Top 15 careers in global studies & international relations

The field of global studies offers exciting opportunities where your work can make a real impact. Governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), media outlets, businesses, and humanitarian organizations need professionals who can navigate complex international issues and connect with people across the world.

Often, you must blend knowledge from international relations with political science, economics, law, sociology, and cultural studies. This diverse skill set prepares you to tackle challenges and pursue careers in diplomacy, human rights, international development, and other fields where you can drive meaningful change.

If you’re drawn to work that combines research, advocacy, and hands-on problem-solving in global affairs, you’re in the right place. Explore these 15 careers in global studies and international relations to find your path.

1. Diplomat / Foreign Service Officer

• What they do: Members of the foreign service represent their country abroad, helping citizens with visas or emergencies, negotiating agreements, and reporting on political, economic, and social developments. They conduct policy work and problem-solving, often coordinating programs at embassies, consulates, and international organizations like the UN.
• Seniority & salary: Average pay: $104,084. Officers in hazardous locations may receive “danger pay”; senior officers leading major initiatives or serving in embassies earn more.
• Pathway: Degree in international relations, political science, or economics; internships with government agencies or international organizations; foreign language study; passing the Foreign Service Exam.

2. Ambassador

What they do: Ambassadors lead their country’s diplomatic mission, overseeing embassy staff, guiding negotiations, and representing national interests in international meetings. They coordinate policy initiatives and resolve crises, striking a balance between strategic planning and high-pressure decision-making.

Seniority & salary: Average pay: $200,086, with potential increases for politically sensitive or high-profile postings.

• Pathway: Most ambassadors are promoted from the Foreign Service after years of experience; some are political appointees with government or policy backgrounds.

3. Political Affairs Officer

• What they do: Political affairs officers monitor and analyze political situations on behalf of a country or organization, preparing reports for decision-makers and coordinating programs or agreements between countries. Some focus on preventing conflicts; others help organize regional initiatives or diplomatic meetings. 
• Seniority & salary: Average pay: $93,332. Entry-level officers focusing on monitoring earn less; senior officers managing regional programs earn more.
• Pathway: Degree in international relations, political science, or diplomacy; internships or entry-level positions with government, NGOs, or international organizations; foreign language skills helpful.

4. Foreign Affairs Analyst

• What they do: Foreign affairs analysts (international policy analysts) research global political, economic, or security issues and provide reports and recommendations. They may track elections, evaluate trade policies, or analyze conflicts. Some analysts specialize in specific regions or sectors and work with governments, think tanks, or private companies.
• Seniority & salary: Average pay: $97,449. Senior analysts in specialized or high-demand fields typically earn more, while entry-level positions generally pay less.
• Pathway: Degree in international relations, political science, or economics; internships or entry-level research positions; experience analyzing policy, regional affairs, or economic trends.

5. National Security or Intelligence Analyst

• What they do: Intelligence analysts assess threats (terrorism, cyberattacks, geopolitical crises). They gather information, evaluate risks, and produce reports to inform military, government, or corporate decisions. Roles may include data analysis and coordinating with field agents.
• Seniority & salary: Average pay: $87,011. Analysts with top-secret clearance or leadership responsibilities earn more.
• Pathway: Degree in international affairs, security studies, or data analytics; internships or entry-level positions in government, military, or research organizations; coursework or experience in data interpretation, critical thinking, and threat assessment.

6. International Development Specialist

• What they do: International development specialists plan and implement programs to improve education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in developing regions. They design projects, manage budgets, coordinate with local partners, and monitor results.
• Seniority & salary: Average pay: $77,438. Field officers may earn less, while senior specialists managing multi-country programs or large budgets may earn more.
• Pathway: Degree in international development, public policy, or economics; internships or volunteer positions in development programs; project management and field experience.

7. Human Rights Advocate

What they do: Advocates work to protect rights and prevent abuses through research, legal cases, campaigns, and field investigations. They may document violations, lobby governments, educate communities, or coordinate with international groups. 

Seniority & salary: Average pay: $45,058. Senior directors or specialized lawyers earn more.

• Pathway: Degree in human rights, international relations, social sciences, or law; internships or volunteer work with advocacy groups or legal organizations; experience in research, campaigning, or legal work.

8. Political Analyst

• What they do: Political analysts study government policies, elections, and political developments to provide reports, forecasts, and recommendations. They work for think tanks, media companies, and governments, conducting research, preparing briefings, and presenting findings to decision-makers.
• Seniority & salary: Average pay: $77,453. Analysts with niche expertise or in senior advisory roles earn more.
• Pathway: Degree in political science, international relations, or global studies; internships or research assistant roles; experience analyzing government policies or political trends.

9. International Lawyer

• What they do: Lawyers handle cross-border legal matters (contracts, treaties, trade disputes, or human rights cases). Specializations include corporate law, international arbitration, or human rights law.
• Seniority & salary: Average pay: $149,198. Junior associates earn less; senior partners or lawyers in high-demand specialties earn more.
• Pathway: JD or LLM in international law; bar certification; internships or entry-level legal positions focusing on cross-border contracts, trade, human rights, or dispute resolution.

10. International Trade Specialist

• What they do: Trade specialists advise governments or companies on regulations, market access, and compliance. Tasks include negotiating trade agreements, analyzing tariffs, or guiding export strategies. 
• Seniority & salary: Average pay: $94,915. Entry-level staff earn less; senior specialists managing large-scale trade or complex compliance projects earn more.
• Pathway: Degree in international business, economics, or finance; internships or entry-level positions in trade, compliance, or export/import management; knowledge of trade regulations and international markets.

11. NGO Program Manager

• What they do: Program managers oversee international nonprofit projects, handling staffing, budgets, timelines, and reporting. They may run a single-country program or coordinate projects across multiple countries. 
• Seniority & salary: Average pay: $95,805. Smaller project managers earn less; senior directors overseeing multi-country operations earn more.
• Pathway: Degree in nonprofit management, international development, public administration, or related field; volunteer or internship experience managing projects with NGOs.

12. Humanitarian Aid Worker

• What they do: Aid workers provide emergency relief, healthcare, or shelter in crisis situations. They may work in refugee camps, disaster zones, or remote communities as logistics coordinators, camp managers, or program officers.
• Seniority & salary: Average pay: $35,000. Field-based roles typically pay less, while senior coordinators or operations managers can earn $ 80,000 or more.
• Pathway: Degree in global studies, public health, social work, or emergency management; volunteer or internship experience in humanitarian or crisis response programs; fieldwork experience is important.

13. International Journalist / Foreign Correspondent

• What they do: Journalists report on global events, politics, and conflicts, covering a range of topics including war zones, diplomacy, economics, and cultural issues. Assignments may be in offices or in the field under challenging conditions.
• Seniority & salary: Average pay: $50,839. Seasoned correspondents or bureau chiefs in major cities can earn over $100,000.
• Pathway: Degree in journalism, international relations, or communications; internships at media outlets; experience reporting, writing, or covering international events; language skills beneficial.

14. Translator / Interpreter

• What they do: Translators convert written documents, while interpreters provide live translation during meetings, court proceedings, or conferences. Some specialize in technical, medical, or rare languages. 
• Seniority & salary: Average pay: $63,080. Entry-level translators earn less; highly specialized interpreters or translation project managers earn more.
• Pathway: Degree in languages, linguistics, or translation; fluency in at least two languages; internships or volunteer work in translation; experience with cultural and technical subject matter helpful.

15. Immigration Specialist

• What they do: Immigration specialists assist individuals and organizations with obtaining visas, work permits, and asylum. Some focus on policy development, others on direct case management or large-scale relocation programs.
• Seniority & salary: Average pay: $83,050. Entry-level caseworkers typically earn less; senior specialists or managers in large organizations earn more, depending on their level of responsibility and expertise.
• Pathway: Degree in political science, international relations, or law; internships or entry-level work with immigration law firms, government agencies, or relocation programs; understanding of visa and asylum processes.

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