future.”

Learn More | What Can You Do with a Master’s in Global Studies & International Relations →

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Learn More | 5 Reasons to Study International Relations and Diplomacy →

Education is becoming more of a factor in entering and advancing in the global studies and international relations field.

Increased Marketability

Earning a graduate degree improves your attractiveness as a job candidate, as many employers prefer or require one for international relations positions. Plus, graduate-level job postings have increased by 22 percent over the past several years.

Increased Earning Potential

Becoming a more competitive applicant also has the benefit of commanding a higher salary. As your knowledge expands and your resumé becomes more impressive, employers seeking to fill more specialized and higher-paying jobs are more likely to notice you. Plus, according to PayScale.com, the average salary of international relations professionals is 12 percent higher for master’s degree holders than bachelor’s degree holders.

Expand Your Network

Establishing a strong professional network can have long-term benefits for your career. Students earning an advanced degree in international relations come from all over the globe. Instructors also come from a variety of countries, backgrounds, and careers, and when you add in a program’s alumni, you’ll step into a world-wide network the moment you take your first class.

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Taking the Next Step in Your Career

While they have their own focus, global studies and international relations share common skills, disciplines, and goals. This is why Northeastern University offers a joint Master of Science in Global Studies and International Relations.

Northeastern’s unique interdisciplinary program allows students to gain one comprehensive degree. Classes focus on work you would do in the field, like analyzing the investment portfolios of developing nations, staging mock debates, crisis management, and the art of speechwriting for top embassy officials.

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Students prepare for leadership roles in international organizations and areas like consulting, nonprofit management, business and industry, education, foreign service, or banking.

In the ClassroomStudents can focus their degrees and studies in two ways.

They can choose from four concentrations to help tailor their degree:

> Diplomacy

> Conflict Resolution

> International Economics and Consulting

> Global Health and Development

They can also choose one of the globe’s six major regions to focus their area of study:

> East Asia

> Middle East

> Sub-Saharan Africa

> Europe

> Southwest and Central Asia

> Latin America

Gain Practical Experience in Our Diplomacy LabYou can explore real-world challenges—while contributing to the policymaking process—through our participation in the U.S. State Department’s Diplomacy Lab.

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Outside of the ClassroomFor more than 100 years, experience-driven learning has been the foundation of Northeastern’s educational philosophy. Our global studies and international relations students take what they learn in the classroom and use them in real-world situations with our partner organizations.

Students also have the opportunity to travel and participate in our International Field Study Experience. They serve as international consultants for global organizations, help them address a current challenge they are facing, and then present their findings in an on-site working session in a foreign location.

There are also opportunities to participate in co-ops, capstone projects, and internships at organizations like the United Nations, U.S. Department of State, Charity Water, and many more.

When students graduate, they leave with real-world experience they can add to their resumé to help them stand out when applying for jobs.

Global Opportunites

Past International Field Study Experience trips have included workshops at the Innovation Academy in Freiburg, Germany, consulting for Education First at its headquarters in Zurich, and consulting for SME in Tuscany, Italy.

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World-Class InstructorsOur instructors include policymakers, former ambassadors, diplomats, foreign service advisors, and international educational consultants. For example, you could take classes with Professor Friedrich Lohr, the former German ambassador to North Korea, or Professor Jason Foley, the current deputy assistant administrator at the U.S. Agency for International Development.

A Global NetworkWith students from more than 24 countries and over 34 states, and faculty with decades of experience working as ambassadors, foreign service officers, diplomats, and more, there are rich opportunities for discussion and debates on international perspectives. Plus, Northeastern’s powerful international alumni network is made up of classmates, faculty, and dedicated alumni.

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I couldn't be happier with this program. I searched for programs to fit my busy schedule, and no one offered anything quite like Northeastern. Every professor I have taken has surpassed my expectations.

Mariah Walker, College of Professional Studies, Global Studies, MS’18

My regional studies class on Central Asia with Professor Beshimov was absolutely incredible. As a former member of parliament and ambassador for Kyrgyzstan, his insight in the region was unparalleled.

Jack Dooley, College of Professional Studies, Global Studies, MS’18

An Insider's Perspective

Is an advanced global studies and international relations degree right for you? Here are some thoughts and reactions from some of our recent graduates.

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Global Studies and International Relations at Northeastern: Fast Facts

Master of Science in Global Studies and International RelationsLocations

→ Boston→ Charlotte, NC → Seattle → Online

Available Concentrations:> Diplomacy

> Conflict Resolution

> International Economics and Consulting

> Global Health and Development

Visa-compliant for on-ground students.

Commitment> Full Time

> Part Time

Duration> 1 – 1.5 Years

Boston | Burlington, MA | Charlotte, NC | London | Nahant, MA | Portland, ME | San Francisco | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Toronto | Vancouver | Online

Are you ready to take the next step in your global studies and international relations career?

Northeastern can help you get ahead.Visit northeastern.edu/graduate to learn how.