By Katarina O’Regan, FCLC ‘12
On October 22, 2012,
Katarina attended an information session hosted by the Foreign Policy
Association. She complied this “International Affairs Grad School Guide” for
any student interested in International Affairs. Below, she summarizes the most
important information learned.
“Do you really need to go
to graduate school?” The evening started with this simple, yet important
question. Among the benefits of
obtaining a graduate degree in International Affairs are the chance to expand
your knowledge, increased employability and salary, and networking/professional
development opportunities. Pursuing a
graduate degree does take time, and incurs expense, but for many, the benefits
outweigh these concerns.
Graduate degrees in
international affairs are useful because they are multidisciplinary. Students study political science, as well as
economics, foreign language and other academic fields. Because of the diversity within the degree,
students have flexibility with regards to breadth/depth of studies and are able
to go into public, private, and non-profit work upon graduation.
There are many factors to
consider when looking graduate schools in international affairs. Foreign Policy
Magazine does rank the top graduate schools in the field, but given the range
of reputable programs in the U.S., finding a school that fits your interests is
more important than attending a top 10 school.
Some criteria students should consider when applying are size, location,
academic quality, degree requirements, the core curriculum, functional/regional
specialties, faculty, networking opportunities, the alumni network, and
cost. Many students focus primarily on
New York and Washington D.C., thinking that these are the best locations for an
International Affairs student. However, schools in other locations do offer
opportunities New York and D.C. cannot.
Schools in smaller cities have a lower cost of living and fewer
distractions from studies, while still offering very competitive (and often
more personal) academic programs. Also,
with more and more technological advancements, it is easier to be connected to
international events no matter where you are based.
There are also increasingly
different types of graduate degrees students can pursue. Some schools offer dual degree programs such
as an MBA dual program, which is optimal for those looking at international
business and private industry. PhD
programs are academically intense, and are geared towards those who are seeking
a career in academia. One other type of
program to consider is a graduate program that entails international
travel. Some schools will pay for a brief
stint abroad, while others let you spend the second year of your Master’s at an
international university.
As for the application
process, competitive applicants should show a strong academic record, some
background in economics, statistics or another quantitative field (which can be
supplemented by courses at a community college even after acceptance),
international experience (can be travel, work, or volunteerism), and foreign
language study. If applicants are
lacking in any of these areas, they can explain that in their application, and
demonstrate an interest in other ways.
For example, someone who has not yet worked abroad can volunteer with an
organization that works alongside immigrants.
Application essays should
not include cliché quotes from famous individuals, and should highlight your
writing ability. At least one letter of
recommendation should be from an undergraduate professor (this can be a
professor you studied with abroad, if still relevant). Resumes in this case can be longer than one
page, as the admissions staff will want to see a list of your travels and/or
publications on there as well. In the
words of one panelist “Your flaws will be obvious, so play up your strengths!”
Ultimately, admissions
staff are looking for reasons to admit you.
They want to see you tie your academic interests to prospective career
paths, as well as your ability to provide a genuine self-narrative. Just as International Affairs programs do not
solely focus on political science or economics, admissions officers do not
judge applicants solely by GPA, major, or undergraduate institution. Graduate programs are looking for
well-rounded students to join their well-rounded studies.
Katarina is a FCLC International Studies major, graduating in December of 2012. She plans to teach abroad after graduation.
