Work in international affairs can be in public (government), private (business), and nonprofit/NGO areas. Study abroad, foreign language study, and international experiences can help you be competitive in this field.
Industry Insights
Check out relevant Vault guides to related industries.
Sample Employers in LionSHARE
- UNICEF
- Human Rights Watch
- World Bank Group
- Council on Foreign Relations
- American Enterprise Institute
- Amnesty International
Focus Areas in International Affairs
Here is a sample list of applied areas in this industry:
International Careers
In almost every country you’ll find expat professionals who, for a variety of reasons, are now working and residing abroad. These sojourners include those working for multinational companies, import-export business workers, diplomatic workers, development workers, English teachers, missionaries, entrepreneurs, freelance consultants, and students studying the local language.
Foreign Trade Jobs
Foreign trade, the exchange of goods and services between nations, has played an important role in national economies for centuries, helping domestic industries grow to serve foreign customers and allowing people to enjoy goods produced outside of their own countries. Trade has always been a major force behind international relations, often helping to create alliances among friendly trade partners.
Government Jobs
Government is a system established by a community, city, state, or country to develop laws, policies, and programs that work for the good of its citizens. The Foreign Service, the U.S. Congress, state legislatures, and the political science departments of colleges and universities all attract thousands of professionals every year who are eager to be involved in the decisions that affect the people of the country.
Politics, Public Policy, and Activism Jobs
Government deals with matters of defense, the administration of justice, the conservation of the environment, education, fair labor practices, family law, the registry of property transfers, the quality of food and drugs, agricultural prices, responsible banking practices, immigration, zoning, taxation, foreign trade policies, and many more concerns of daily life.
Columbia University Resources
- Check out fellowship opportunities through The Office of Fellowships, like the United Nations University Junior Fellows Programme.
- See a sample of post-grad paths and transferable skills with our major tipsheets on Human Rights, Political Science, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
- Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) offers resources regarding career opportunities in international affairs.
- Weatherhead East Asian Institute offers research and internship opportunities to current students.
