| International
Affairs Career Opportunities & Other Options for IA Majors
Career
Options
The
International Affairs major is designed to prepare students
for globally oriented careers in business, diplomacy, government
service, law and the non-profit sector. In the Atlanta area,
for example, there are more than 300 firms that are involved
substantially in international business. International Affairs
graduates find employment in a variety of worldwide locations
ranging from London, England and Stockholm, Sweden to Atlanta,
Georgia. Some of our graduates started their international
careers Bellsouth, Centers for Disease Control, Coca-Cola,
Delta Airlines, Department of Defense, Lockheed-Martin, Peace
Corps, Southern Center for International Studies, and the
State of Georgia.
"I
began my studies at Kennesaw State University as a
non-traditional student with no idea of what major
I would select. Within four years I found myself in
Burkina Faso as a Peace Corps volunteer having just
completed my degree in International Affairs…I
returned from West Africa and enrolled in the masters
of Science in Foreign Service degree program (MSFS)
at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C….Upon
completing the MSFS degree, I was accepted as a Presidential
Management Fellow finalist…Currently, I work
for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
in Atlanta, Georgia.” (Richard Davis, IA’99)."
- Internship
and Study Abroad Opportunities
Kennesaw
State's internship program offers the International Affairs
major the opportunity to complete an international internship.
Internships are available locally, out of state, and in other
countries. Kennesaw State students have completed internships
at a variety of locations including the Carter Center, the
Canadian Consulate, and the U.S. Department of Commerce-International
Trade Administration. Internships are also available with
the U.S. Department of State, both in Washington, D.C. and
at select U.S. embassies. For more information contact:
- Ms.
Juli Cravens
- Cooperative
Education and Internship Coordinator
- Phone
#: 770-423-6555
Study
abroad is also encouraged to expand understanding of the global
arena. Kennesaw State offers study abroad opportunities for
college credit, through college sponsored trips such as the
Mexico Summer Program, as well as study trips organized by
other colleges and universities. A limited number of scholarships
are available for study abroad. Study abroad is administered
by:
- Dr.
Dan Paracka, Director
- Office
of International Services and Programs
- Phone
#: 770-423-6336
Experiential
Education
Opportunities
for experiential education are available through internships
in governmental agencies (local, state and federal), political
parties, and campaign organizations. These internships not
only give students insight into the reality of politics and
government, but also provide training and contacts that can
be helpful in career planning and employment. For students
interested in International Affairs, there are exchange programs
and opportunities to study abroad.
Department
Contacts: Dr. William Baker10-Jan-2008 10:36 AMdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Graduate
School
If
you would like to continue to study International Affairs
or related fields, discuss your interests with your advisor
and with your professors. Ask for guidance for graduate study
and about the work in International Affairs. If you are interested
in graduate study in International Affairs but not in pursuing
a career in research and college teaching, there are master's
degree programs in this area. Many of these are specialized
professional programs in public administration, public policy
analysis, international relations, and political campaign
management.
Department
Contact: Your Academic Advisor or Dr. Michele Zebich-Knos,
770-423-6499
Law
School:
Some
International Affairs undergraduate majors go on to law school.
KSU has an excellent Prelaw Program. Consult the Prelaw advisors
within the Department for information. A Prelaw Guide is available
from the Department.
Department Contacts: Dr. Elizabeth Gordon, 770-423-6601;
Dr. William Gillespie, 770-499-3534
Business:
Many
International Affairs majors go on to careers in business.
Their undergraduate training offers a good preparation for
graduate programs in business. Students who have focused on
international affairs for country/area studies may find opportunities
in international business and trade. It is also possible to
begin a business career with a bachelor's degree. Large corporations
and banks have professional training programs for many employees.
Contact:
Ms. Pauline Jones, KSU Career Services, 770-423-6555
Other:
There
are numerous career options available to International Affairs
majors. Employment opportunities include the U.S. Departments
of State, Defense, and Commerce as well as the Central Intelligence
Agency.
Contact:
Ms. Pauline Jones, KSU Career Services, 770-423-6555 |
