International Studies Degree
Environment, Development, and Global Economy | International Relations | International Studies | National Security and Foreign Affairs
Focus Areas
Academic Focus
Co-Curricular and Engagement
Career Development
Milestone
First Year: Explore
Academic Focus
- Meet with your academic advisor and build your academic plan
- Complete foundational courses, like PSCI/IS 1034: Intro to IS & PSCI
- Choose foreign language and plan for 12 credits at upper-level
- Enroll in Pathways courses aligned with your interests
Co-Curricular and Engagement
- Go to Gobblerfest and join student organizations related to your interests, like IRO, SIO, PreLaw, Model UN
- Visit the Student Success Center for support services
- Begin exploring study abroad opportunities and connect with the Global Education Office
Career Development
- Begin developing your professional resume
- Create a Handshake account
- Attend a career exploration workshop or event
- Explore career options in PSCI/IS 1034 and with Career and Professional Development, consider enrolling in a career exploration course (e.g., UNIV 1004)
Milestone
- Identify initial academic interests and potential career paths
- Establish a connection with at least one faculty member
- Complete 4-year academic course and cocurricular plan
Middle Years: Focus and Connect
Academic Focus
- Update your academic plan with your advisor, review foreign language plans, and begin/continue upper-level electives
- Take IS 2004 Research and Writing in International Studies
- Attend a college or departmental info session on research opportunities
- Declare a minor, concentration, or second major, if applicable
- Review your Degree Audit Report (DARS) and apply for your degree in Hokie Spa
Co-Curricular and Engagement
- Attend lectures and guest speaker events
- Begin undergraduate research; present at a student research symposium (eg. Hume Center, CURIO)
- Consider taking Diplomacy Lab
- Serve in a leadership role in a student organization
- Mentor newer students or support departmental initiatives
- Study abroad or participate in a global experience, if aligned with academic plan
Career Development
- Update your resume and have it reviewed; complete mock interviews
- Reach out to a VT alum for an informational interview
- Pursue a summer job or internship related to your major or goals
- Attend a career fair(s) and build your LinkedIn profile
- Plan for graduate school applications (research programs, review requirements, prepare to request letters of recommendation) or post-grad job search
- Apply for competitive internships or fellowships
Milestone
- Gain first professional experience and make a connection with a VT alum or professional in your career path
- Declare any second majors or minors
- Explore study abroad opportunities with your advisor
- Complete an experiential learning opportunity (internship, study abroad, research, Diplomacy Lab) and add to your resume
Last Year: Launch
Academic Focus
- Complete 4000-level classes, like a senior seminar
- Consider attending a conference, presenting research, or pursuing publication in an undergraduate research journal
- Ensure all remaining degree requirements in DARS are planned and completed
Co-Curricular and Engagement
- Serve in leadership or mentorship roles
- Join an honor society
- Finalize undergraduate research, if completing
- Help plan department events or alumni panels
- Volunteer for university outreach or recruitment
Career Development
- Update resume and LinkedIn profile with experiences
- Apply to jobs, grad programs, or fellowships
- Reflect on experiential learning and leverage it in interviews
- Attend college and university professional development events
- Complete the First Destination Survey
Milestone
- Graduate with a clear plan and a professional network
- Engage with alumni association in your hometown
- Keep in touch with advisors and department contacts on your future accomplishments
Finding
Your Future
in International Studies
Our graduates have the skills to:
- Understand global issues through cultural, political, and economic perspectives
- Show intercultural competence and analytical abilities towards complex global and regional dynamics
- Communicate proficiently in their language of study
Common job titles include:
- Foreign aid administrator
- Foreign correspondent
- Human rights officer
- International business analyst
- Journalist
- Political organizer
- Federal agency official
- Teacher/Professor
Top Employers & Graduate Schools:
- Virginia Tech
- Georgetown University
- American University
- George Mason University
- Federal Government
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Deloitte
- Leidos
Personalize Your Path
Every student’s path is unique. Use this resource as a guide and work with your academic advisor, faculty mentor, and career advisor to customize your experience.