There are many researcher positions in the field of international relations at an array of institutions. You can be a researcher for a government or international organization, an academic, a researcher for a think tank, etc. IR graduates are well-prepared for research roles that focus on international issues. Some research positions are more quantitative than others, in which case a background in statistics/data science/economics can be useful as well.

There are consultant positions both in traditional consulting roles and in independent consultant/contractor positions with international organizations and government agencies. International relations graduates develop dynamic skill sets in critical analysis that prepare them well to break down problems and propose solutions. Organizations such as the United States Agency for International Development and many UN agencies rely heavily on short-term contractors/consultants for a variety of business operations, and these opportunities often provide entry points into long-term careers in IR.

Analyst positions exist in virtually every subfield of international relations and are roles that seek to help their organizations better understand complex issues. You could be an analyst at an organization such as International Crisis Group, providing insight into ongoing conflict dynamics, or at an organization such as the World Food Programme, analyzing food supply chain dynamics. These positions often emphasize skills breaking down complex issues and presenting information to other team members.

Perhaps the most commonly thought of “international relations career,” the foreign service and international diplomacy opportunities are commonly pursued by IR graduates. Cultural competency, skills speaking a foreign language, and adaptability are often considered key skills in these positions, particularly when foreign service officers proceed through rotations at different embassies around the world.

Many international organizations, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other entities have positions that are akin to program management positions. This can look like being in charge of a specific project in a foreign country related to a certain topic (justice-system strengthening, infrastructure development, etc). Because these positions exist across most subfields of IR, they are excellent opportunities for international relations graduates.

Humanitarian assistance positions in other countries exist with a variety of organizations, the most common of which would be UN agencies such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees or international non-governmental organizations such as the Danish Refugee Council. Humanitarian work often occurs in environments that are experiencing conflict or other challenges such as natural disasters, and thus are challenging roles but provide direct opportunities to assist vulnerable populations.

Communications are an essential part of the work that virtually every international relations-focused organization does. There are communications positions at international organizations such as the UN, at government agencies such as the Department of State, and at non-governmental and business organizations around the world.

Businesses across all sectors have international operations, and many rely on international business development to expand their client base and work. International relations graduates may be uniquely prepared for these roles, and business development opportunities exist at all sorts of firms. Specific opportunities that directly relate to IR may be those at international non-governmental organizations or international development contractors that work on infrastructure and other projects in other countries.

Working as as an international education coordinator, facilitating study abroad programs, student exchanges, and cultural immersion experiences may be a fulfilling career choice that allows IR students to make use of their knowledge of global affairs and cross-cultural communication. Other possible areas in education include: global education consultancy, foreign language instruction, and education policy.

In these roles, International Relations students may be involved in conducting research on environmental policies, analyzing the impact of global agreements on the environment, and participating in negotiations and diplomatic efforts related to environmental issues. They may also engage in project management, monitoring, and evaluation of environmental programs.