14 tips for international relations majors who are mapping their careers

Career mapping is the process of strategically planning your professional journey by identifying potential career paths, the skills you’ll need, and the steps to achieve your long-term goals. For international relations majors, career mapping is especially important because the field offers diverse opportunities in government, diplomacy, non-profits, international business, and media. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the many career possibilities and how to navigate them effectively.

With a degree in international relations, you might start in roles like policy analyst, research assistant, program coordinator, or communications specialist. If you’re interested in diplomacy and international affairs, pursuing a career with the U.S. State Department, United Nations, or international NGOs could be a great fit. Those with a knack for analysis and strategy might find success in roles with think tanks, research institutions, or consulting firms that focus on global policy and development. International relations majors also thrive in corporate roles like international trade analyst, global communications manager, or corporate social responsibility (CSR) specialist. Career mapping helps you figure out which languages, certifications (such as those in international law or project management), and real-world experiences—like internships or study abroad—will best position you for success. It’s not just about understanding global issues—it’s about building a career that lets you influence and engage with the world.

We reached out to 14 hiring experts to get their suggestions for students and recent graduates with international majors who are mapping their careers.

• Add a Minor for Business Track
• Explore Digital Diplomacy Strategist Role
• Consider Freelance Translation or Interpreting
• Work as Relocation Coordinator
• Pursue a Career as Intelligence Analyst
• Become a Strategic Advisor for Transactions
• Serve as Research Assistant at Think Tank
• Work as Content SEO Specialist
• Assist in Immigration Services
• Become a Research Analyst
• Work as Paralegal in International Law
• Consider Financial Sector as Risk Analyst
• Help as Refugee Resettlement Assistant
• Freelance as Geopolitical Risk Researcher

Add a Minor for Business Track

Historically an international relations major would head for a job in diplomacy or government but with the global economy businesses across the board are looking for talent with this background. A student would be wise to add a minor in marketing or finance for the business track, or a concentration on labor, education, or healthcare to broaden a policy track.

Jane Oates, Senior Policy Advisor, WorkingNation

Explore Digital Diplomacy Strategist Role

International Relations majors bring a unique mix of geopolitical awareness, cultural sensitivity, and strategic thinking—skills invaluable in today’s digital world. While traditional career paths may lead to diplomacy or global policy roles, a digital diplomacy strategist offers an exciting, modern alternative. This profession blends international affairs with digital communication, making it a perfect fit for students who understand global dynamics and want to shape narratives worldwide.

With the rise of AI-driven disinformation and cyber influence campaigns, a digital diplomacy strategist’s role is crucial in shaping how nations and organizations engage with the world online. The job involves crafting diplomatic messaging for governments and international organizations, countering misinformation, analyzing online sentiment, and advising corporations on global reputation management.

Additionally, with salaries ranging from $70,000 to $95,000 and demand growing across governments, NGOs, and global corporations, the role in question is not only exciting and impactful but also lucrative and future-proof. For students eager to shape global conversations and drive real-world change, becoming a Digital Diplomacy Strategist is definitely a career worth exploring.

Agata Szczepanek, Career Expert & Community Manager, LiveCareer

Consider Freelance Translation or Interpreting

Freelance translation or interpreting is a great job for a college student majoring in International Relations, especially if they speak more than one language well. A lot of students don’t know that businesses, NGOs, and even law firms need help translating papers, running meetings with people from different cultures, and helping clients from other countries. A tutor who could speak Arabic and French used to translate study papers for professors as a way to start. They got paid to translate at academic conferences in just a few months, which led to an internship with an international trade group. The best part? It’s open, pays well, and helps you learn the cultural sensitivity and diplomatic skills you need for a job in international relations. It’s already a plus that you can help people who don’t speak the same language.

Tornike Asatiani, CEO, Edumentors

Work as Relocation Coordinator

A college student majoring in International Relations would thrive in a role that blends global awareness with practical experience. One of the best jobs? Working as a relocation coordinator for an international moving company. It’s a crash course in real-world diplomacy—navigating customs regulations, handling logistical puzzles, and reassuring families uprooting their lives.

Every move tells a story. You’d be the bridge between uncertainty and a fresh start, guiding people through the legal and cultural intricacies of settling abroad. It sharpens communication skills, builds negotiation tactics, and offers exposure to international markets. More than that, it teaches adaptability—something textbooks can’t fully prepare you for. If you want a job that makes global affairs personal, where every call could be about a move to Sydney or Singapore, this is it.

Hugh Dixon, Marketing Manager, PSS International Removals

Pursue a Career as Intelligence Analyst

One extremely relevant career for an International Relations major is working as an intelligence analyst. This position uses a lot of the skills you’re developing in your major-critical thinking, extensive research and insight into international politics and global dynamics. 

In this role, you would analyze complex data, track emerging trends and assess risks around the world. It’s about connecting the dots of the geopolitical event with actionable insights and recommendations for decision-makers. I know from experience how truly knowing international affairs gives you an edge on global issues, making you invaluable to government or private entities that need to be ahead of the curve.

I recall, we once had an intern with an international relations background who played a pivotal role in our work on Canadian market trends analysis. Our team improved its forecasting accuracy partly because of the analytical frameworks he learned in his program, which impressed most of us.

Marc Hardgrove, CEO, The Hoth

Become a Strategic Advisor for Transactions

For a college student majoring in International Relations, one of the most compelling job opportunities that aligns with their skill set and academic background is a Strategic Advisor for International Corporate Transactions. This role could be within a law firm or corporate legal department that handles cross-border business deals, investments, and mergers.

In my opinion as a lawyer, a solid foundation in International Relations equips students with an understanding of global markets, diplomacy, and the complex political and economic landscapes that influence corporate decisions. These skills are incredibly valuable when navigating the intricacies of international law, regulations, and negotiations. A college student could support a senior legal team in drafting agreements, conducting legal research, and analyzing the potential risks and benefits of entering foreign markets, all while utilizing their knowledge of international relations to predict the implications of various geopolitical factors.

This role offers not just legal exposure but also a strategic vantage point, which can be highly rewarding for students eager to bridge the gap between international diplomacy and corporate law.

Kalim Khan, Co-Founder & Senior Partner, Affinity Law

Serve as Research Assistant at Think Tank

An ideal position for college students studying International Relations is serving as a research assistant at a global affairs think tank or a university department. This position offers practical experience in policy analysis, international trends, and diplomacy while allowing them to grow in research and writing capabilities. Additionally, it presents valuable networking opportunities with industry professionals, which can lead to internships or full-time job offers after graduation.

Other solid options include internships at international NGOs, government bodies, or trade organizations. All of these options would provide insights into diplomacy, humanitarian efforts, or global commerce. Students who speak multiple languages might also find roles as language tutors as well. Ultimately, these potential early career experiences would help build a strong foundation for those pursuing international relations while developing practical skills and industry connections.

Grant Smith, Global Recruitment Marketing Specialist

Work as Content SEO Specialist

Students majoring in International Relations can work as a Content SEO Specialist with a global focus. In addition to research skills, IR students are also skilled at cross-cultural communication and strategic thinking.

Expanding into international markets requires content that resonates with a variety of audiences. You’d analyze search trends, optimize content for multilingual SEO, and ensure messaging aligns with cultural nuances. Agencies, global e-commerce brands, and international nonprofits are always looking for people who understand how different regions search and engage online.

For example, let’s say you’re working for a travel website targeting Latin American audiences. In addition to translating U.S.-based content, you would research what locals actually search for—perhaps “hidden beach getaways” rank higher than “best beaches.” In addition, you would tweak the tone to meet cultural preferences, ensuring the content feels authentic and not just keyword-optimized.

Aaron Whittaker, VP of Demand Generation & Marketing, Thrive Digital Marketing Agency

Assist in Immigration Services

In my opinion, a great job for a college student majoring in International Relations is working as an immigration services assistant. One reason this job makes sense is that it gives them direct experience with immigration laws, policies, and the challenges people face when trying to move to a new country.

Understanding immigration is a big part of international relations, but textbooks and lectures can only teach so much. Working in this role allows a student to see how immigration policies actually affect people. They might assist with visa applications, help clients understand legal requirements, or support attorneys who are working on asylum or citizenship cases. This experience gives them a direct connection to the impact of international policies because they see how rules and regulations shape real lives.

Eli Itzhaki, CEO & Founder, Keyzoo

Become a Research Analyst

If you are an International Relations major, a role I can recommend is Research Analyst at digital companies that publish global surveys and market data. Your expertise in data analysis, policy research, and cross-cultural communication will be useful in this role.

As we know, international businesses require insights into consumer behavior, economic trends, and political climates in other countries. With this role, you collect and analyze data, follow industry trends, and help organizations make informed choices based on shifts around the globe. Think tanks, consulting firms, and media companies all feed off well-motivated reports to frame strategies.

Say that you worked for a digital publication that covers eCommerce trends for example. You might analyze survey data showing that mobile payments dominate in Southeast Asia while credit cards remain king in the U.S. Your job would be to break down why—regulatory differences, cultural spending habits, or fintech innovations—and package the findings into reports businesses actually use.

If your analysis helps a company refine its expansion strategy, that’s real impact. To get started, build research skills with tools like Google Trends and Statista, practice writing clear insights from raw data, and stay updated on international market shifts to sharpen your global perspective.

Matt Bowman, Founder, Thrive Local

Work as Paralegal in International Law

For a college student majoring in International Relations, consider pursuing a role as a paralegal, especially in international law firms. My experience in running a paralegal institute has shown me the growing demand for paralegals who understand international legal contexts. The skills you’ll gain in legal research, document management, and understanding jurisdictional nuances are invaluable.

Working in an international law firm can give you experience in navigating treaties, trade agreements, and cross-border regulations. These practical experiences are improved by handling real case files, which I focus on in training programs for aspiring paralegals. This will deepen your understanding of international relations from a legal perspective.

Additionally, this role can open doors to international negotiations and advocacy work, vital aspects of International Relations. The experience you gain in case management and client interactions prepares you for roles that demand analytical skills and cultural sensitivity, giving you a competitive edge in your career.

Matthew Pfau, Curriculum Developer & Educator, Paralegal Institute

Consider Financial Sector as Risk Analyst

As someone who works with graduates from various backgrounds, I think a surprisingly well-suited job for International Relations majors is in the financial sector, especially a Risk Analyst position. This may sound odd at first, but International Relations is not only about cultural aspects. Very often these students have great knowledge of international trade, micro and macroeconomics, giving them a strong foundation for positions in financial departments. 

For example, a Risk Analyst position at an international bank or investment firm can be an excellent fit. International Relations majors understand geopolitical risks, policy changes across different regions, and how cultural nuances impact business operations—all critical factors in financial risk assessment. Their ability to analyze complex international situations translates well to evaluating market conditions and potential investment risks in foreign markets. Many financial institutions specifically seek out candidates who can bring this global perspective to their risk management teams.

George Pettigrew, Creative Director, InboxArmy

Help as Refugee Resettlement Assistant

If you’re a college student majoring in International Relations, you should consider a job as a refugee resettlement assistant. In this role you’ll help refugees settle in a new country by doing paperwork, job placement, language support, and community integration. Organizations like the International Rescue Committee (IRC), HIAS, or local refugee resettlement agencies have internships and entry-level positions. These roles are available in major cities with large refugee populations, like New York, Washington, D.C., London, and Berlin.

Ryan Walker, CEO, Beyond Academy

Freelance as Geopolitical Risk Researcher

Become a freelance geopolitical risk researcher for businesses expanding internationally. Companies entering new markets—especially in volatile regions—need insights on political stability, regulatory shifts, and cultural factors that could impact their success.

Most businesses can’t afford a full-time analyst, but they’ll gladly pay for well-researched, digestible reports. With access to academic databases and a solid understanding of global affairs, a college student can offer valuable insights at a fraction of the cost of big consulting firms.

Start by analyzing a specific country or industry, publish insights on LinkedIn, and pitch your expertise to startups, investors, and mid-sized companies. You get hands-on experience, build a niche, and create a portfolio that beats any generic internship.

Austin Benton, Marketing Consultant, Gotham Artists