9.4: What Can You Do with a Global Studies Degree?

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Examine the various career paths that exist for Global Studies students
• Remember that Global Studies Skills are transferable

Introduction

As discussed in Chapter One, the primary objective of this Introduction to Global Studies OER textbook is to prepare students for future endeavors in global activities. For many students this often involves finding a job, preferably in a career that has a global focus. But what exactly does it mean when someone says "global focus"? Does this mean living abroad? Does it mean traveling outside of one's country for work? Does it mean working for an organization, institution, or company that has activities outside of its country's borders? The answer to all three questions is, yes! A career with a global focus can encompass all three aforementioned scenarios. However, it is the last one, working for an organization, institution, or company with a global focus, that we will elaborate on as this is the path that most students prefer when coming to our office hours. 

However, before we examine potential careers with a global focus, we would like pivot to a brief discussion on international student travel. We do this as many students who major or minor in Global Studies have a desire to study abroad during their college/university years, as evidenced with the rebound in participation in study abroad programs by U.S. students in higher education. Generally speaking, European and American students tend to differ from their international counterparts who come to study in Europe and the U.S respectively. For example, European and American student motivations for foreign travel can range from wanting to gain experiences abroad or improving their career chances in the EU and the U.S., to being influenced by their parent’s migration history, to even social media influences, which help shape perceptions about which host country to choose. We see this last motivation through the Hallyu wave, a cultural phenomenon where South Korean culture has become globally popular, as evidenced through K-Pop music. The Hallyu wave has positively influenced European and American students to choose South Korean study abroad programs. In contrast, international students who study in the EU and the U.S., particularly those who come from developing economies, often have different motivations. Many go abroad to study because of limited college capacity and study options at home, whereas others leave from a lack of work opportunities, low wages, or poverty in their homelands. Some leave due to political pressures, seeking refuge in an international student program that could lead to full employment and a life in a new country. This is not just true for those seeking refuge, through their travels, some students may choose to stay abroad, eventually becoming an expatriate, or someone who formally lives outside of their country's borders. This generalization is not uniform of course. Many international students from countries such as China, India, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia return home, often having had their education paid for by their home government. Some of these students eagerly await employment back home, whereas others return simply to fulfill their obligations. 

To better understand which organizations, institutions, or companies could best fit with your future professional plans, we turn to the University of Oregon, where their Global Studies program has provided an excellent framework from which to explore career options. They divide career paths into six areas: (1) U.S. Government; (2) Media; (3) International Business; (4) Tourism Industry; (5) Politics; and (6) NGO/Nonprofit Sector. In addition, the University of Oregon further subdivides each career path into three sections: (A) Professional Areas; (B) Employers; and (C) Strategies. Most of these career paths will be geared towards undergraduates in the United States and may not apply for non-U.S. students. For example, one must be a U.S. citizen, or in the process of becoming one, to be considered for a career in the intelligence industry. For non-U.S. readers, please use these suggested career paths as guides for what you might be able to do in your own country.

Global Studies Careers in the U.S. Government

The University of Oregon has identified several professional areas within the U.S. government, as well as employers and strategies. Career paths within the U.S. government include: translation/interpretation; teaching; diplomacy; civil service; foreign service; immigration/naturalization; armed forces; and customs. Potential employers can include: overseas schools; overseas aid agencies; intelligence and law enforcement; the State Department; the armed forces; and the Library of Congress. Various strategies for these career paths involve learning about federal, state, and local job application procedures; foregrounding your international experience; and getting involved in student government.

A good example of working for the government is a career in the intelligence industry. Intelligence is defined as information collected and synthesized to help policymakers address threats against their country, its citizens, property, or interests. These threats are often related to the national or homeland security of the country. The U.S. intelligence community (IC) consists of 18 civilian and defense/military organizations, headed by a Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Two of the organizations are independent agencies, nine are elements within the Department of Defense (DoD), and seven are located in other civilian departments and agencies, such as the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Over 100,000 employees work in the civilian intelligence agencies, whereas the number of DoD intelligence workers is larger, including active duty and reserve personnel, defense contractors, and foreign agents. Intelligence analysts research a wide variety of topics that can affect the national security and defense of the country, including but not limited to terrorism and terrorist financing, drug trafficking, climate change and environmental issues, foreign technology threats, and nuclear proliferation. Applicants for a position in IC must complete the security clearance process, which involves several steps. First, an applicant must receive a conditional offer of employment, which is then followed by the completion of a national security background questionnaire (also known as an Standard Form 86). The next two steps involve a counterintelligence polygraph examination and a psychological and/or medical evaluation. After that, a thorough background investigation is conducted, complete with credit checks. The final step is referred to as clearance adjudication, where you are granted a security clearance and start formal employment.

Global Studies Careers in Global Media

The University of Oregon has also identified several professional areas within the global media industry. Career paths within media include: advertising; journalism/broadcasting; publishing/editing; sales; production; and public relations. Potential employers can include: the Voice of America; print media; TV and radio networks; marketing firms; online media; and video production. Various strategies for these career paths involve getting sales experience; developing excellent grammar, serving on university media outlets; refining verbal and written communication skills; and securing relevant internships.

An example of a career in global media is in global strategic communications. This industry requires people who can communicate effectively across cultures and geographic boundaries. Even if globalization does not look the same as it did before, the global economy will remain integrated at a high level. For example, global strategic communication professionals will often represent their organization in international settings, such as conferences and trade shows. Inevitably, discussions on global challenges that might affect their industry, such as changing immigration laws and/or climate change mitigation, take place. This can happen formally, where speakers are brought in to present their research and analysis, or informally where participants strike up conversations. These situations necessitate strategic interpersonal communication skills that emphasize cultural sensitivity and awareness. Global strategic communication officers will need to know how to develop, research, organize, and implement communication initiatives, both internal and external, that align with an organization’s values or mission. This could involve anything from enhancing internal training materials, to launching a digital sales campaign, to effective lobbying of foreign government officials. Global strategic communication can be conveyed through various mediums, including press releases, social media posts, radio and TV ads, internal memos, interviews, white papers, and more.

Global Studies Careers in International Business

International business (IB) is a well-developed subdiscipline within business administration departments and schools. Most colleges and universities that have a school of business, will offer a concentration in IB as one of their options within that major. Career paths within international business include: banking; manufacturing; market research; consulting; and imports/exports. Potential employers can include: banks and financial institutions; import/export companies; foreign firms in the U.S.; U.S. firms abroad; and manufacturers. Various strategies for these career paths involve minoring in international business, securing an internship with a transnational corporation, or working abroad for a foreign firm. Speaking with a guidance counselor in your college's/university's school of business would be a good first step.

An example of a career in international business is in import compliance, an important segment of global commerce. Import compliance officers ensure adherence to relevant laws, standards, regulations, and policies regarding product safety. Compliance officers are expected to collaborate with business partners to address and prevent potential issues while upholding and enforcing their corporation's product safety program. This position requires knowledge of import regulations and familiarity with import documentation for customers, vendors, federal agencies, shippers, and freight brokers. Compliance officers will often spend three to five years working in various support roles in import and customs compliance roles, as well as developing freight forwarding experience.

Global Studies Careers in the Global Tourism Industry

Of the six career paths listed by the University of Oregon, the global tourism industry has the most potential for further growth. The global travel and hospitality sector is projected to reach a value of $15.5 trillion by 2033, approximating 11.6 percent of the entire global economy. Professional areas within the global tourism industry career path include: transportation services; and the hospitality industry. Potential employers can include: tour companies; travel agencies; hotels and hostels; airlines and airports; and cruise lines. Various strategies for these career paths involve augmenting resumes with hotel/restaurant experience; having international exposure; developing good office skills, and highlighting second language skills.

A great career in global tourism is global hospitality management, which includes overseeing the operations of travel accommodations, such as hotels, resorts, and restaurants in more than one country. Management duties include administering guest services, managing facilities, and supervising staff. Global hospitality management is the most accessible industry for those who want to travel and/or live abroad. A career in global hospitality management and operations can lead to worldwide opportunities, with jobs in the food and beverage industry, resort parks, airline and cruise management, event planning, and even the real estate, financial services, and technology sectors within the hospitality field. The global tourism industry welcomes those who speak several languages, often privileging spots for those with language skills and cultural familiarity.

Global Studies Careers in Politics

Global Studies careers in politics do not only have to be at the national level and can also include positions at the local and state levels. Examples include: becoming a state or government official; a campaign worker; an officer for a political party; or a public interest researcher. Potential employers can include working for: a state legislator or a Congressperson; the Republican or Democratic National Committees; state and county political committees; advocacy groups; and local, state, and/or national campaigns. Various strategies for these career paths involve volunteering on campaigns; refining verbal and written communication skills; and earning leadership roles in local organizations.

While U.S. politics is easily accessible to American students, careers in global politics do exist and should not be overlooked. These include positions in international governmental organizations (IGOs), such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Quite a few IGOs exist as well within the United Nations System, however many of the career positions are reserved for citizens from developing economies. Americans with citizenship in other countries and/or foreign passports are eligible to work in foreign governments and also regional organizations, such as the European Union (EU), or the African Union (AU).

Global Studies Careers in the NGO/Nonprofit Sector

For many Global Studies majors, their passion for service will lead them into advocacy work, often associated with the nongovernmental (NGO)/nonprofit sector. Nonprofits are organizations that offer accessible services for meaningful causes, providing millions of jobs to Americans and contributing significantly to the United States GDP. In the United States, there are 1.5 million nonprofit organizations employing 10 percent of the workforce. Nonprofits contribute 5.7 percent to the U.S. GDP, generating an annual revenue of $2.62 trillion. In addition, nonprofits strengthen the communities that we live in. According to the National Council of Nonprofits (2019), there’s a good chance that if you have lived in the United States, that you:

• "Were born in a nonprofit hospital - nearly half of America’s hospitals are nonprofits.
• Avoided and/or escaped diseases because of scientific research by nonprofits.
• Attended religious services at one of the 350,000 nonprofit congregations.
• Learned how to swim through lessons or scouting camps at nonprofits.
• Developed life skills through youth development nonprofit organizations.
• Attended a nonprofit preschool, grade school, high school, college, or graduate school - and possibly with the support of a nonprofit scholarship fund.
• Exercised your rights to vote, to education, to travel, and other rights protected under the law that were secured and protected by nonprofits.
• Visited historic treasures and beautiful public lands preserved by nonprofits.
• Enjoyed family vacations at many nonprofit zoos and museums.
• Laughed, relaxed, rejoiced, and inspired at nonprofit arts performances."

The University of Oregon has identified several professional areas in nonprofit work. This includes grant writing, rural development, social justice advocacy, and environmental protection. Potential employers can include working for: Amnesty International; Greenpeace; Mercy Corps; AmeriCorps; and the Peace Corps. Various strategies for these career paths involve establishing interpersonal networks; earning leadership roles in local organizations; and refining verbal and written communication skills.

A fantastic example of a nonprofit is the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The IRC is a global nongovernmental organization that operates in over 50 countries and in 28 U.S. cities. The IRC is usually amongst the first on-the-ground group during a humanitarian crisis, assisting affected people, helping them to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. The IRC accomplishes their mission by implementing impactful, cost-effective solutions to support those affected. They leverage their knowledge and experience to influence policy and practices, improving the lives of people globally. The IRC also has an active role when it comes to the treatment of women and girls in their societies. The organization recognizes that the barriers faced by women and girls are central to long-term solutions, and IRC policies prioritize breaking them down. A good example is the promotion of an end to violence against women and girls. Research indicates that humanitarian crises accelerate the root causes of this violence, especially as the social networks that exist for support are often destroyed in conflict. The IRC seeks to recreate these social networks and to help rebuild the missing support for women and girls.

Conclusion

Global Studies is a rich multidisciplinary field and is a great launching pad for further studies in the myriad of disciplines that have been discussed in this book, including economics, law and public policy, business, international relations, and history to name a few. The beautiful thing about being a Global Studies major is that your career path is wide open! A degree in Global Studies allows one to work in a variety of industries as global studies provides students with transferrable skills that can be applied to all sorts of jobs world. wide. This flexibility is attractive to students who are interested in more than one field of study.  In addition global studies students poses transferable skills and global cultural competencies that are incredibly valuable as we are now more often than not working with colleagues from around the world and embracing geographically distributed workplaces. Even if you stay local, your boss may be around the world. This flexibity in though and cultural saavy is what makes Global Studies majors so valuable.  While many of the the examples above were geared to the US context, there are equivalent opportunities world wide. As we moved through this class with a mindset of global citizenship, our island earth is waiting for you to explore the possibilities! 

With the completion of this course, you have taken the initial steps to becoming a global citizen! Hopefully you will use what you learned in this course and see the world, not as a series of disparate cultures and states, but rather as a growing interdependent system, one in which the needs and hopes of its people are not so different from your own.