Do degrees like International Relations or Political Science get you a job?

3

Hi, I’m a senior in highschool about to graduate. I really really like the curricula that majors such as political science or global studies have to offer, and I’m deeply invested in generally any area of social sciences, and trust me, everyone can tell. When it comes to subjects like Psychology or History I can’t get enough of them, I love the feeling of answering their essay questions that require deep reasoning and analytic skills. So, one may think that I’d be a perfect fit for International Relations, and so do I, but everytime I bring that thought up, people only raise the concern of their high inability to get you a job. “Oh yeah? What are you gonna do fix the relationship between Russia and the U.S?” I don’t know dude. My university applications consist of a lot of degrees similar to IR (such as Int. Law and Psychology etc.) but I’m scared that if I attempt them I’ll never be employed. What do I do

Reply 1

Talkative Toad

22

Original post

by olivia_stressing

Hi, I’m a senior in highschool about to graduate. I really really like the curricula that majors such as political science or global studies have to offer, and I’m deeply invested in generally any area of social sciences, and trust me, everyone can tell. When it comes to subjects like Psychology or History I can’t get enough of them, I love the feeling of answering their essay questions that require deep reasoning and analytic skills. So, one may think that I’d be a perfect fit for International Relations, and so do I, but everytime I bring that thought up, people only raise the concern of their high inability to get you a job. “Oh yeah? What are you gonna do fix the relationship between Russia and the U.S?” I don’t know dude. My university applications consist of a lot of degrees similar to IR (such as Int. Law and Psychology etc.) but I’m scared that if I attempt them I’ll never be employed. What do I do

What type of job do you want to do in the future and what country are you from and want to work in?

(edited 12 months ago)

Reply 2

MillieeM2

12

Yes they can get you jobs in the civil service, consulting, political consulting, law, economics, marketing, IGOs and NGO WORK. Plus a lot of jobs don’t require a specific degree

Reply 3

Szara_SOAS

9

Original post

by olivia_stressing

Hi, I’m a senior in highschool about to graduate. I really really like the curricula that majors such as political science or global studies have to offer, and I’m deeply invested in generally any area of social sciences, and trust me, everyone can tell. When it comes to subjects like Psychology or History I can’t get enough of them, I love the feeling of answering their essay questions that require deep reasoning and analytic skills. So, one may think that I’d be a perfect fit for International Relations, and so do I, but everytime I bring that thought up, people only raise the concern of their high inability to get you a job. “Oh yeah? What are you gonna do fix the relationship between Russia and the U.S?” I don’t know dude. My university applications consist of a lot of degrees similar to IR (such as Int. Law and Psychology etc.) but I’m scared that if I attempt them I’ll never be employed. What do I do

Hi Olivia!

Degrees in International Relations and Political Science can lead to a variety of exciting careers. Recent graduates from SOAS, with these degrees, have gone on to work for organisations like the United Nations, BBC World Service, Bloomberg, British Red Cross, and Save the Children. Others have found roles in government departments like the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) or the Department for International Development (DfID), as well as in international NGOs, think tanks, and media outlets like the Financial Times and Channel 4. These roles often involve policy analysis, diplomacy, research, advocacy, and communications—areas where the skills you develop in IR or Political Science are highly valued.

It’s also worth noting that a lot of graduate schemes and entry-level jobs don’t require a specific degree. Employers often look for transferable skills like critical thinking, research, writing, and problem-solving—all of which you’ll develop in a social sciences degree. This means you can pursue a wide variety of career paths, even beyond traditional politics or IR roles.

While studying, try to build experience through internships, volunteering, or part-time work to build practical skills and make yourself more competitive in the job market. Remember, your degree is just one part of your career journey—experience, networking, and skills matter just as much.

Personally, I’d recommend studying what you enjoy. With the right mindset and experience, a degree in IR or Political Science can absolutely lead to a fulfilling and successful career!

I hope this helped and good luck!
-Szara, Final-year International Relations and Arabic

Do degrees like International Relations or Political Science get you a job?

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