SOCIETY, INTERNATIONAL & DEVELOPMENT

International Relations Specialist

Understanding Cooperation, Conflict and Global Change

International relations specialists analyse how states, organisations and societies interact across borders. They study diplomacy, security, trade, development and global institutions.

Key Outcomes

What this career leads to

Better global analysis
Informed international policy
Cross-border cooperation
Context-aware decisions

What They Do

On the job

Research international events, institutions and policy
Analyse political, economic and security developments
Prepare reports, briefings and recommendations
Coordinate projects or dialogue involving multiple countries and cultures

Where They Work

Typical workplaces

Government and foreign-affairs institutions
Think tanks and universities
International organisations
Development agencies
Media and research organisations
Consulting and policy teams

Core Skills

What it takes

Political and policy analysis
Research and concise writing
Cultural awareness and communication
Languages, negotiation and systems thinking

Areas of Application

Where this knowledge shows up

Foreign-policy research
International security
Global development
Trade and regional cooperation
International organisations

Education & Entry Path

The learning route

Degrees in international relations, political science, economics, law, history or regional studies are common. Languages, research methods and postgraduate specialisation can strengthen entry.

Career Scope

The long view

Professionals may work in policy research, diplomacy support, international programmes, risk analysis, development, advocacy, media or academia.

Related Careers

Kindred paths to explore

Explore Scientists’ Contribution

The discoveries behind this field