Most of us have different views of what a career in international affairs really means, state dinners, cocktail parties, etc., but the reality is that a career in international affairs includes a wide range of specialties within the private, non-profit, and government fields. Many schools such as The New School, a premier New York University, offer career counseling services to students in the international affairs graduate programs to help them understand potential career paths available.
[This is a series of three explaining possible careers in International Affairs. For Federal Government and Non-Profit careers click on the respective titles.]
International Affairs Careers – Private Sector
Careers in International Affairs are certainly not limited to employment with the Federal Government, the private sector as well offers numerous opportunities. With the advent of “Globalization”, multinational corporations have placed increasing focus on hiring employees with a solid background in international affairs, either as market research analysts, PR/Outreach representatives, cultural anthropologists, journalists or as managers.
Transnational corporations operating within the United States often look for employees with a strong background in international relations to represent them across a wide variety of projects. The banking sector, especially those operating internationally, has showed the most willingness to hire employees with an international affairs degree.
If you have a propensity for international risk and investment management, or international business development, you might also want to consider various consulting firms such as McKinsey & Company and Bain & Company, or investment banks such as Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, to name just a few. These organizations seek out employees with strong interest and ability to analyze political risks facing those willing to invest in foreign countries, and an ability to consult business developers in foreign countries.
Consulting – Business Analyst
In most consulting organizations business analysts play a primary role in business development and client engagement. They are usually tasked with data gathering, reporting, and ultimately present their work in the form of actionable recommendations. Typically this is an entry level role which serves as a strong foundation for future career growth. Salaries can range anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000.
Investment Banking – New Analyst
This position is designed for recent graduates looking to explore the world of investment banking. A strong financial background is not required; commitment, vision, and drive are emphasized over experience. A new analyst is expected to expose him/herself to all aspects of the business, connect with people across multiple divisions, foster relationships, and establish networks. Typical day-to-day tasks may include drafting reports, doing research, handling trades, or running spreadsheets. The work environment is typically fast paced, so an ability to complete projects on time with a high degree of accuracy is highly rewarded.
Consulting – Project Leader
In this or similar position you are expected to manage projects and lead cross-functional teams to produce real value for clients. The role requires an ability to keep an eye on the big picture while paying attention to details. Time management skills and an ability to keep a project within budget are also highly valued. Perhaps the most important characteristic a potential candidate applying for this role must possess is an ability to harness their team’s diversity and creativity in order to develop unique solutions to complex problems.
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