7 Essential Attributes for International Relations Careers

Colombian Silvana Amaya graduated from a Masters in International Relations at the UK’s King’s College London last year, after receiving the 2012 QS Leadership Scholarship, worth US$10,000. She’s since taken on a dual role at the Colombian embassy in Berlin, juggling responsibility for the embassy’s cultural program as well as its activities in relation to economics and trade.

Looking back at how her studies and international exposure have come into play in her professional life, Silvana shares the skills and experiences she believes are most important for those looking to pursue international relations careers – from academic qualifications and language skills, to excellent organization and an ability to nurture relationships.

1. A Masters in International Relations

First, Silvana emphasizes that a Masters in International Relations is pretty much essential for those hoping to enter international relations careers. In her own case, she says that once she knew she was interested in this area, there was no question in her mind about whether to complete a graduate degree. The only decision was whether to do so immediately after her first degree, or after gaining some professional experience. “It wasn’t a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’.”

2. Relevant work experience

In the end, Silvana opted to spend two years working as an advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombia, before commencing her Masters in International Relations. She says she’d highly recommend a similar path, emphasizing the benefits of complementing the more theoretical focus of an academic program with opportunities for more practical learning. The experience also allowed her to make some useful professional contacts – including the ambassador whose team she later joined – and to get a better idea of her own interests and ambitions.

3. International experience

Silvana also strongly advocates studying abroad if possible, either at undergraduate or postgraduate level (or both). For her, part of the appeal of studying a Masters in International Relations in London was the chance to spend time in a new cultural environment, and in a city characterized by the international diversity of its population. “You can do your master’s in your own city, but that wouldn’t be the whole experience,” she says, pointing out that for those interested in international relations careers, studying abroad is the perfect opportunity to “experience international relations at a personal level.”

4. Language skills

Next on the list of essential attributes for an international relations career: language skills. Here, Silvana says fluency in English is simply a must, regardless of where you’re from or where you intend to work. Being able to speak the local language of the country in which you begin your international relations career is also, of course, a major asset. Silvana makes daily use of both English and German, as well as her native Colombian Spanish, and says the effort put into developing language skills pays off in multiple ways. “Languages can be a barrier, or they can be a point that makes you stronger in every aspect – academic, personal and professional.”

5. Organizational skills

Excellent organizational skills are a prerequisite for most international relations careers – and particularly so for Silvana, who is currently filling two separate roles, as the embassy’s representative for culture and for economics and trade. This is an unusual situation, and an experience she describes as “like having two personalities”, but even those with just one job function are likely to find themselves facing a very busy workload, meaning an ability to prioritize tasks is crucial.

6. Analytical skills

Silvana highlights the analytical skills developed throughout her studies as extremely valuable in many aspects of international relations careers, saying this is one of the most obvious benefits of her academic training. “Being able to analyze situations using all your academic tools is very useful; this could mean being able to read an article and understand what the key points are and what the implications are for you within an ongoing negotiation, for instance.”

7. Interpersonal skills

Finally, international relations (as the term itself makes clear) is all about building and maintaining good relationships – ultimately between nations, but starting with individuals and smaller groups. While Silvana’s two roles are very different, both demand strong interpersonal skills, whether she’s ensuring a cultural event is enjoyed by attendees, or helping to communicate the benefits of doing business in Colombia to German investors.

Her final words of advice? “Get work experience, study abroad, and enjoy the master’s – because your working life is going to be very busy!”

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