Professional development is a central component of the MA program in International Relations.
Our graduates are well prepared for careers in several sectors: international organizations (including a variety of UN agencies); government agencies (in the U.S. and internationally); non-profit or non-governmental organizations (from think tanks to human rights groups to disaster-relief agencies); and international business.
The program supports students in their career advancement in several ways. This focus is embedded in the curriculum. Our MA requirements include completion of an internship with an approved organization. Program faculty and staff work in partnership with NYU’s Wasserman Center for Career Development and with our student-led International Relations and Politics Association to provide programs and services shaped to meet student needs.
Ongoing programs and services include:
- Individual Career Counseling at the program offices or at the Wasserman Center.
- International Relations and Politics Association (IRPA)'s annual alumni networking and career panels.
- Career Updates, with information on upcoming events, internship and job opportunities, online career resources, suggested readings and more.
In addition to the wealth of career development workshops and seminars offered by the Wasserman Center, the student-led IR Association and the IR program offer a variety of special events, including panel discussions featuring recruiters, accomplished professionals in diverse fields, program alumni and current students sharing their own internship experiences with their peers. As noted by former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and IR guest speaker, Amanda Sloat, "There are no perfect jobs or predictable paths. Stay open to chance and the unexpected, and don't forget to network."
Student Teaching Assistantships/Research Positions
Within the IR program, we do not have set assistantship positions. Faculty with extra funding may hire assistants for a few hours per semester. MA students may find TA/RA or language tutor/grader positions at other departments within NYU, or student worker positions in offices on campus. Available positions are typically listed at the NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development database. It is a competitive process. Current and incoming students interested in continuing on to Ph.D. Programs should consider the GSAS Pathways to the Ph.D. Program.
Language Resources
The Critical Languages Institute (CLI) at Arizona State University’s Melikian Center is a national training institute for less commonly taught languages, offering summer intensive courses and study-abroad programs around the world.
CLI instruction in Arizona and abroad is practically focused and proficiency-based. Students not only study a language but learn to live that language. Specially designed summer intensives on the ASU campus prepare students, even beginners, to function competently in their language when they go abroad.
The Program in International Relations recommends that students wishing to advance their critical language skills in areas taught by The Melikian Center consider participating in their program. Please note that ASU and NYU are separate academic institutions and the Program in IR at NYU receives no benefits from our students attending the Critical Languages Institute. We simply recommend it for the outstanding language training they provide, in particular during their compressed summer sessions.
NYU Leadership Initiative
The NYU Leadership Initiative serves all NYU students, in particular those who desire to serve others by engaging with communities both within and outside the university. Founded in 2013, the NYU Leadership Initiative prepares students to embrace challenges as opportunities to become active changemakers in their careers and communities. We recommend students review their website resources and subscribe to their newsletter.
Handshake
Handshake is the ultimate career platform, making it your one-stop-shop for building your career and managing your job and internship search. Handshake replaced NYU CareerNet in Summer 2019. All NYU students have access to Handshake. To access Handshake, search NYUHome for the Handshake Card, sign in with your NYU Net ID, and then claim your account.
10 Tips to Help You "Win" at Graduate School
We encourage all new and returning students to read this article for some useful tips and tricks to employ during their time in the MA in IR Program.