International Studies

What can I do with this discipline/major?

For helpful resources on your career opportunities, explore the “What Can I Do with This Major” guides for global studies and political science and government. 

Some common career titles for this major include:

• Foreign Affairs Analyst
• Humanitarian Relief Worker
• Import/Export Coordinator
• Intelligence Officer
• Intelligence Research Specialist
• International Account Executive
• International Bank Trainee
• International Hotel Manager
• International Lawyer
• International Relations Officer
• International Relations Professor
• Interpreter/Translator
• Intelligence Officer
• Intelligence Research Specialist
• International Lawyer
• International Relations Officer
• International Relations Professor
• Language Instructor
• Legislative Correspondent
• Trade Specialist Research Assistant
• Travel Writer

For additional career information on duties, education and training, pay, and outlook for hundreds of occupations, visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

additional resources

Careers in International Studies

• Center for International Private Enterprise
• Riley Guide International Resources
• Transitions Abroad
• United Nations

Internships and Research Opportunities

Getting applied experience in your field is critical. The following resources will allow you to learn more about your department’s opportunities and process, as well introduce you to other major-specific internship posting resources. For more information, email Dr. Alison McCartney, TU International Studies Department Internship Coordinator.

• Central Intelligence Agency – Student opportunities
• Commonwealth Contractors – UK Work Permits
• Consider interning abroad! Search for opportunities by using the keyword "internship."
• Idealist
• iHipo International Internships
• Intern Jobs
• International Internship Directory
• US Department of State – Student opportunities
• National Security Agency – Students
• TU International Studies Department
• Log in to Handshaketo access Going Global and search for international internships

Careers and Jobs

The resources below are a starting point for your job search. In addition to making use of the Internet to do research, we encourage you to talk to people in the fields you are interested in (don’t forget to use TU’s Tiger Mentor Network) to learn more about specific opportunities and organizations.

• Defense Intelligence Agency – Jobs
• Central Intelligence Agency – Careers
• Center for Strategic and International Studies
• Council on Foreign Relations – Career Opportunities
• ESL Teacher Recruiter
• Foreign Policy Association Students Corner
• ImpactPool.org – Global Careers
• InternationalJobs.com
• International Rescue Committee
• Jobs Abroad
• National Security Agency
• Oxford Seminars ESL Country Information
• Overseas Jobs
• Peace Corps
• Resort Jobs
• SummerJobs.com
• U.S. Department of State
• World Economic Forum
• World Trade Organization

Sample Resumes and Interview Questions

For major specific resume samples, we encourage you to look at the Sample International Studies Resume (PDF) in addition to our Sample Resume Database.

Below are sample interview questions for your field. In preparing for the interview, you’ll also want to review common interview questions (PDF) asked of all majors, thoroughly research the organization, dress professionally, and visit the interview skills section of the Career Center’s website. You can practice your interview skills online via Big Interview or schedule a mock interview with a Career Center staff member.

Interview Questions

Common Industry Related Questions

• Tell me about your international experience.
• Do you speak any languages other than your native language?
• Why do you believe you will be successful in the field of international studies?
• Relate your studies and/or experience to this job.
• What are your favorite aspects of international studies?

Professional Associations

Professional associations offer many benefits to students, often including reduced-price membership, mentorship programs, “careers in…” information, job and internship listings, field-related conferences and publications, and much more. Be sure to check out sections on the associations’ websites related to students, education, careers, etc.

• American Translators Association
• Academy of International Business
• American Institute for Foreign Study
• Council of the Americas
• Council on International Educational Exchange
• Council for Foreign Relations
• Fullbright Scholars Program
• International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language
• International Center for Journalists
• International Chamber of Commerce
• International Journalists Network
• International Studies Association
• International Trade Administration
• National Association of International Educators
• Teachers of English to Students of Other Languages
• The Federation of International Trade Associations
• US AID
• United States International Trade Commission
• World Bank

Related TU Student Organizations

• Club for Arabic Learner
• Greek Cultural Organization
• The Italian Club (Il Circolo)
• Japanese Language and Culture Organization
• Legal Studies Club
• Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International
• Pre-Law Society
• Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish)
• Vietnamese Student Association