Hi guys!
So i am planning to major in International Studies but I don’t know if it’s worth it. I mean will I be able to find a job if I go to school for it?
I just don’t want to study for something and not be able to get a job or even get paid decent amount of money.
Thank you!
By itself, a degree in International Studies doesn’t prepare you for any specific job. You will increase your odds of finding a job if you become fluent in a useful language, or add some “practical” courses such as finance, which you can leverage as you apply for jobs. Many students use such a major as part of their preparation for grad school - be it business, or law, etc. You can always try to parlay such an education for a job with the state department, but those are very competitive positions.
IR / IS has been a very popular major in recent years and for many jobs a masters is now essential- and for most masters you need to have worked for a few years. @katiliamom is right that serious fluency in another language (or 2) will help, so will internships, but there is no getting around the fact that there are a lot of degrees chasing not a lot of jobs.
Suffice to say, there are plenty of jobs you can get, but they are many people who want to compete for the good ones. As an IR and public policy person, myself, I have worked in government (NIH, US Senate), as a journalist, in press offices for international organizations, and even some in business. So, as a principle, I wouldn’t worry about it, and your preferences will evolve as you get to know the field. Collegemom is correct that a master’s is often needed.
Some study-abroad programs include an option for an internship…including internships with the kinds of organizations that international relations grads aspire to. So look for one of these…it will help you decide if that’s the type of career you want, and give you experience to help you get there.