Careers in International Relations (IR) can pertain to wide variety of areas. Working in International relations can include a diverse range of vocations, from journalism to foreign policy making, charity work to translation. This, said, at its core it is a job in which you must relate something to an international audience and travel overseas to carry out your business.
If you want to travel with your work, be based abroad, or have dealings with all that is foreign, then International Relations is a great degree to study as it is a solid base for any of the above and more. As a career, it can be somewhat more difficult to get into due to the breadth of the spectrum of opportunities it encompasses. This means that it is more important to know in oneself that IR is the goal from as early a stage as possible, because the number of boxes which need to be ticked to get there is greater than many other professions.
BA and High IQs for IR
Careers in International Relations are very competitive; if you do not hold at least a 2:1, your CV won’t even make it onto the reading pile. A first is obviously preferable, but what is more important is experience, a demonstration that you can apply your knowledge practically. The type of degree is important of course, but as IR encompasses many different skills you are lucky in that you have more choice than most. IR itself is an obvious choice but politics, languages, business, management, and HR would all also be smart selections. Most Universities nowadays allow a combi-degree. That is Politics with IR, IR and French, Spanish and Management etc. etc. This is a particularly good option for IR as it leaves room for manoeuvre.
Beyond the Textbook
International Space Stations – Only marginally harder to get in to than International Relations. If you’re interested in working in a field as competitive and high brow as IR, being treasurer of the netball team just won’t do. All of your extra-curricular activities should directly relate to your chosen field. For working in IR this could include a debate team, model UN, language class, a position at your University newspaper, joining a politics society. Essentially, you should take anything which shows your talent in communication, deliberation and leadership. The higher your position in said groups the better; aim for gold and you will at least get silver.
Languages The strongest piece of advice one could offer a student itching to break into the world of IR is to take a language. Any language; in any shape or form, whether it is part of your degree, an online course, a club, just do it. UK students are at a severe disadvantage in the international job market due to their lack of linguistic skills.According to a recent survey, a whopping 62% of the population speaks only English. Languages go through stages of popularity due to the hot news subject and political dalliance of the day, so this is why I say any. At the moment however, those which are proving to be most useful and which the Western world in general is slightly deficient is a form of Chinese or Arabic (of which there are many). Both of these originate from two very large emerging markets, both politically and business-wise. It is important however to take up a language you have a passion for, as it is no easy task to speak fluently in another tongue.
Specialising Many students and aspiring professionals have a natural affinity for a particular continent. If this is or isn’t the case, become an expert in one area of the globe, (whilst being able to do well to answer questions relating to the rest). Immerse yourself in Hispanic, Asian, or African culture and history. Read all the relevant magazines such as Foreign Affairs, to The Africa Report (or relevant equivalent). Be topical, and current, BBC world news should be your best friend and bed time buddy.
A Year of Living Dangerously? Â It will come as no surprise that someone who is well traveled will have an edge in the world of IR. As a student however, this may not always be financially viable. This is where the type of degree you select can also help, as many which include a language also have a year abroad option. Whether this is studying abroad or working abroad in the EU or other international body (more likely with politics) this gives you back your edge at half the cost. It proves you are already well prepared for a life on the move, which for many seems like a nice idea whilst sat in the classroom learning about imperialism, but when it comes to it is all just a bit too much to cope with. Ensure this isn’t you at the first possible opportunity.
Working in International Relations In addition to a year factored into your degree, also ensure you are utilising the more than generous holidays to good effect. You have three months at least over summer, a period of time which many NGOs, Think Tanks, political groups, you name it offer internships. You could even pool a few together from different sectors over that time and complete a series of fortnight-long work experiences. Large organisations offer these very readily, and this is another area which you should always have your finger on the pulse as the waiting lists are often lengthy. You could for example, undertake two weeks with the BBC world department, a month with an NGO on an abroad project, and volunteer with your local MP in the constituency too. The opportunities are endless, you just have to seek them out, and be relentless.
Networking It’s about Connections. Whilst at University, on your travels and during all your extra-curricular activities, you will already be building up a wide network of contacts. Although today it is no longer supposed to be about who you know, I am afraid in a sector like IR, it still very much is. Do not underestimate the power and influence of those around you, and their potential for it in the future. It is important to keep a tight web of colleagues, acquaintances and even friends purely for vocational advice, guidance and who knows maybe more. In addition to the foundations you will naturally build, there is a whole world of mechanisms to help you make, and keep up to date with said contacts. A great thing to do is to join any group, union, or party who is affiliated with the field you wish to enter. If you want to become a journalist; join the NUJ. If you want to get into the political side of IR; join a political party. If it is the charitable side that tickles your fancy, become a member of a NGO. The number of organisations grown to spread knowledge, share experiences and contacts are increasing every day, so become an active member of one, or even multiple.
With the rise of the web, networking has become much simpler. Ensure you are on LinkedIn, and an active voice in groups on the platform. Every time you are introduced to someone new, no matter how remotely related to IR, Google them, and invite them to connect. A good way to hook potential contacts into your network is to blog about the topics which you and they are both interested. It can also prove your active consumption of recent events and show that you are knowledgeable in the field. Being able to astutely communicate is a skill central to success in IR, and regularly writing on the issues which lay at the heart of it is a great way to exhibit this.
To summarize, getting into IR involves three key things. The first is to do well in your degree, any degree (within reason), just excel in it. The second is to throw yourself into relevant extra-curricular activities, including a language. The third is to network, and make as many contacts as possible. Make these three your mantra for life and you are sure to succeed.