What can you do if you are studying for a degree in International Relations but don't want to be a diplomat?

When one hears “International Relations”, one usually imagines the same thing: formal suits, embassies, UN meetings and solemn speeches.
And yes, diplomacy is a real and exciting career path. But it is neither the only one nor, for many students, the most attractive.

The reality is that The degree in International Relations opens many more doors than people think.. It is a versatile training, designed to understand how the world works and how to move professionally within it. 

Diplomacy and international institutions (the best known option)

This is the output that everyone associates with the career and this is where professions related to:

  • Ministries of Foreign Affairs
  • Embassies and consulates
  • International organisations
  • European institutions
  • International security and defence
  • Institutional representation in multilateral organisations

These are positions that involve negotiation, policy analysis, inter-country relationship management and engagement in international decision-making.

International trade and global business

This is one of the outlets with more job opportunities, As more and more companies are working with customers, suppliers or partners from other countries. This is why they need professionals who understand, among many other things, aspects such as:

  • International markets
  • Culture and intercultural negotiation
  • Legislation and trade agreements
  • Global expansion strategies

And a graduate in International Relations can develop his or her career in areas such as:

  • Export departments
  • International consultants
  • Chambers of commerce
  • Multinational companies
  • Startups with international projection

It is a very practical, dynamic and with real possibilities to work in different countries.

International cooperation and NGOs

For those who want a job with social impact, this is one of the most vocational areas. Cooperation professionals are involved in projects related to:

  • International development
  • Humanitarian aid
  • Human rights
  • International education
  • Sustainability

You can do so from:

  • NGO
  • Foundations
  • International organisations
  • Public administrations
  • Projects funded by the European Union

It is a demanding, but very rewarding outing for those who seek to contribute to improving the lives of others in different parts of the world.

Other lesser-known (but very interesting) outlets

In addition to these three main areas, the university degree in International Relations also opens doors in sectors such as:

  • Political and strategic consultancy
  • Think tanks and research centres
  • International communication
  • Corporate relations
  • Country risk analysis
  • International journalism
  • European project management

In other words, it is not a career designed for a single professional destination, The training is not a course that allows students to choose from a variety of paths according to their interests.

Why is it such a versatile career?

Because at The Open Faculty, we combine within our 360º curriculum knowledge in a multitude of areas:

  • International politics
  • Global economy
  • International law
  • History and geopolitics
  • Languages
  • Communication

This interdisciplinary approach enables the student to understand the global context and to work in very different environments.

In addition, the degree is designed with a very practical methodology, a 50 % of theoretical training and 50 % of practical training, The learning process is always connected to the professional reality.

The cloister is made up of active teachers or teachers with a long professional career, many of whom have worked directly in international organisations, global business, diplomacy, cooperation or strategic sectors. This real-life experience is transferred to classes and projects..

It is also committed to a personalised attention, The programme encourages critical thinking and constant dialogue between students and teachers.

A career with true international projection

Studying International Relations means, above all, opening up to the world. For this reason, the programme offers the possibility of study in more than 100 countries on five continents.
Because to know the world, you have to see it first.

In addition, the degree regularly organises seminars, our Open Talks, with active experts from fields such as diplomacy, international trade or cooperation. These sessions bring the students closer to the reality of the sector and allow them to create their own first professional contacts.

A career for very different profiles

International Relations is not just for those who want to be diplomats. It is an ideal career for students who:

  • They are interested in international current affairs
  • They want to work in global environments
  • They enjoy languages
  • They are looking for a dynamic and promising profession

In addition, they will experience a practical training, adapted to the labour market, with various professional opportunities and many international possibilities.

International Relations, much more than diplomacy

The Bachelor's Degree in International Relations does not lock you into a single path.
On the contrary, it prepares you to move into diplomacy, international business, cooperation and many other sectors.

Because understanding how the world works is, today more than ever, one of the most valuable professional skills.