International Studies?

What can I do with a degree in... INTERNATIONAL STUDIES?

What is INTERNATIONAL STUDIES? International Studies will provide you with a unique and marketable global perspective, and one that promotes an understanding of the different cultures, economies, and governments around the world.

Overall, the International Studies B.A. degree contains five components - introduction and capstone classes, language courses, concentration courses, an elective, and an engaged experience (study abroad, internship, travel course, Model United Nations diplomacy, human rights, and political account managers, geo-political ana- course, etc.). justice. lysts, study abroad advisors, humani- Global Poverty and Economic Devel- tarian affairs advocates, international What are the DEGREE opment: This concentration focuses HR specialists, international lawyers, on the structures and processes of trade assistants and specialists, OPTIONS? the global economy and the ways in international sales administrators, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Interna- which economic systems and be- U.S. diplomats, educators, linguists, tional Studies havior affect both the rich and poor geographers, global public health around the world. analysts, travel agents, international NOTE: All International Studies Regional: This concentration pro- marketers, foreign broadcasters, and majors are required to have a second vides students with an historical more. NOTE: Advanced degrees may major. understanding of the economic, social, be required for some of the listed pro- and political issues of either Africa/ fessions. Please see a career counsel- What are the Middle East, Asia, Europe, or the or or an advisor for more information. CONCENTRATIONS? Americas. Students in the International Studies Who employs program may choose a concentration What is the INTERNATIONAL in Peace, Violence, and Security; ADMISSION Global Governance, Human Rights, STUDIES and Law; Global Poverty and Econom- PROCESS? graduates? ic Development; Religions, Cultures, Student declare a International Stud- and Civilizations; Regional Concentra- ies major with the Advising Center, Our graduates gain employment with tion (Africa/Middle East, Asia, Europe, 2nd floor of Killian Annex (OneStop). a variety of employers including cross or Americas) Please make an appointment with cultural communication companies, Peace, Violence, and Security: This your advisor via GradesFirst located international commerce industries, concentration provides opportunities in your MyWCU. Students may also international attorney offices, -in for students to explore the historical, stop by the International Studies ternational governmental agencies theoretical, institutional, and cultural department, 346 Stillwell. such as the United Nations, national factors shaping the prospects for war, governmental agencies such as the conflicts, and peace. What JOBS ARE U.S. Foreign Service, national securi- Global Governance, Human Rights, ty councils, international marketing and Law: This concentration allows AVAILABLE? and trade firms, travel and hospitality industries, colleges and universities, students to pursue the various ways Depending on qualifications, our consulting firms, relief and religious in which the world community has graduates are prepared to become organizations, non-profit organiza- sought to handle the emergence of a variety of professionals including tions, Peace Corps, and other interna- global governance problems, such foreign service officers, international as climate change, ethnic conflict, tional organizations. How to use this map: Review the four categories and suggestions of activities and when you should consider engaging in them. Remember, these are just suggestions! There is a fillable space for you to add in any other ideas you have to set yourself MAJOR MAP up for success in life after college.

1st YEAR 2nd YEAR

Many first-year students in the International Students in their second year will likely continue

Studies major will focus on the liberal studies with liberal studies electives, continued topics relat- requirements as well as introductory Inter- ed to International Studies, as well as introductory national Studies courses or courses within a courses with their second major and/or minor. Check second major. Check out the eight semester out the eight semester plan for your degree and plan for your degree and make an appointment make an appointment with your advisor. with your advisor. EXCEL IN EXCEL ACADEMICS

Check out WCU’s DegreePlus program and Considering getting involved with the Internation- choose which events in any of the four catego- al Studies Club or Model UN, or serving as a vol- ries you want to attend. Categories include: Pro- unteer with International Program and Services. fessionalism, Teamwork, Leadership, or Cultural Responsiveness. If you are thinking about attending a graduate school, start engaging in hands-on experiences See what on-campus employment opportunities required in graduate school admissions. are available by logging in to JobCat 2.0. GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

Connect with the Center for Service Learning Job shadow with professionals in the career area you and ask about the Lily Award, a program aimed wish to pursue. to encourage students to be connected with their community. Volunteer with area non-profits or organizations which interest you.

Consider the study abroad programs or talk with a study abroad advisor about targeted experience for your areas of interest. Be sure to check out scholar- BE PART OF THE BE PART COMMUNITY ship opportunities to help offset travel costs.

Further explore your career options or career Attend the Catamount Career and Networking interests using the Center for Career and Day to identify summer, part-time, or internship op- Professional Development’s online resources, portunities for additional hands-on opportunities. Vault, Focus 2, and Onet Online. Start a spreadsheet of graduate schools you wish to Connect with a career counselor early on to ex- apply to in a few years with their admission require- plore opportunities and experiences you can do ments so that you are aware of the expectations.

AFTER while in college to further develop your professional resume. COLLEGE PREPARE FOR LIFE Looking for a minor? Consider these options: Communication History Philosophy Emergency Disaster Management Japanese Political Science English Management Sociology German Marketing Spanish

3rd YEAR 4th YEAR

Third level courses focus on upper-level Internation- Courses in your final year will complete the major al Studies courses and special topics relating to your coursework requirements, as well as your chosen chosen second major or minor. Check out the eight secondmajor/ minor electives. Be sure to check out semester plan for your degree and make an appoint- the eight semester plan for your degree make an ment with your advisor. appointment with your advisor, complete your degree audit, and apply for graduation! (Chronicle of Higher Education’s study on 50,000 employers) study on 50,000 of Higher Education’s (Chronicle

Consider internship experiences that will give you Investigate requirements for full-time jobs. Assess practical and hands-on experience to put on a resume what skills or experiences you’re lacking and in- such as working with Folkmoot. Or, consider global vest time in seeking additional opportunities such internship experiences to diversify your resume. as certification programs, classes, or professional development workshops during your last year to Consider networking with professionals in your field at fill that gap. Connect with your faculty advisor or national or regional professional conferences. career counselor.

Develop deeper relationships with the organizations Join professional organizations such as the Interna- for which you volunteer. Ask for special projects or tional Studies Association. responsibilities that you can highlight on a resume. Network with employers and non-profits at theCata - Connect with alumni in your field through mount Career and Networking Days. LinkedIn Internships are still the number-one educational experience employers look employers experience educational number-one the still are Internships resume. graduate college for in a recent

Visit the CCPD to hone your professional resume and Apply to graduate schools, if applicable. cover letter. Apply for internships. Utilize the Writing and Learning Commons for MCAT, GRE, and other Look for and apply for jobs between 4 and 6 months professional exam preparation sessions.Use Big Inter- before graduation. view to learn more about professional interviews. Polish your resume, cover letter, and interview Schedule a visit to tour graduate schools of your choice, skills by vising the CCPD. if applicable. DID YOU KNOW? DID YOU MORE INFORMATION

INTERNSHIP Information KNOWLEDGE Base Internships are a smart way for students to gain work This program will prepare students to: experience and try out different career paths. As an Inter- • recognize existing and emerging global problems. national Studies major, you can earn three hours of class • recognize multiple problems and solving strategies in an credit toward an internship. Students are encouraged to international context. research and find internationally-related internship op- • design a realistic problem-solving strategy appropriate to portunities on their own (credit for those internships is the problem. contingent upon the approval of the International Studies • develop an intellectual framework from which one may Director). We also have many of our International Studies select an appropriate solution based on practical, legal, theo- majors engage in internships for credit on campus, through retical, and ethical constraints. the International Programs and Services office, which • communicate with people from different cultural back- offers you a way to see if you’re interested in a career in grounds. international education. We also have students who have • participate in shaping local communities throughout the interned with internationally-oriented local non-profits, like globe Folkmoot, and this kind of administrative experience looks • understand ethical and moral importance of life choices fantastic on any resume. • understand how touse informed judgements to guide future plans SKILLS LEARNED in the Professional RESOURCES classroom • American Foreign Service Association: www.afsa.org The core competencies will center on developing skills, • American Translator’s Association: www.atanet.org knowledge, and attitudes such as: • Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs: • history grasp of a contemporary world www.cceia.org • heightened sensitivity to cross-cultural differences • Institute of International Education: www.iie.org • social, political, and economic relations • International Studies Association: www.isanet.org • information handling and organization • Institute of World Affairs: www.iwa.org • curiosity and creativity • Peace Corps: www.peacecorps.gov • critical thinking and evaluation • United States Department of State: www.state.gov • problem solving • USAID: www.usaid.gov • written and oral communication • professional teamwork • leadership abilities QUESTIONS? • research and analytical thinking For questions, please call the International Studies program at • technical skills 828-227-3899 or visit internationalstudies.wcu.edu

To schedule an appointment with a career counselor, contact the Center for Career and Professional Development, 828-227- 7133 or [email protected].