Career Options for International Studies Majors

International Studies majors gain international experience and the critical thinking and communication skills that a whole range of employers are looking for. Your degree will provide you with a unique blend of problem solving, analytical ability, writing skills, and knowledge of other cultures and languages that are sought after in the job market. Employers in government, the private sector, and the NGO community are looking for people with the ability to think critically about global issues. Many employers specifically seek International Studies majors including government agencies, think-tanks, NGOs, international businesses, etc.

There are a number of steps you can take to help you think about careers and how to maximize your pathway through the International Studies degree:

  1. Think about who you are in terms of your interests, skills, and values.
  2. Become familiar with the International Studies requirements and curriculum and match an area option and your choice of classes to your interests, skills, and values.
  3. Expand your knowledge and experience through opportunities such as undergraduate research, internships, volunteer work, and extra-curricular activities.
  4. Get help to make it all connect. Talk with professors and the on-campus career services office to help you connect who you are, how to get the best out of the degree, and gaining other experiences.

You can get help navigating through these steps by talking with Professor Colin Flint, or any professor teaching classes in the International Studies curriculum, or the USU Career Design Center. Some career data, including potential salary ranges, is also available from the USU Degree Finder.