Career Paths

Areas

Employers

Strategies

International Relations/ Government:

International Law

Diplomacy

Foreign Affairs

Public Service

Institutional/Community Development

United Nations

Relief organizations

Religious organizations

Non-profit organizations/corporations

Educational institutions

Consulting firms

Research institutes

Foundations

National Security Council (NSC)

Participate in an overseas mission experience. Plan to study abroad or participate in an international work experience. Learn a second or third language.
Demonstrate your depth of dedication, willingness to adapt, and coping mechanisms to combat stress and difficult situations. Develop skills in the areas of organizing groups, efficiency, and the ability to calm people.

Language Services/Education:

Teaching

Curriculum Development

Interpreting

Translating

Research and Writing

International Student Support Services

Study Abroad Programming

Public and private schools abroad

Community organizations

Federal government agencies

English language institutes

Overseas dependents' schools

Religious and volunteer organizations

Colleges and universities

Gain practical domestic teaching experience and necessary training or certificate to teach abroad. Research certification options (TESOL, CELTA, CELTC, TEFL)
Obtain certificates from schools whose graduates are hired in the international marketplace. Teaching training should include supervised classroom experience.
Consider obtaining intensive TELS (Teaching English and a Second Language) training. Volunteer to tutor children and adults in English. Learn other languages to help understand how languages work. Sharpen intercultural competency, sensitivity, and tolerance. Develop superior written and oral communication skills in the English language including proper sentence structure and comprehensive vocabulary. Notify local hospitals, schools, and chambers of commerce of your availability to translate or interpret for international visitors. Minor or double major in another subject that you could also teach. Earn a master's degree in College Student Affairs to work with study abroad programs or with international student services.

Journalism:

Foreign News Correspondence

International Broadcasting

Reporting

Editorial/Column writing

Investigative Journalism

Research

Photography

Freelance Work

Foreign news agencies

TV networks

Large circulation newspapers

Wire services

Trade newspapers

Online publishers

Labor unions

Academic journals

International newspapers

Magazines

Museums

Self employed

Obtain a summer job or internship with a newspaper. Demonstrate curiosity, high energy level, ability to produce under pressure, and withstand criticism. Develop excellent grammar and writing skills. Create a portfolio of writing samples, especially those that have been published. Join a professional journalism organization. Research international newspapers. Gain experience with campus newspaper or media. Travel or study abroad.

International Business:

Management

Human Resources

Labor Relations

Banking and Finance

Economics

International Development

Real Estate

Sales

Marketing

Product Management

Healthcare Administration

Agricultural Economics

Domestic and foreign corporations

Multinational service firms

Global small and medium enterprises

Domestic and foreign financial institutions

International marketing firms

International real estate firms

International trade firms

Contracting and consulting firms

Convention and visitors' bureaus

International airlines

Transportation, travel, and hospitality industry

Learn at least one additional language. Spend a semester studying abroad.
Seek an international internship, even if unpaid. Obtain volunteer, part-time, or summer experience at related organizations. Make personal contacts within targeted businesses. Learn about NAFTA, WTO, and GATT policies. Develop your skills domestically and begin to develop a network of contacts if you want to pursue a career abroad. Acquire supervisory skills and experience by taking leadership roles in student organizations. Learn about geography and international travel regulations. Sharpen your public speaking skills and communication skills between cultures. Make a commitment to continuous growth in understanding cultural diversity. Keep abreast of political, economic, and social changes worldwide. Increase cultural awareness and sensitivity for foreign markets and people. Develop an understanding of the international business environment. Research firms with international interests.