<p>I already know that I'd really like to major in IR, but, being the rather backwards person that I am, I don't really know what you do with it (please don't waste breathe telling me how dumb I am, believe me, I already know). What exactly can you do with this kind of degree? What do people normally do? I'm guessing a lot of people work for the government, but again, what does that even mean? If anyone knows, please, let me know, so I can stop feeling so silly.</p>
<p>There are several possibilities
1. as you said, government, this can mean state department but can also apply to many other agencies.
2. international organization, everything from the UN on down.
3. a think tank (this is what I do at the moment)
4. an international company</p>
<p>I think in the current world of globalization and economic and cultural interconnection, international relations is a very useful background for many, many types of jobs, even ones that do not necessarily relate to IR directly. Sometimes it depends what your specialty within IR is, this can be regional or thematic (ie international development, international economics, etc.)</p>
<p>Do most decent jobs in this field require grad school?</p>
<p>Yes, it is quite difficult to get a good job in this field without graduate school, usually a masters but for some positions (especially for think tanks) a Ph.D.</p>
<p>IR programs vary greatly in their emphases and requirements. Some focus on culture and language study, some have a distinct international business perspective and some have a more political science orientation. In evaluating whether or not to major in IR and choose a college with an IR program, you have to decide on the perspective you are most interested in and then focus on developing a set of skills that would be marketable after graduation. This skill set may include develping language skills, experience in a foreign business environment, or an internship with a government agency at the state or national level. With this degree the job market is looking for people who can do certain things not merely people who possess an IR degree.</p>