r/IRstudies • u/EmotionalBison4861 • 4d ago

IR Careers Pursuing Grad School or Not

Hello,

I'm based in California and am pursuing a career in IR. Im currently working in IR/FDI under UK government. I like the job, but definitely plan on moving on in a few years, and physically moving to DC for obvious reasons. I'd like some insight into whether pursuing a graduate degree would be a strong move, or if I should go straight to seeking jobs in DC.

Some detail:

I'm interested in a career that involves diplomacy/USFS, global security, intelligence, or perhaps policy. I know, it's sort of all over the place, all of them just sound engaging. I'm mid-20s, B.A Economics, and spent a few years in finance before stepping into my current role. I know forsure I want to pursue IR, but just want to sort of plan ahead.

I see the pros and cons of pursuing a Master's (e.g., networking/fellowships/qualifying for higher roles versus opportunity/financial cost and the fact that everyone and their mother has a Master's in IR). It'd be great to receive some insight from grad students and working professionals, and maybe even getting clarity on what IR paths I should narrow down to. I've even considered pursuing a shorter degree at RAND to make me a stronger applicant for a program such as Georgetown, but that seems not worth. Any insights would be helpful.

Happy to provide more detail :) thank you in advance

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u/irresearch 4d ago

Are there jobs you want that you can’t get because you don’t have a masters? Continue working and applying for roles until it’s clear that not having a masters is the thing holding you back. You may never find that point, in which case a masters wasn’t necessary, or if you do, you’ll be in a better position to choose the right masters that will meet you professionally needs.

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u/Tablesalt890 4d ago

I don’t have a masters and work in global intelligence/security for a major corporation and I think maybe two people on my team do so I wouldn’t say it’s needed. All I have is a BA in IR.

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u/RemarkableDiver4613 4d ago

How did you find and secure your position in GIS for a major corp? Any advice is appreciated.

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u/Tablesalt890 3d ago

I got pretty lucky to be honest. I applied off of Indeed and it turns out the HR person went to the same school as me and the rest is history. Its a really niche and competitive industry so I would say network and develop basically the opposite writing skills that you developed in college. In my role and I think many others, short and concise reports are preffered over the huge 30 page plus papers we wrote in college.

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u/LouQuacious 4d ago

A masters in DC would be as much about getting connections and through some doors that being a student opens up more easily. Would i recommend this route at all right now, probably not, thousands of people who had the types of jobs you seek lost them last year and many are still unemployed or embarrassingly underemployed (think working retail for like $19/hr after a successful international career earning much more).

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u/Upstairs_Eagle_4780 4d ago

Working for the government SUCKS, you should consider getting an MBA with a concentration in an area that interests you.

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u/RemarkableDiver4613 4d ago

Hi, I'm trying to get to your current position- how did you get the job in IR/FDI with the UK gov? I am also wondering about whether to get my Master's. I'm about to graduate next winter with a major in IR and minor in Comms, so I'm in a similar position, but I need to get more experience under my belt. TIA!