International relations degrees encourage students to gain intercultural communication skills, which are necessary for many jobs. Graduates from these programs receive training not only in international business and economics systems but also in how to localize a message for a particular audience.
Localization is the process of adapting a message for a particular audience. For example, many cultures do not appreciate the American habit of aggressive selling and comparing a product to a competitor's product; instead, the marketing representative should highlight the beneficial qualities of their product and let the client make up his own mind based on those qualities. Localization skills are essential in any job with an international component.
The economy has become globalized; the growth of the domestic market has slowed and American business has turned its eye abroad for new markets. To be successful, students must be prepared to work with a wide array of clients.
Even industries and organizations that are domestic in nature have international ties; universities have foreign partner universities for exchange programs, hospitals work with other research hospitals abroad and manufacturers get their parts or outsource their labor internationally, for example. Every field needs employees with international expertise and the international relations major is a degree that provides that training.
Along with the growth of international ties in business, the domestic workforce is becoming increasingly diverse. Between 1990 and 2000, for example, the foreign-born population rose 60 percent and more than doubled in some states. Between 2005 and 2008, some foreign-born workers returned to their home countries because of the flagging economy but the American economy is still dependent on immigrant labor. International relations majors are the ideal candidates for managers in this scenario, because they have the flexibility to work with managers and executives that were born abroad, as well as to help lead an immigrant workforce.
Aside from the changes in the U.S. workforce, more companies are increasingly international in nature. Employees in the communications and computer industries work on virtual teams where members may be from other divisions across the globe.
Many companies find that having international teams is a key advantage because a diverse workforce leads to a greater pool of ideas and a better awareness of the needs of the international consumers. Graduates with international relations degrees are poised to work seamlessly with these international teams because they have the communication skills and the understanding of international commerce to get ahead.