In a globalized world, nations are becoming increasingly interdependent as the traditional conceptions of borders and sovereignty evolve. In such a context, individuals with a nuanced understanding of how countries collaborate amongst themselves and with international organizations are in demand. Pursuing an education in international relations can open many opportunities for you; across borders, where your work has the potential to have a global impact.
Before elaborating on the many benefits of pursuing an international relations program for your master’s, this article will first establish what international relations are.
What Does The Word International Relations Mean?
International relations is a discipline dedicated to studying the interactions between states and other international actors, including multinational corporations, international bodies, non-governmental organizations, and even individuals. It is a multidisciplinary field that includes the study of international law, political science, economics, human rights, etc., all of which contribute to the student’s understanding of the various factors in play that determine international interactions.
In our increasingly interconnected world, understanding the various influences that shape global affairs can make you a valuable asset in several fields. From working in politics, policy-making, advocacy, or in a traditional corporate environment, an international relations masters degree can be a powerful aid to your application. Here are five reasons you should consider pursuing this program.
It Helps You Tackle Current Issues
A master’s in international relations is the perfect program choice if you’re interested in being involved in a life where you leave a lasting impact or are committed to using your privilege to benefit those more vulnerable than you. The program exposes you to many contemporary international issues plaguing the world, from global poverty and hunger to human trafficking, terrorism, and a lack of human rights. It gives you a nuanced understanding of the scope and scale of the problem, factors engendering it, and potential solutions that can help mitigate its effects.
By pursuing a master’s in international relations, you gain a broad understanding of all of these problems while having the ability to specialize in any particular issue, like a specialization in human trafficking or dealing with issues like child malnutrition and women’s rights. The degree enables you to work towards solving these problems through several platforms, like working in politics, working for the foreign office, and being involved in private lobby groups and research houses focused on global policy.
Its Knowledge Is Widely Applicable
The core material studied in an international relations program is sought after in many job environments, from positions in the government to work for research firms, non-governmental organizations, and the corporate world. Thanks to digitization and the pursuit of neo-liberal globalist policies, private entities interact with people from the far stretches of the Earth, and their increasingly international nature means there is more demand for applicants with specialized training in deciphering global affairs.
Businesses in our contemporary landscape must be more aware of the international laws that regulate their sector. They must also be able to predict changes to geopolitical relations that can impact the global economy so that their organization is more insulated against the risks this poses to their industry. An international relations major is a valued specialization not just in fields directly related to policy and politics; but can be essential for businesses and corporations.
It Helps Develop Your Analytical Skills.
Developing a deep understanding of international affairs requires you to untangle a complex web of motivations that drive countries and international actors to behave in a certain way. These programs work on developing your critical thinking and analytical skills so that you can assess information, identify potential problems, and recommend thoughtful policy proposals.
These analytical skills are widely transferable to many fields outside of international affairs. It is crucial in business, where the ability to respond to sudden changes can help you achieve quick career growth and even attain leadership positions. In data analysis, where analytical skills can help you sort through a seemingly incoherent set of information for patterns and trends. It can serve you well in politics and policy, where the ability to craft comprehensive solutions to national problems can help propel your career.
It Develops Your Communication Skills
An international relations program works not only on developing your understanding of current affairs but also to create a coherent response to its many issues. An international relations master’s will expose you to policy drafting and the skills of advocacy and diplomacy. It works on your writing and speaking skills while training you in verbal and nonverbal communication.
Solid communication skills are a prerequisite for success in any professional field. Your communication skills and presentability are the first things employers will notice about you in an interview and can form a lasting impression that not even a great resume can undo. Being persuasive and well-spoken are traits sought when determining whether someone is a good fit for a leadership position. Senior management wants someone who can effectively translate their vision and motivate employees to meet their targets.
It Helps Create A Global Network
An international relations program gives you access to the opportunity to interact with a diverse student body and faculty. Your professors will be working on many issues, from focusing on international law to researching and creating policies for different problems like human trafficking, terrorism, and poverty alleviation. Their work will involve interactions with other countries, international bodies, and NGOs. By collaborating with them and being interested in their work, you open yourself up to using their mentorship to expand your network across national boundaries.
The knowledge you gain from a degree in international relations also enables you to participate in cross-cultural discourse and debates and form relationships with people from entirely different societies than yours. The ability to discuss and argue over current affairs can help you develop a network with academics and professionals from across the world, with whom you can collaborate to solve common problems or who can help you secure employment in a foreign land.
Conclusion
Advancements in digital technology will continue to strengthen the cross-cultural exchange of businesses and ideas and make the world even more globalized. In such a context, a master’s in international relations is a future-friendly degree choice that opens its students up to multiple opportunities in governmental, public, and private organizations.
