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- International Careers
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International Studies Career page
Like the rest of the LibGuide, this page has been designed with International Studies students in mind. The only problem is - you have so many career options with this degree there is a lot to cover!
We hope this page will give you at least a good starting point from which to explore the possibilities. Here you will find:
We know the question about 'what to be when you grow up' can be daunting, but we hope this points you in the direction of an exciting and fulfilling journey. We are here to help so if you have questions or suggestions please let us know: internationalstudies@humboldt.edu. In the meantime, don't forget:
'Life isn't about finding yourself - it's about creating yourself!
These guides and templates are NOT meant to be exhaustive - only aids to get you started. They are also not intended for use in other countries. Be very careful and do your research as to what is 'acceptable' in other places.
For further help and support, there is an International Studies Career Workshop - a 7-week / 1-unit course that will take you through each of these areas in more depth. Keep an eye on the schedule or contact Program Leader Dr Alison Holmes if you are interested.
By the time most jobs are posted, they have already been taken. The internet has changed many aspects of the way we search and find jobs, but networking is just as crucial as it has ever been. Professional organizations are one way (see relevant box) internships are another (see relevant box) and don't forget social networking specialist groups, listservs and alerts.
A final way to network is through the 'informational interview' which can also be a great way to get your foot in the door. These are generally used in conjunction with all the other approaches, but here are a few tools to start that process.
There are a number of ways to work overseas and still work for/represent the government. Here ar a few - but do check the various departments and even specific Embassy sites directly as many jobs are listed there as well.
The US Government is a vast bureaucracy with many rules and regulations. If you are interested in an international career - the State Department is NOT the only option. These guides will give you an idea of what other opportunities there are for international/government positions.
Many employers want people specifically for their language skills. As an International Studies major you have already moved ahead of the vast majority of your potential competitors for these kinds of jobs because you have already become proficient in at least one other language. If you are interested in learning more languages or developing your language skills further, you might consider these jobs and the programs that prepare people for them.
Internships are a great way to demonstrate an interest in an area and a willingness to go the extra mile to get experience in your field. They needn't prevent you from earning as even short internships (a week or even a day 'shadowing') will give you contacts as well as help your resume stand out from the crowd.
HSU resources for international jobs
http://www2.humboldt.edu/acac/students/international
California
Capital Fellows Program - Sacramento State
A large listing of internships/jobs etc all with a humanitarian view: Idealist.org
A nationwide search engine with internships and jobs for students and recent graduates: http://www.internships.com/student
California Nonprofits: A search engine for non-profit jobs in California
Nonprofit Directory for California: List of all nonprofits in the state of California, with links to their websites and contact information
CalCareers: A search engine for all government jobs and internships that are available in the state of California
Jobs LA: A search engine for jobs in Los Angeles county and the surrounding areas
Bay Area Jobs: Search engine for jobs within the Bay Area
World Wide Postings and Programs:
Foundation for Sustainable Development
International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience
International Association of Students in Economics and Business (AIESEC)
International Center at University of Michigan https://internationalcenter.umich.edu/abroad/swt/work
British Universities North America Club (Bunac)
Impact Pool Search engine for jobs in the EU, UN, and NGOs
Relief Web Search engine for humanitarian and development jobs
Teach Away Teaching positions in different countries, as well online TEFL training
Europe:
American-Scandinavian Foundation Scandinavia House
French-American Chamber of Commerce
Kent University's Political and International Relation Jobs
Asia:
Princeton in Asia
Africa:
International Foundation for Education & Self-Help International Fellows Program
NGO Jobs in Africa: Search engine for NGO positions in Africa
NGO Pulse: Job vacancy postings in Africa and news source
Latin America:
Comprehensive List of NGOs in Latin America
Career Center - Gist Hall, Rm 114
Open: Mon - Fri, 9am - 4pm
Resume Walk-in appointments:
Mon-Thur 11-1pm
See the HSU Career Center for...
HSU is proud to be one of largest feeder schools to the Peace Corps - and International Studies and Politics Majors often top the list. Watch for announcements of Peace Corps Representatives on campus, go to their website, or go direct.
Quinn Walker Regional Representative
1301 Clay Street, Suite 620N
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (214)566.6520
qwalker@peacecorps.gov
Some Teaching abroad programs require a TEFL certification, for HSU students there are two options to recieve this. 1) Minor in Teaching English as a Second Language through the English Department. 2) Obtain a separate TEFL certificate.
TEFL certificate is a generic term however and there are many different programs available to obtain one. There is no effective regulation of these programs and many teaching organizations will only accept certain certificates from certain training programs. It is important to research the organizations you hope to work with as a teacher and then investigate the certifications they are looking for before spending time and money on a TEFL certification that will not prepare you to work in your target organizations.
Most professional employers require TEFL training that includes 100 hours of training and a minimum of 6 hours of supervised teaching.
Many professional bodies give steep discounts to students who join and these sites have places to post resumes, see job announcements and other types of networkig opportunities. If you are interested in graduate school you might consider joining one of these while still in school.
There are many opportunities out there to volunteer, work or intern for students who are looking to do something life changing (and resume building) over the vacation breaks, after they graduate or even taking a temporary break from school. 'Volunteering' clearly isn't paid, but it doesn't have to be long term to give you a relatively risk free way to try something out. Crucially - it also begins to 'tell a story' about your interests and skills for your resume that can make ALL the difference when you are looking for that perfect, permanent job.
Don't forget - there are plenty of places to volunteer during the school year here in Humboldt as well - check out Youth Educational Services - the YES House - or become an HSU student Ambassador or Conversation Partner.
International Volunteer Programs Association
International Partnership for Service Learning
Service Civil International – International Volunteer Service