Although their coursework covers global affairs, international relations majors have an edge in the job market through their strong skills in problem solving, communication, research, investigation and analysis. A student who graduates with an international relations degree leaves college with attractive and marketable job skills, even if he decides to pursue a different career path from his major.
Students with an undergraduate degree in international relations are also well poised to compete for admission to law school or graduate programs in business, government and politics, journalism or international relations.
Although many international relations students hope to work at the Department of State or the United Nations, many different types of jobs are available for those with international relations degrees. These students often pursue graduate and doctoral work to become college professors. Others work for international charities or humanitarian organizations. Some global communication and public relations firms also hire candidates with international relations degrees since their business depends on understanding complex international issues.
One of the most obvious advantages of an international relations degree is the opportunity for the student to travel abroad. Some international relations degree programs have a study-abroad internship requirement. Those with degrees may find work at an embassy or for a multinational business with locations around the globe. Long-term federal government employees with international relations degrees may be able to live and work in several different countries during their career.
Candidates with experience, graduate degrees, foreign language fluency and expertise can command a hefty salary, especially if they work in the private sector. Government salaries are competitive; the salary range for an intelligence officer working for the Department of Defense is between $38,000 and $75,600, according to 2008 data compiled by the Partnership for Public Service.