International Studies
International Studies is an interdisciplinary program that is structured to give students skills and knowledge to understand and analyze societies outside the United States in the context of the rapidly changing and increasingly interdependent world. By integrating courses on world affairs and area studies from a variety of departments, the program allows students interested in studying other cultures and societies to focus attention across traditional disciplinary boundaries. It also offers opportunities for an international experience and for advanced study of a foreign language.
Sample Occupations
- Government
- Foreign Service Officer
- Policy Analyst
- Diplomat
- United Nations Staffer
- Intelligence Specialist
- Customs Officer
- Military Officer
- Business
- Intl. Business Consultant
- Investment Fund Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
- Intl. Trade Specialist
- Travel/Tourism Promoter
- Communications/Language
- Translator/Interpreter
- Journalist
- Lobbyist
- Social Services
- Civil Service Worker
- Community/Legal Advocate
- Humanitarian Assistance
- Worker
- Missionary
- Education
- University Professor
- ESL Instructor
- Teacher
- Intl. Student Advisor
Types of Employers
- Government
- International Organizations
- International Corporations
- Museums & Galleries
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Amnesty International
- World Bank/IMF
- Global Marketing Agencies
Preparing for your career in
Government: Gain knowledge about US and foreign government systems, seek leadership roles in campus organizations like the model United Nations and student government, intern at a government agency, acquire a foreign language, keep abreast on legal issues and legislation that impacts global trade and communications by reading current event periodicals
Non-Governmental Organizations: Take electives relating to topics and issues of global significance, work or study abroad, learn about international laws and regulations affecting international exchanges and relationships, develop office management, technology, and customer service skills.
Business: Join a business-oriented student organization, earn a business minor, become fluent in at least one additional language, seek an international internship, learn about WTO, IMF, World Bank, NAFTA, and other international trade and investment policies, interact with the international student population on campus, be prepared to start working in the U.S. for a firm with overseas interests before working overseas.
Communications: Seek opportunities to write for campus and Charlotte-area periodicals/newsletters in order to build a portfolio, build a thorough knowledge base in any specialization you hope to focus your writing, learn to work under strict deadlines, create a portfolio of writing samples, research international media firms
How do I know if its right for me?
ASSESS: Take a career assessment, such as PathwayU, to see how your interests, values, and personality fit with majors and careers.
RESEARCH: Research the careers on this WCIDWAMI and thousands of other careers using O*Net Online, The Occupational Outlook Handbook or FirstHand.
EXPLORE: Learn more about a career field of interest by job shadowing, attending a career panel, or participating in a Career Trek. Further your exploration while gaining valuable skills by completing an internship, co-op, volunteer, or research experience.