General Skills Related to an International and Area Studies Degree

In successfully completing a major in International and Area Studies, a student will possess the following attributes:

Foreign Language- An IAS degree requires that students study at least 16 hours of one foreign language relevant to the geographical area of concentration. IAS students have the ability to speak, read and write in a second or third language. Since our students are required to study abroad, the students become proficient in a foreign language, and also learn to use that language in real-life situations on a regular basis.

Adaptability-IAS students are able to adjust and function in different environments, as practiced by studying abroad and adapting to an entirely foreign environment where people speak a different language and have different customs.

Cultural Awareness-Cultural sensitivity is important in an increasingly global environment. IAS majors study a great deal about foreign cultures and customs through language and comparative studies and also experience different countries through studying abroad. As a result, they have broad views of the way the world works in all its variety. They develop intercultural skills, and are generally open-minded to differences, sensitive to cultural diversity, and tolerant of different types of people.

Broad Knowledge Base-Many companies in today's society value a broad knowledge base versus just a narrow specific area of study. IAS majors know how to separate specific from general. Students with an IAS major take courses not only in the student's specific area of study (Asia, Latin America, The Middle East, Western/Eastern Europe and Africa), but also courses outside of his/her chosen area. They study instead a broad scope of a geographical region, tying together history, politics, economics, language, and other cultural studies.

Research-International and Area Studies majors practice their ability to collect and organize data as well as simplify complex data through history, political science, and other courses that require students to write extensive research papers. Students also develop analytical skills.

Writing Skills-IAS students learn to organize ideas and express them on paper, because many of their courses require that they describe and evaluate issues and concepts within lengthy reports and essay exams.

Oral Skills-The ability to speak clearly and coherently to inform and explain ideas is practiced in classes and abroad.

Interpersonal Skills-Students are often required to interact in duo or group projects, and they also hone their interpersonal skills when studying abroad because they must engage in interaction when applying language skills and attempting to learn a new culture.

What can I do with my degree?

A Degree in International and Area Studies lays the groundwork for successful careers with an international dimension in a wide range of fields. International Area Studies majors are prepared for careers in business, diplomacy and international aid and economic development and other forms of public service: Large corporations continue to expand their production and distribution systems to the most distant reaches of the globe. Professional groups and associations have expanded their connections with counterparts in other countries. As the line between public and private increasingly blurs, the opportunity increases for international service in a wide range of nonprofit agencies, institutions and foundations, research centers, public interest groups, non-governmental development agencies. There are today broader ranges of relevant opportunities both within government and within the expanding private and nonprofit sectors. Students majoring in International Studies tend to go into four types of careers:

International public service (US State Department, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Oklahoma Department of Tourism, United Nations and other international organizations).
International business, either multinational firms, or small firms that are developing international markets.
International non-profit organizations: Religious missions, Transparency International, Feed the Children, etc.
Advanced Study, MA in International Affairs, PhD, International Law.
Listed below are some other examples of fields IAS students might explore after graduation:

International Trade (Import/Export)
International Business Administration
Advertising/Public Relations
Public Policy/Affairs
Publishing Companies
Environmental Law
International Law
International Development
Travel & Tourism
International Consulting
Cultural Affairs
Interpreter
Translator
International Relations
International Security Affairs
Area Specialist
Intelligence
Government Affairs
Foreign Service
US Federal Government
Department of State
Department of Commerce
Immigration and Naturalization Services
Arms Control & Disarment
Research & Development
Nonprofit Organizations
Finding Career Opportunities on the Internet

The Internet is a good resource that IAS students can utilize when looking for employment after graduation. Students can explore websites that are related to their specific area of study. Listed below are some very helpful sites that will inform students on various job opportunities as well as provide them with links to other websites.

European Union www.europa.eu.int

United Nations www.un.org

Council of Foreign Relations www.cfr.org

US Consulates and Embassies worldwide www.travel.state.gov/links.html

American Foreign Service Association www.afsa.org

US Customs www.customs.ustreas.gov

Immigration and Naturalization Services www.ins.gov

Central Intelligence Agency www.cia.gov

National Security Agency www.nsa.gov

Organization of American States www.oas.org

Federal Jobs www.federaljobsearch.com

Department of State www.state.gov

Library of Congress www.loc.gov

Department of Commerce www.commerce.gov

Department of Transportation www.dot.gov

UN Non Government Organization Network www.ngo.org

International Committee of the Red Cross www.icrc.org

Peace Corps www.peacecorps.gov

The International Relations and Security Network www.isn.ethz.ch

International Trade Administration www.ita.doc.gov

Aside from the Internet, students can also contact the Career Services office and also use the library's resources on career opportunities. The Career Services office has information on some public sector opportunities that may be helpful for IAS majors.
10 Steps Towards Getting A Job With Your IAS Degree

Review your goals and desires
Assess your skills
Utilize career services
Research available jobs and promising potential employers
Use the Internet as a resource
Develop and expand your contacts
Be sure that each of your major professors knows you, tell them about your plans and goals, and use them as a resource
Allow sufficient time for job search activities during your senior year
Take advantage of work experience opportunities during the summer
Join an organization related to your area of interest and become an active member
Advice from Alumni

This list is made up of the things recent alumni of the program found most important after spending some time in the real world. The list includes skills, job hunting experiences, and recommendations for current students.

Become fluent in the language you study. Take as many language classes as you can, and don't limit yourself to minimum requirements.
Study abroad is important. Take advantage of it as much as possible and learn about a new culture and its customs. Cultural awareness and learning to survive in another system are skills that are marketable.
Explore internship opportunities. Interning provides valuable experience and helps build your résumé. Find internships that are related to your career goals.
Study economics. It influences everything else.
Do not be afraid to take some time off between undergrad and grad school. APSIA schools look favorable on work experience, and it will also help you define your interests.
The analytical skills learned via the curriculum are invaluable in the work place.
Be aggressive in your job hunt, and let employers know that you are interested in their company. Emphasize your skills.