A GUIDE TO WHAT

YOU SHOULD KNOW

HOW TO BREAK INTO
GLOBAL STUDIES
AND INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS
3
Table of Contents
Industry Outlook →

5 What are Global Studies and

International Relations? →

23
Global Studies and Taking the Next

7 International Relations:
Careers and Compensation →
Step in Your Career →

16 Skills for Success in

International Relations →
27 An Insider's Perspective →

Global Studies and

21 The Impact of an
Advanced Degree → 28 International Relations at
Northeastern: Fast Facts →

Industry Outlook
In today’s
increasingly
interconnected
world,
corporations, nonprofits, and
governments find themselves
handling new transnational
challenges each day.
| Table of Contents →
3
Industry Outlook
From alleviating poverty and improving maternal health
to supporting global ties at an international company, a
career in international relations provides endless
opportunities to benefit societies worldwide.
As the world’s borders continue to expand, there is
a need for dedicated professionals who can take on
leadership roles in a wide range of globally focused
organizations in the public and private sectors.
Right now, there are 3.8 million international relations
and affairs professionals in the workforce, with a
growth rate of 3.81 percent—on par with other growing
industries. And with an average wage of $96,153, many
people are looking to enter this field.
 As demand has risen, so have expectations of potential employees.
Industry Outlook

In this guide, you’ll learn about:

> The difference between global studies and international relations and
how they complement each other.
> The types of organizations hiring global studies and international
relations professionals.
> Some of the most popular and high-profile roles available.
> The skills you need to succeed in the field.
> The role education plays in launching and advancing your career.

“I now understand the relationship between

business consulting, investment, and international
affairs. My studies showed me those connections
| Table of Contents →

are a vital piece of what we would call

‘international relations.’”
— Jonathan Hoogendoorn, College of Professional Studies,
Global Studies, MS’19

4
What are Global Studies and International Relations?

What are Global Studies and

International Relations?

Global studies and international relations relations are an umbrella that

| Table of Contents →

covers several different disciplines and professions. And while they do

complement each other, they each have their own unique focus.

5
 Global Studies
What are Global Studies and International Relations?

Global studies examines the cause and effect of one

system or institution on another. These include high-level
topics such as human rights, globalization, diplomacy,
and more focused issues involving health, culture, and
economics. Through this analysis, global studies scientists Quick Definitions
look for patterns and trends.
Global studies asks:
Learn More | What is Global Studies? → How does one system or
institute affect another?

International Relations International

International relations digs deeper into the relationships relations asks:
between sovereign states, political parties, large interest What are the relations
groups, and international organizations. International between states or
relations professionals use behavioral theories to interpret countries?
those relationships. Through their expertise, they can gain
a greater understanding of how political decisions are
made, who makes them, and how these decisions impact
| Table of Contents →

the global system. By studying these factors, policymakers

can create successful foreign and national policies and
avoid potential conflict.

6
Global Studies and International Relations: Careers and Compensation

Global Studies and

International Relations:
Careers and Compensation

While there’s no one specific job a degree in global studies or IN THIS CHAPTER
international relations can prepare you for, it can open the door to → Nonprofits
| Table of Contents →

various careers.
→ G
 overnment

→ Foreign Service
Learn More | Top Global Studies Careers →
→ M
 anagement

→ International Education
7
 Nonprofits
Global Studies and International Relations: Careers and Compensation

The nonprofit sector has grown by more than 20 percent over the last
decade, while the for-profit sector has only grown by two to three
percent. There are more than 1.5 million nonprofits in the U.S. alone.

There are numerous career paths within the nonprofit sector, ranging
from nongovernmental organizations to service-oriented charities and
advocacy groups. Organizations can range from less than 10 people to
thousands of employees. Established organizations include:

> United Nations: The UN promotes international collaboration

by improving relations between nations and providing economic
aid worldwide.

Learn More | 9 United Nations Career Paths →

> International Monetary Fund: The IMF reduces poverty around

the world by emphasizing financial literacy, international trade,
and sustainable economic growth.
| Table of Contents →

> World Bank Group: The World Bank Group provides loans to
developing countries and offers additional help through policy
guidance, research, and technical support.

8
Global Studies and International Relations: Careers and Compensation

Nonprofit positions include:

Policy Analyst Communications Manager

Median Salary: $76,540 (BLS) Median Salary: $116,180 (BLS)
Job Growth: 3% by 2029 (BLS) Job Growth: 9% by 2029 (BLS)

Analysts, also known as policy scientists, try
to change, adjust, or implement new public
policies, regulations, and laws. They often
work in nongovernmental organizations, which
extensively lobby for policy adjustments.
Executive Director
Median Salary: $104,690 (BLS)
Job Growth: 4% by 2029 (BLS)
| Table of Contents →
Managers develop print and visual
communications materials to enhance their
organizational branding.
Development Director
Median Salary: $113,350 (BLS)
Job Growth: 7% by 2029 (BLS)
Directors establish fundraising goals, identify
potential donors and additional funding

Directors create strategies and policies to sources, and plan outreach campaigns to
meet an organization’s goals. They often plan, solicit donations.
manage, and coordinate nonprofit operations.

9
Global Studies and International Relations: Careers and Compensation

Program Manager
Median Salary: $136,408 (Salary.com)

Managers direct a team that designs programs for their organization,

aligning with the nonprofit's mission and supporting long-term goals.

Learn More | 7 Popular Nonprofit Management Careers →

Government
The federal government employs more than 9 million workers,
including contractors and those receiving federal grants.

As a government employee, you’re able to help build communities

and organizations and protect them from social, political, and
economic threats.

The State Department is a popular job destination within the

| Table of Contents →

U.S. government, with professionals finding rewarding careers

as policymakers, diplomats, foreign service advisors, and in
ambassadors’ offices, among many other positions.

10
 Analysts are also a popular position for those with advanced degrees.
Global Studies and International Relations: Careers and Compensation

They work in a variety of programs, projects, and government agencies.

Well-known departments and roles consist of:

Department of Defense: Defense Analyst Central Intelligence Agency: Intelligence

Median Salary: $99,730 (BLS)
Job Growth: 31% by 2029 (BLS)
The Department of Defense provides military
forces to prevent war and protect U.S. security.
The DoD includes the Army, Navy, Marine Corps,
and Air Force. Defense analysts may work in a
specific military branch, reviewing and analyzing
global and domestic security threats. Analysts
often write detailed reports that include
information from military training, departmental
spending, and financial patterns, making
recommendations based on their findings.
| Table of Contents →
Collection Analyst
Starting Salary: up to $80,505 (CJDS)
Job Growth: 2% by 2029 (BLS)
The CIA collects, analyzes, evaluates, and
distributes foreign intelligence to assist the U.S.
president and senior government policymakers
in making national security decisions.
Intelligence collection analysts investigate
systems, processes, and policies to target
intelligence problems.

11
 Foreign Service
Global Studies and International Relations: Careers and Compensation

There are over 15,000 employees within the Foreign Service representing the U.S.,
with 25 different career paths. Officers and specialists can represent any embassy,
consulate, or diplomatic mission in the world.

Within the U.S., the Foreign Service has five different career tracks: consular affairs,
economic affairs, management affairs, political affairs, and public diplomacy. Foreign
Service officers are diplomats who protect American citizens while advancing
U.S. interests abroad. There are more than 300 embassies, consulates, and other
diplomatic missions around the world.

Median Salary: $88,544 (Payscale)

Number of Officers: 15,600

Learn More | What Does a Foreign Service Officer Do? →

Management
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, business and financial roles are expected
to grow by five percent in the 10 years to 2029—adding more than 467,200 new jobs.
| Table of Contents →

Major employers in this sector include PricewaterhouseCoopers, Booz Allen

Hamilton, McKinsey, Bain & Company, Deloitte, and Boston Consulting Group.
Positions include:

12
 Human Resources Manager
Global Studies and International Relations: Careers and Compensation

Median Salary: $116,720 (BLS)

Job Growth: 6% by 2029 (BLS)

HR managers plan, delegate, and coordinate the

administrative functions of a company, serving
as a link between an employer’s senior leaders
and their employees.

Management Analyst Economist

Median Salary: $85,260 (BLS) Median Salary: $105,020 (BLS)
Job Growth: 11% by 2029 (BLS) Job Growth: 14% by 2029 (BLS)

Analysts, also known as management Economists analyze the production and

consultants, suggest ways to improve a
company’s efficiency by advising managers on
how to increase profitability through reduced
costs and higher revenues.
| Table of Contents →
circulation of resources, goods, and services by
gathering and studying data, researching trends,
and evaluating economic issues.

Learn More | 7 Business Careers You Can Pursue

Learn More | International Consulting: Roles, with a Global Studies Degree →
Responsibilities, and Salaries →

13
Global Studies and International Relations: Careers and Compensation

International Education
International education enhances learning, promotes understanding
among groups from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and helps
develop globally minded individuals. In fact, the number of students
earning a college degree outside of their home countries has tripled over
the past 25 years. Currently, there are more than one million international
college students in the U.S., with international students contributing
more than $35 billion to the U.S. economy. Industry roles include:

Director of International Programs

Median Salary: $95,410 (BLS)
Job Growth: 4% by 2029 (BLS)

Directors guide all aspects of a college or university’s international

programs, including study abroad and foreign exchange programs, the
international admissions process, and English language programs. They
| Table of Contents →

also develop strategies to attract and retain students and faculty.

14
 Dean
Global Studies and International Relations: Careers and Compensation

Median Salary: $95,410 (BLS)

Job Growth: 4% by 2029 (BLS)

Deans direct faculty and staff, support research

proposals, assist with fundraising, and implement
long-term strategic goals within international
education.

Professor
Median Salary: $79,540 (BLS)
“This degree has provided me
Job Growth: 9% by 2029 (BLS) with the language to engage
Professors teach at the college or university level,
instruct students, conduct research, and publish
with international relations and
scholarly papers, journal articles, and books. international organizations. They
call it the language of power.”
| Table of Contents →

— Nick Johnson, College of Professional Studies,

Global Studies, MS’19

15
Skills for Success in International Relations

Skills for Success in

International Relations

Employees in international relations need certain skills to thrive in SKILLS IN THIS CHAPTER
their careers, including:
→ L
 eadership

→ C
 ommunication Skills

1 | Leadership → C
 ross-Cultural Awareness

Strong leadership and team management skills are important when → R

 esearch Skills
| Table of Contents →

directing a team, particularly within international relations. Knowing → Analytical Skills

how to coach, lead, and inspire colleagues helps solidify a unified
vision and move goals forward. Teams also work better when members
feel they are making a meaningful contribution.

16
 Ways you can do this include:
Skills for Success in International Relations

Lead by Example: One of the greatest leadership challenges is

managing change and innovation. Yet by pushing people to go out of
their comfort zone, leaders are more likely to inspire individuals and
guide their organizations to success. To do this, top leaders must be the
first to embrace change and effectively communicate to their team.

Be Decisive: Being decisive is the ability to make decisions effectively

to achieve a desired result. Almost every situation at hand has a number
of potential solutions. When it comes time to making a final decision,
particularly under tight deadlines, a strong leader should be confident
in the outcome. Great leaders do not hesitate when it comes time to
act. It’s also easier to be decisive when your team shares a common
goal. Be firm in your demands, and don’t back down on your vision.

Welcome Failure: Failure is a crucial steppingstone toward success.

While not all decisions result in a positive outcome, realize this
is expected, and know that failure can often lead to a bigger
accomplishment. Take responsibility when issues arise and be honest
| Table of Contents →

about what went wrong, as well as how to avoid future dilemmas.

17
 2 | Communication Skills
Skills for Success in International Relations

Employees within international relations, whether they are a Foreign

Service officer or management consultant, need excellent written, public
speaking, and negotiation skills to communicate effectively. They also
need to be able to present and debate ideas successfully and listen
critically. This helps them build and maintain strong relationships with
both individuals and teams.

Employees can become strong communicators by:

Starting with What’s Important: Start any discussion with what’s most
important at hand, making sure that your audience understands the
context of the conversation and can follow up with any questions.

Active Listening: It’s important not to just talk but listen. Active listening
helps build rapport and creates stronger relationships. Be focused on
what people are saying and note their nonverbal communication, such as
eye contact, body language, and posture.
| Table of Contents →

Providing Constructive Feedback: Criticism doesn’t have to be negative,

and it can have a positive impact on professional growth. When delivering
feedback, be specific, and make sure your tone is still respectful. Explain
why you disagree and how you would change the situation.

18
 3 | Cross-Cultural Awareness
Skills for Success in International Relations

Our experiences, values, and cultural backgrounds guide our

viewpoints and actions. It’s important to be cognizant that other
people have a different perspective based on their cultural background.
People view, interpret, and evaluate situations in many ways. What’s
considered appropriate in one culture can be inappropriate in another.
Misunderstandings occur when one person uses their viewpoint to make
sense of another person’s experiences.

The importance of cross-cultural awareness, therefore, is significant.

Cultural awareness is a skill that can be honed—making assignments,
business meetings, and negotiations successful.

The key to successful intercultural awareness is to think globally.

Research and better understand the cultures of those you are
communicating with to ensure that your audience understands you.
Learn about other cultures and realize that keeping a multicultural
perspective is essential for international relations.
| Table of Contents →

4 | Research Skills
To have a thriving career in international relations, it’s important to have
the ability to thoroughly research and examine information to make
important decisions.
19
 This includes identifying the problem, determining what resources
Skills for Success in International Relations

you need to respond to an issue, compiling and organizing information

efficiently, evaluating the data, and using your findings to address the
problem. Employees must be able to use their research skills to address
dilemmas and influence others’ opinions.

5 | Analytical Skills
Analytical skills are a set of techniques used to help understand problems
and work toward effective solutions. These skills play an important part in
many global roles. Often, the ability to analyze information to see the bigger
picture or trend is important. In other cases, the ability to deconstruct
large pieces of data to identify the smaller details is essential.

Each assignment you encounter has new problems and challenges, and
while your background can help you solve those problems, your ability
to use your analytical skill set is important. This includes the capacity to
analyze information and construct coherent arguments critically.

One must ask important analytical questions, investigate data, and

| Table of Contents →

develop complex ideas based on research. Employees within international

relations assess crises, evaluate theories, and solve problems about
societies and cultures.

20
The Impact of an Advanced Degree

The Impact of an
Advanced Degree

With a growing world economy, many corporations have offices overseas and are looking for
international business employees, such as management and financial analysts, marketing
managers, HR professionals, executives, and economists. These companies include IBM,
General Electric, Apple, General Motors, Amazon, and Facebook.

“You are well-positioned for a multitude of careers by being able to appreciate the dynamics
| Table of Contents →

of how to work cross-culturally,” says Gail Marcus, adjunct professor in Northeastern’s

Master of Science in Global Studies and International Relations program. “By studying for a
career in international business, you are preparing yourself for the world of the future.”

Learn More | What Can You Do with a Master’s in Global Studies & International Relations →

21
The Impact of an Advanced Degree

Education is becoming more of a factor in entering and advancing in the

global studies and international relations field.

Increased Marketability Increased Earning Potential Expand Your Network

Earning a graduate degree Becoming a more competitive Establishing a strong

improves your attractiveness
as a job candidate, as many
employers prefer or require
one for international relations
positions. Plus, graduate-level
job postings have increased by
22 percent over the past
several years.
| Table of Contents →
applicant also has the benefit
of commanding a higher salary.
As your knowledge expands and
your resumé becomes more
impressive, employers seeking
to fill more specialized and
higher-paying jobs are more likely
to notice you. Plus, according
to PayScale.com, the average
salary of international relations
professionals is 12 percent higher
for master’s degree holders than
bachelor’s degree holders.
professional network can have
long-term benefits for your
career. Students earning an
advanced degree in international
relations come from all over the
globe. Instructors also come
from a variety of countries,
backgrounds, and careers, and
when you add in a program’s
alumni, you’ll step into a world-
wide network the moment you
take your first class.

Learn More | 5 Reasons to Study International Relations and Diplomacy →

22
Taking the Next Step in Your Career

Taking the Next Step

in Your Career

While they have their own focus, global studies and international relations share
common skills, disciplines, and goals. This is why Northeastern University offers a
joint Master of Science in Global Studies and International Relations.
| Table of Contents →

Northeastern’s unique interdisciplinary program allows students to gain one

comprehensive degree. Classes focus on work you would do in the field, like
analyzing the investment portfolios of developing nations, staging mock debates,
crisis management, and the art of speechwriting for top embassy officials.

23
 Students prepare for leadership roles in international organizations and areas like consulting,
Taking the Next Step in Your Career

nonprofit management, business and industry, education, foreign service, or banking.

In the Classroom
Students can focus their degrees and studies in two ways.

They can choose from four concentrations They can also choose one of the
1 to help tailor their degree: 2 globe’s six major regions to focus
their area of study:
> Diplomacy
> Conflict Resolution > East Asia

> International Economics and > Middle East

Consulting > Sub-Saharan Africa
> Global Health and Development > Europe
> Southwest and Central Asia
> Latin America
| Table of Contents →

Gain Practical Experience in Our Diplomacy Lab

You can explore real-world challenges—while contributing to
the policymaking process—through our participation in the
U.S. State Department’s Diplomacy Lab.
24
 Outside of the Classroom
Taking the Next Step in Your Career

For more than 100 years, experience-driven learning

has been the foundation of Northeastern’s educational
philosophy. Our global studies and international relations
students take what they learn in the classroom and
use them in real-world situations with our partner
organizations.

Students also have the opportunity to travel and

Global Opportunites
participate in our International Field Study Experience.
They serve as international consultants for global Past International Field
organizations, help them address a current challenge they Study Experience trips
are facing, and then present their findings in an on-site have included workshops
working session in a foreign location. at the Innovation
Academy in Freiburg,
There are also opportunities to participate in co-ops, Germany, consulting
capstone projects, and internships at organizations like for Education First at its
the United Nations, U.S. Department of State, Charity headquarters in Zurich,
Water, and many more. and consulting for SME in
| Table of Contents →

Tuscany, Italy.
When students graduate, they leave with real-world
experience they can add to their resumé to help them
stand out when applying for jobs.

25
Taking the Next Step in Your Career

World-Class Instructors
Our instructors include policymakers, former ambassadors,
diplomats, foreign service advisors, and international educational
consultants. For example, you could take classes with Professor
Friedrich Lohr, the former German ambassador to North Korea, or
Professor Jason Foley, the current deputy assistant administrator
at the U.S. Agency for International Development.

A Global Network
With students from more than 24 countries and over 34 states,
and faculty with decades of experience working as ambassadors,
foreign service officers, diplomats, and more, there are rich
opportunities for discussion and debates on international
perspectives. Plus, Northeastern’s powerful international alumni
network is made up of classmates, faculty, and dedicated alumni.
| Table of Contents →

26
 An Insider's Perspective
An Insider's Perspective

“ ”
Is an advanced global studies and international relations degree right for you?
Here are some thoughts and reactions from some of our recent graduates.

I couldn't be happier with this program. I searched for programs to fit

my busy schedule, and no one offered anything quite like Northeastern.
Every professor I have taken has surpassed my expectations.
Mariah Walker, College of Professional Studies, Global Studies, MS’18
| Table of Contents →

My regional studies class on Central Asia with Professor Beshimov was

absolutely incredible. As a former member of parliament and ambassador
for Kyrgyzstan, his insight in the region was unparalleled.
Jack Dooley, College of Professional Studies, Global Studies, MS’18

27
 Global Studies and International
Global Studies and International Relations at Northeastern: Fast Facts

Relations at Northeastern: Fast Facts

Master of Science in Global Studies

and International Relations
Locations Commitment
→ Boston > Full Time
→ Charlotte, NC > Part Time
→ Seattle
→ Online Duration
> 1 – 1.5 Years
Available Concentrations:
> Diplomacy
> Conflict Resolution
> International Economics and Consulting
| Table of Contents →

> Global Health and Development

Visa-compliant for on-ground students.

LEARN MORE →
28
Are you ready to take the next
step in your global studies and
international relations career?
Northeastern can help you get ahead.
Visit northeastern.edu/graduate to learn how.

Boston | Burlington, MA | Charlotte, NC | London |

Nahant, MA | Portland, ME | San Francisco | Seattle |
Silicon Valley | Toronto | Vancouver | Online