International Relations

Virtually no sector of contemporary American life is immune to global influences. Private organizations operate internationally in every area ranging from health and education to farming and cultural affairs. Developing a broad appreciation for the wide range of international problems and influences is the focus of the interdisciplinary major in international relations which combines course work from political science, economics, history, sociology anthropology and geography. The study of foreign language beyond the college minimum is also encouraged. Because of the major's flexibility, students may also specialize in Latin American, African, Far Eastern, Russian or European studies.

International relations historically concentrated on conflict among nation states or diplomacy, the efforts to avoid conflict. The field has increasingly shifted focus, however, to incorporate economic relations, environmental issues, cooperative behavior, problems of hunger and poverty, as well as the work of governmentally supported international bodies such as the United Nations, the Organization of American States, the World Bank, the Export-Import Bank, etc. Students have great flexibility in developing programs of study the focus on particular issues of interest, a valuable way to develop the kind of expertise needed to be competitive in the job market. In addition to government service, there are job opportunities in business, banking and finance. Another tier of opportunities exists in overseas voluntary agencies such as the Red Cross, CARE, Catholic Relief Services, the Sierra Club and organizations that maintain active international programs such as the AFL-CIO. A major in international relations also provides the broad training and skill development necessary for graduate study or law school.

Although internships are somewhat more difficult to arrange in international areas, students have worked summers in the State Department and other government agencies. Many lobbying groups maintain such opportunities, as well. Students may also participate in Model United Nations and Model OAS programs as a way to gain greater exposure to international issues, group problem solving and valuable role playing experiences.

For additional information contact Prof. Ken Campbell, Director of Undergraduate Studies, 347 Smith, or
call 831-2355.

Sample Job Titles

Check the Dictionary of Occupational Titles under section 051 for additional related careers.

Enhancing Employability

- Participate in Internships, Field Experience Placements and Alumni Mentor Program.
- Sample UD Field Experiences: International Consultants of Delaware, Inc., Cata Johnson Worldwide, Delaware Development Office: World Trade Section

Some Employers of International Relations Majors

*state/federal government         
*banks                   
*international organizations      
*import/export organizations 
*nonprofit organizations          
*travel industry        
*business and industry            
*public relations firms

Other Sources of Information

American Marketing Association
www.marketingpower.com

American Political Science Association
www.apsanet.org

International Advertising Association
www.iaaglobal.org

International Association of Business Communicators    	
www.iabc.com

Opportunities in Public Affairs (User Name: udel; Password: bluehens)
www.brubach.com/opawebversion3/opa.htm

OverseasJobs.com
www.overseasjobs.com

Sales Recruiters International, LTD      
660 White Palins Road, 5th Floor                       
Tarrytown, NY  10591                         		
(914) 631-0090                               		
sriintl@earthlink.net

The Riley Guide
www.rileyguide.com

WWW Virtual Library - International Affairs Resources 
www.etown.edu/vl/

Resources for Finding Employment

University of Delaware Career Resource Center Materials Available

• Job Hunter's SourceBook (CSD 376)
• Top Careers for Business Graduates (CSE 83)
• Careers in Business (CSE 99)
• Careers in International Business (CSE 100)
• Careers for People on the Move & Other Road Warriors (CSE 394)
• Jobs for People Who Love Travel (CSE 398)
• In Insider's Guide to Political Jobs in Washington (CSE 441)
• Top Careers for Liberal Arts Graduates (CSE 559)
• Opportunities in Social Science Careers (CSE 572)
• Directory of Websites for Overseas Job Seekers (GD 120)
• How to Get a Job in Europe (GD 131)
• Vault Guide to International Careers (GD 135)
• Work Your Way Around the World (GD 155)
• Opportunities in Overseas Careers (GD 160)
• International Jobs (GD 165)
• Directory of Jobs and Careers Abroad (GD 179)
• International Job Finder (GD 181)
• Carroll's Federal Directory (GV 47)
• www.udel.edu/CSC/netresources.html CSC's Internet Resources