Is Studying International Relations Worth It?

Summary

This video explores whether pursuing an International Relations (IR) degree is worth the investment in time and money. It discusses the nature of the degree, potential career paths, starting salaries, and long-term earning potential, highlighting key roles such as political scientists and public relations specialists. While IR majors typically face moderate salaries and job satisfaction, career demand varies, and the degree's flexibility is limited without careful planning. The video advises potential students to thoroughly research career options, possibly combine IR with other practical skills, and plan ahead for success in the international job market.

Takeaways

• 😀 International Relations (IR) is the study of global politics, economics, and law, focusing on relationships between countries and their governance.
• 😀 Graduates with an IR degree may pursue careers as political scientists, public relations specialists, or fundraising managers.
• 😀 The starting salary for an IR major is around $49,000 per year, with mid-career pay reaching $96,000 annually.
• 😀 A master's degree is required for higher-paying positions, such as political scientist, earning around $122,000 per year.
• 😀 The average lifetime earnings for social science degree holders, including IR, are $2.5 million, slightly higher than the general degree average of $2.4 million.
• 😀 Job satisfaction for IR majors is above average, with a score of 73 out of 100, though it can vary based on the specific career path.
• 😀 Many social science degree holders, including IR majors, end up pursuing further studies (master’s or doctorate) for better career opportunities.
• 😀 Social science degrees, including IR, are the fourth most regretted, mainly due to the general nature of the degree and difficulty finding a job without further education.
• 😀 Career paths for IR graduates often require planning and specialization, with experience in specific regions or countries boosting employability.
• 😀 The demand for IR-related jobs is moderate, with limited listings on job boards, indicating that many companies prefer business, engineering, or technology degrees over social sciences.
• 😀 The degree's flexibility is limited; without a clear career path or further education, finding a job can be challenging, with some positions requiring specific regional expertise or additional skills.

Q & A

What is the main focus of an International Relations degree?

An International Relations degree primarily focuses on the study of politics, economics, and law on a global scale, with an emphasis on political science. It covers topics like current global issues, conflicts, the governance of foreign countries, and their relationships with the United States and other nations.

What career paths can someone with an International Relations degree pursue?

Graduates with an International Relations degree can pursue various career paths, including political scientists, public relations managers, fundraising managers, and public relations specialists. Each of these roles may require specific experience or further education.

What is the starting salary for an International Relations graduate?

The starting salary for someone with an International Relations degree is typically around $49,000 per year.

What is the earning potential for someone in mid-career with an International Relations degree?

In mid-career, an International Relations graduate can earn around $96,000 per year.

How does the salary of an International Relations degree compare to other degrees?

The salary for an International Relations degree is considered average. When compared to other degrees, it's in the middle range—higher than some but lower than degrees in fields like engineering, business, or computer science.

What is the job satisfaction like for International Relations graduates?

Job satisfaction for International Relations graduates is generally above average, with a score of 73 out of 100. This suggests that most graduates enjoy their jobs, although satisfaction can vary based on the specific career path they choose.

What is the potential job demand for International Relations graduates?

The job demand for International Relations graduates is moderate. For example, the job market for political scientists is limited, with only 7,000 available positions, though it is growing at 6%. Public relations specialists have a higher number of job openings, around 274,000, growing at 7%.

Why is demand for International Relations graduates lower than other degrees like business or engineering?

The demand for International Relations graduates is lower because this degree is more specialized and less directly linked to job opportunities compared to more practical and technical degrees like business, engineering, or computer science.

How important is planning ahead for an International Relations major?

Planning ahead is crucial for International Relations majors. Without a clear plan, graduates may struggle to find specific career paths. Specializing in certain regions or countries and gaining relevant work experience can help set you apart in a competitive job market.

What are the 'X Factors' that could influence the value of an International Relations degree in the future?

The X Factors include flexibility, potential automation of certain roles, and future trends in global politics and business. An International Relations degree might not have much room for error in career path flexibility, so having a strong, detailed plan is important for success.