International Studies Career Outlook
A program that focuses on global and international issues from the perspective of the social sciences, social services, and related fields.
To find out more about your major including potential areas and employers, required skills, job outlook, and median pay, please access the Occupational Outlook Handbook, or O*Net websites.
Career Outlook
Explore the subsections below to learn more about the potential skills a student with an international studies major can develop as well as the potential positions, areas, and employers that hire students with this degree. Please note that these are not exhaustive lists and should be used as a starting point.
Skills
As an international studies major, students may develop or advance skills including public speaking, international competency, sensitivity and tolerance, intercultural communication, language fluency, global awareness, research, writing, analytical, research, writing, curiosity, attention to detail.
Positions
Graduates with a degree in international studies can work as Volunteer Coordinators, Foreign News Correspondents, Foreign Service Employees, Refuge/Relief Workers, Investigative Journalists, International Travel/Tour Guides, Airline/Airport Workers, International Business Developers.
Areas
Graduates with a degree in international studies can work within the following areas: refuge relief, economic crises/development, climate change, international/domestic relations, international business development, agricultural economics, import/export, supply chain, diplomacy, foreign affairs, community development, public/private partnerships, human rights, disaster/disease relief, ecotourism.
Employers
Graduates with a degree in international studies can work for multinational corporations, domestic and foreign financial institutions, environmental firms, logistics companies, consulting firms, federal government, foundations, defense contractors, religious organizations, non-government organizations, television networks, international law firms, international airlines, travel agencies, cruise lines.
Helpful Resources
Use the employment opportunity resources below to kickstart your preprofessional and or professional experience search. You may also identify a professional or student organization to join and network with individuals in your major and field. Please note that these are not exhaustive lists and should be used as a starting point.
- Idealist
- Boren Awards for International Study
- BUNAC
- College Consortium for International Studies
- Council on International Exchange (CIEE)
- GoAbroad.com
- GoinGlobal.com
- Institute of International Education
- Institute of World Affairs
- International Association of Business Communicators
- International Studies Association
- Monster International
- Peace Corps
- Study Abroad
- The Experiment in International Living
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Organization Affairs
- The Chicago Council on Global Affairs
- World Chicago
- American Foreign Service Association
- American Institute for Foreign Study
- American Translator's Association
- Americas Society and Council of the Americas
- Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs
- Council on International Educational Exchange
- Institute of World Affairs
- International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language
- International Studies Association
- National Association of International Educators
- International Studies Abroad
- Service Club at SXU
- Students for Justice in Palestine at SXU
Opportunities
Handshake
In addition to other employment opportunity websites, the Center for SUCCESS uses Handshake to share internships and jobs with students. Please explore the positions provided
in the automated feed below or click "View All" to explore positions in Handshake
using your major as a filter.
Although we attempt to screen all employers and positions, the Center for SUCCESS
and Saint Xavier University assume no liability for the accuracy of information shared
in this feed or through Handshake. The views and opinions shared by employers through
Handshake do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Center for SUCCESS
and Saint Xavier University.
Please Note: This feed may include positions not directly related to your major, as employers
have the option to assign all majors to posted roles. If you have any questions about
a particular employer or position, please contact centerforsuccessFREESXU.