Opportunities in International Affairs Career-Building Strategies

5 Strategies While Still in College 1. Build International Skills Through Coursework 2. Gain International Experience 3. Develop Relevant Experience While Working in Madison 4. Develop a Personal Network of Supporters 5. Work Closely with Advisers and Faculty

Build International Skills Through Coursework As an undergraduate, develop skillsets that will make you attractive in an international market Languages Regional knowledge Quantitative analysis Knowledge relevant to your career path (marketing, politics, law, policy analysis…)

Gain International Experience Study abroad Don’t just check a box, develop a plan to make your experience matter International internships Intern with US corporations, nonprofits/NGOs, and public agencies with an international focus

Develop Relevant Experience Working in Madison Look for parallels between international and domestic internships and first jobs Interested in development? Intern for a bank, credit union, housing organization or micro lending organization Want to use your language skills? Connect with community groups that speak those languages Thinking about national security? Consider starting off in law enforcement

Develop a Personal Network of Supporters In each internship, perform your best to develop mentors who will help you in the future job search Add informational interviews with alumni and professionals working in fields of interest Grow a network by cultivating relationships with people you know, sort of know, and want to know

Work Closely with Advisers and Faculty Academic and career advisers can offer support throughout this journey Meet with them often and utilize resources across campus Faculty teaching and researching in relevant areas may have important contacts Succeed in classwork, visit them during office hours, and get their advice

5 Strategies for Graduation and Beyond 1. Gain relevant skills in related fields 2. Work immediately in international cities and fields 3. Consider graduate school 4. Volunteer or time-limited opportunities 5. Connect internships to first careers

Gain Relevant Skills In Related Fields Recent graduates often find jobs outside of the international sphere to develop concrete skills that are relevant for international employment For example, a student might take a job in education, logistics, financial development, or program management Developing these skills along with relevant networking puts students in demand for future jobs that may have international connections Apply for international jobs and leverage what you have learned

Work Immediately in International Cities & Fields Some students move to cities where international jobs abound such as Washington, DC or New York They may take post-graduate internships or administrative jobs at firms, NGOs, and government agencies and then work their way toward more senior positions This strategy may involve working a second job in the evenings since the primary position may provide little or no pay

Consider Graduate School Many students move straight to graduate school with a focus on international business, linguistics, policy or other fields Attending these programs often provides access to more substantive internships that could then lead to employment Be sure you know what you want to study before shelling out the big bucks Meet with professionals in these fields to learn if the degree is necessary or at least helpful

Volunteer or Time-Limited Opportunities While many programs are very competitive, organizations such as the Peace Corps, Teach for China, and other NGOs offer one- to two-year programs that can put students in high demand after completion

Connect Internships to Careers Relevant internships either in the US or abroad can position students for opportunities immediately after graduation This is particularly the case if the student finishes an internship the semester before graduation and is ready to work right away Employers like nothing more than to identify a hard working and enthusiastic employee before taking the risk of hiring them

What About You? Pair up with a neighbor and talk about your current planning If you are a freshman or sophomore, how will you develop a competitive resume and supportive network? If you are a junior or senior, which strategies might you employ after graduation?

Some UW-Madison Resources and Programs International Internship Program L&S Career Services The Language Institute The Washington DC Semester in Public Affairs semester/ semester/ The Political Science Department’s Washington DC Summer Internship and Research Program