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International Relations

Home > Career Library > Economics > International Relations
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International Relations

Summary

International Relations is an academic discipline that focuses on studying one’s nation policy with respect to the competitive world. This field helps you to acquire a systematic approach and ability to analyze political circumstances in the global context. International Relations is a perfect course for students who are enthralled by the study of how different countries are connected economically and politically. During this course, one will grasp the concept of interdependence of countries and their relevance in our growing economy.

Career Opportunities in International Relations

  • Diplomat
    A diplomat is a person who stays in touch with government officials of foreign state, representing his nation and protecting it by collecting all information affecting his nation’s interest.He/she is responsible for negotiating and mediating all local governmental issues with regard to International Relations.
  • Intelligence specialist
    An intelligence specialist is responsible for collecting data and information for a mission, and working with the military, the navy, or any other government agency. He/she maintains intelligence databases, files and statistical reports required for a certain mission.
  • Political Analyst
    A political analyst is a person generally recruited by the government for analysing public policies, identifying various political issues for research, and advising political leaders on foreign government policies. Political Analysts can also work with media houses for political research and news.
  • Lobbyist
    A lobbyist is a person who generally represents his/her organisation or institution in front of government officials. His main role is to persuade them to make a decision or an amendment which would benefit the organisation on whole.
  • International lawyer
    International lawyers deal with international trade law, finance and banking, and also mediate disputes between countries.
  • Non-Profit organizations as a Social activists/ international relations/international communication specialist
    You can work as a Social Activist to bring about changes in our economy with knowledge   about international politics and peace. You can join non-profit organizations operating at an international level which will help you shape your career with global reach.

How to Pursue a Career in International Relations

Stream Graduation After Graduation After Post Graduation
Path 1
Clear Class XII in Humanities streamPursue BA Hons. In Political Science/Economics/History for 3 yearsPursue Post- Graduation Program in International Relations 2 years PHD in the area of the specialization.
Path 2
Clear Class XII in any streamPursue Graduation in any discipline for 3-4 years. Pursue Post graduate program/MA in International Relations.PHD in the area of the specialization.

Important Facts

  • No mandatory subject in Class XII.
  • The course duration of Bachelor of International Relations is not fixed, and ranges from 1 year to 3 years. The course duration varies with university.
  • Most college have eligibility criteria of minimum 50% aggregate marks in Class XII / and some of minimum 60%. Some colleges/universities also have an age limit.

Leading Institutes

Top International Relations Institutes in India
College Location Website
Ashoka University Haryana www.ashoka.edu.in
Jindal School of International Affairs Haryana www.jgu.edu.in/JSIA
Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi www.jnu.ac.in/main
Delhi University New Delhi www.du.ac.in
Institute of Language Studies  and Applied Social Sciences Gujarat www.ilsass.edu.in
Jadavpur University Kolkata www.jaduniv.edu.in
South Asian University New Delhi www.sau.int
Christ University Bengaluru www.christuniversity.in
Top International Relations Institutes in the World
Institution Location Website
Stanford University California www.stanford.edu
Yale University New Haven, Connecticut www.yale.edu
Columbia University New York www.columbia.edu
London School of Economics London www.lse.ac.uk
Harvard University Cambridge www.harvard.edu

Important Entrance Exams

Undergraduate
College Tentative Date Important Elements Website
Ashoka Aptitude Test (Optional) March-July (3 rounds of admission) The Ashoka Aptitude Test will be administered on the day of the interview and will be conducted at the interview venue. www.ashoka.edu.in/page/ug-admissions-40#/section-299
Jindal Admission Test (JAT) November- August Retakes Possible It is an Online Test comprising of 120 Multiple Choice Questions covering logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude (Math) and verbal ability (English). www.vue.com/jsat
Postgraduate
Institution Tentative Date Important Elements Website
Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi May The written test is intended to evaluate the knowledge of candidates in Political Science, History and Economics and their general awareness of world affairs. The test is based on essay-type questions. www.admissions.jnu.ac.in/Prospectus/PDF%20e-Prospectus.pdf
Christ University, Bangalore Last week of April Entrance Test • Verbal reasoning • Comprehension skills • Language skills • Subject skills Skill Assessment • The skill assessment will consist of a test on written skills, communication skills and logical reasoning. Personal Interview www.christuniversity.in/php/admission.php
Delhi University May-June - www.du.ac.in
Jadavpur University, Kolkata April-May - www.jaduniv.edu.in

Work Description

  • They take up roles of diplomat, lobbyist, IR specialist, Political analyst, etc.
  • They study, research and analyze political systems, theories and trends
  • In corporate field, they advise companies on how to reduce costs and increase revenues through effective global business strategies
  • They may involve in qualitative and quantitative research methods to extract data and make reports
  • They should perform duties in line with the ethical standards.

Pros & Cons of a Career in International Relations

Pros
  • Job security: Since this career has less entrants, the demand of IR professionals never goes down. There are plenty of jobs in different roles for students majored in International Relations.
  • Prestige: They generally work with Government organizations, working on policies, for the betterment of our Nation. They gain community respect.
  • Growth: They get an opportunity to learn new languages and work in diverse countries. They get to travel, as well as explore different work roles.
Cons
  • Long training route : To work full time as a IR specialist it requires at least 2-3 types of internships after your Master’s degree in IR. It makes the whole process too long before the person actually gets secure.
  • Geographical Restraint: International Relations job are specific and professional opportunities would not be in abudance in small cities.
  • Long work hours, high stress and patience : The job is very demanding. It requires physical, mental and emotional involvement and drains his/her energy.
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