What Can I Do My International Political Economy Major?

Overview

Students who choose to major in international political economy commit themselves to a rigorous evaluation of the ways in which the disciplines of economics and political science overlap. The major is designed around the idea that many issues on the international front are impossible to fully understand without a strong background in both international economics and international politics. Students thus focus on both the traditional methods of analyzing aspects of political economy – such as formal modeling, comparative methods, and statistical techniques – along with new ways of examining the effects of changes in the economy and various political factors. This combination of study allows students to develop a comprehensive understanding of a wide variety of issues, including trade, distribution of natural resources, development, policy, and legislation in countries ranging from the developed to the emerging.

International political economy majors, like all students within the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, develop acute analytical and critical thinking skills. In addition, they are required to develop proficiency in at least one foreign language during their time as an undergraduate – a skill that often makes them more competitive upon graduation. With an emphasis on excellent communication skills and objective analysis, students graduating from the School of Foreign Service are well-prepared for careers in both the public and private sectors, as well as success in both graduate and law school.

Skills Acquired with the BSFS Degree

Critical Thinking

Understanding complex factors within problems
Perceiving patterns/structures
Comparing/contrasting interpretations
Assessing cultural differences
Assessing conflicting viewpoints

Communication

Analytical writing
Editing
Drafting documents
Summarizing and presenting information
Public speaking
Language proficiency
Strong writing skills

Research

Defining problems
Formulating and assessing hypotheses
Gathering and analyzing information
Using original sources
Understanding cultural contexts
Interpreting data
Evaluating evidence and results
Reading critically

Sample Internship Opportunities

White House Fellows
U.S. State Department
International labor organizations (e.g., AFL-CIO)
U.S. or State Congress
Research Institutes/Think Tanks (e.g., Brookings Institute, Urban Institute)
International development and relief (e.g., Freedom House, AED, USAID)
Environmental organization (e.g., EPA, PIRC, Green Peace)
Educational programs (e.g., Summerbridge)
Financial services (e.g., The Emerging Markets Private Equity Association)
Consulting firms (e.g., Drum Cussac Inc.)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Intelligence and National Security (e.g., Intellibridge.com, CIA)
Political Action Committees (PACs) (e.g., American Israeli PAC)
Government consulting (e.g., DFI, SAIC)
Non-Governmental Organizations (e.g., Search for Common Ground)

Where are SFS Graduates Now?

Attorney
Campaign staffer
Consultant
Creative writer
Development associate
Economist
Editorial assistant
Financial Analyst
Foreign Service officer
Intelligence officer
Journalist
Legislative assistant
Librarian
Military Services
News producer
Paralegal
Physician
Policy analyst
Production coordinator
Professor
Program assistant
Reference researcher
Social worker
Speech writer
Student Services administrator
Teacher
University admissions officer

Relevant Websites and Publications

For more information about career options, internships and full-time opportunities contact the Career Education Center at One Leavey Center, (202) 687-3493. For more information about the major and degree requirements visit the School of Foreign Service website or stop by 301 ICC. The department can also be reached at (202) 687-5696.