02/24/2026
Exploring Typical Career Opportunities in International Relations
Students considering an international relations major often ask a simple but important question: what can you do with an international relations degree? The answer is complex and extends across multiple industries and job titles. International relations is a flexible, interdisciplinary field that examines how countries, institutions, and people interact across borders.
An international relations degree draws from political science, history, economics, and law to help students understand global systems. This foundation may help individuals explore global issues such as national security, humanitarian aid, international trade, and foreign policy in various professional contexts. Since the field is broad, international relations graduates find opportunities in government, international organizations, nonprofits, and the private sector.
International Affairs and Foreign Policy Work
Some individuals with an international relations background may pursue roles connected to international affairs or foreign policy, where understanding diplomacy and global politics is central to daily work. These roles often support decision-makers by researching international developments, tracking geopolitical trends, or helping coordinate policy responses.
Graduates may contribute to:
- Foreign service officers working with foreign policy research and analysis
- Diplomatic initiatives or public diplomacy efforts
- Interagency foreign affairs coordination related to national security
- Briefings for policymakers or international partners
Some graduates join the foreign service, while others contribute to policy development in government or research institutions.
International Law and Human Rights
While legal practice requires additional education, individuals with an international relations degree may find opportunities to support research or advocacy efforts related to international law and human rights.
In these environments, graduates may:
- Assist with human rights documentation or reporting
- Support international legal research projects
- Work with international organizations focused on accountability
- Coordinate programs tied to justice or rule of law initiatives
This work often requires strong communication skills and a solid understanding of international systems and political contexts.
International Development and Humanitarian Aid
Students interested in development or humanitarian aid often find this degree provides a strong academic foundation. These roles focus on addressing global challenges such as poverty, displacement, food security, and disaster response.
Graduates in this area may work with:
- Humanitarian organizations responding to crises
- Development offices managing long-term projects
- International organizations focused on education or infrastructure
- Teams supporting disaster relief or emergency coordination
Understanding how governments, donors, and local communities interact is essential in this work, and international relations graduates bring that perspective.
International Business and Global Trade
International relations graduates are also found in international business and global trade environments, especially where organizations operate across multiple regions. In these roles, global awareness matters just as much as technical knowledge.
In these roles, graduates often engage in:
- International market research
- Trade policy analysis
- Risk assessments for multinational corporations
- Consulting projects for international companies
An understanding of global economics, international trade agreements, and cultural differences helps graduates navigate complex business environments.
Global Security and Conflict Resolution
For students interested in global security, conflict studies, or peacebuilding, international relations offers tools for understanding instability and cooperation on a global scale. Graduates in this area may analyze political risk, regional conflicts, or security challenges affecting international systems.
Work in this space may involve:
- Research on conflict resolution strategies
- Policy support related to security issues
- Analysis of global threats or regional tensions
- Collaboration with international organizations focused on peace
A career in global security or conflict resolution often emphasizes analytical thinking and the ability to interpret complex political dynamics.
Global Health and International Organizations
Some graduates focus on global health, environmental policy, or governance through work with international organizations such as the United Nations or the World Bank. These roles examine how global systems affect health, sustainability, and human well-being.
Graduates may assist with:
- Policy research tied to global health initiatives
- Program coordination across countries or regions
- Analysis of global governance structures
- Cross-border collaboration on shared challenges
This work often lies at the intersection of policy, development, and international cooperation.
Gaining Experience and Pursuing Education in International Relations
Career pathways in international relations vary widely and often depend on individual experience, additional education, and professional networks. Some pursue an advanced degree in international relations, international development, or public policy to deepen their focus.
Common ways students build experience include:
- Learning foreign languages
- Internships with government agencies or humanitarian organizations
- Research projects or study abroad opportunities
These experiences help bridge academic learning with professional practice.
Planning Your International Relations Career Path
So, what can you do with an international relations degree? The answer depends on what global issues interest you most and how you want to engage with them. International relations graduates may work in policy, development, security, business, and advocacy—often in roles that require cultural awareness, critical thinking, and strong communication.
For students interested in understanding how the world works across borders, this degree offers a way to explore international systems and global challenges while building skills that apply across sectors. It’s less about a single career path and more about learning how to navigate an interconnected world thoughtfully and responsibly.