Skills you’ll develop
While studying International Relations, you’ll customize your degree when you combine the insights and perspectives of different disciplines such as economics, geography, public health, sociology, and political science with the study of languages. You’ll develop important skills to apply toward examining global citizenship.
These skills may include:
- Understanding and critically reflecting on one’s role as a citizen in the world
- Analytical skills necessary to critically assess the dynamics and history of international politics
- Evaluating complex policies and pressing global issues such as conflict, the environment, and poverty
- Examining problems and proposing solutions considering multiple disciplines and perspectives
- Conducting research, interpreting facts, and presenting coherent arguments
- Effectively formulating creative and innovative ways to conduct diplomacy in a world of limited resources considering multiple perspectives
- Persuasive written communication that draws on a deep theoretical and practical understanding of global issues
- Clear and concise public speaking and debating abilities that demonstrate critical thinking and carefully-reasoned arguments
Career possibilities
Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including public and international affairs, foreign and public policy, business administration, law, journalism, consulting, education, and others
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.
Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.
- Campaign manager
- Charitable organization director
- Communications manager
- Community worker
- Copywriter
- Customs broker
- Customs officer
- Diplomat
- Economic analyst
- Economic development officer
- Elections officer
- Event planner
- Financial planner
- Foreign service officer
- Government official
- Human resources manager
- Human rights officer
- Immigration officer
- Insurance agent
- Intelligence analyst
- Intelligence investigator
- International development worker
- Journalist
- Labour organizer
- Labour relations mediator
- Lawyer
- Lobbyist
- Market analyst
- Market researcher
- Media relations manager
- Member of Parliament
- News analyst
- Ombudsperson
- Parliamentary assistant
- Policy advisor
- Political organizer
- Political risk analyst
- Public affairs officer
- Public opinion interviewer
- Public relations specialist
- Social policy researcher
- Speech writer
- Teacher/Professor
- Trade development director
Make the most of your program
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help you understand your values and interests.
- International Relations Students Association
Meet other International Relations students through events and programs. - Model United Nations Student Association at UBC
Collaborate with other students to propose resolutions to global issues through United Nations-style simulations. - Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions. - UBC Journal of International Affairs
Showcase your research by submitting papers to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. - Outside-In: International Photojournal
Contribute to UBC’s only peer and faculty reviewed student publication for photojournalism. - International Relations co-op success stories
Learn about the experiences of past and present co-op students from your program and others. - Volunteer and internship opportunities
Browse various resources to gain local and international experience. - Arts Co-op Program
Gain paid work experience in your area of study as part of your degree program. - Go Global
Learn more about international opportunities recommended by the International Relations Program. - Office of Regional and International Community Engagement
Connect with international community partners in a way that opens dialogue and aims to be mutually beneficial through asset-based community development practices. - European Union Study Tour and Internship Program
Apply in term 1 to visit major institutions and learn about the evolution and current issues of the European Union. - NATO Field School and Simulation Program
Dive into this experiential learning opportunity and gain course credit over the summer. - JET Programme
Get experience working abroad after graduation as a language teacher or international relations coordinator. - Teach English in Asia
Look through advice and resources to find English language teaching opportunities in Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. - Canada Summer Jobs Program
Check out summer jobs for full-time students. - Federal Student Work Experience Program
Apply for government positions across Canada through this student recruitment initiative. - Government jobs
Access federal, provincial and municipal government job postings all through a single resource. - Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations
Develop new skills and gain practical knowledge in a heritage field over the summer. - Parliamentary Internship Programme
Apply for an opportunity to shadow a Member of Parliament over 10 months (for new grads). - BC Legislative Internship Program
Assist a Member of the Legislative Assembly and observe the daily workings of the British Columbia Legislature (for new grads). - Ontario Legislature Internship Programme
Get practical experience with the daily workings of the Ontario Legislature (for new grads). - Council of the Federation Youth Internship Program
Gain experience working in Canadian intergovernmental relations (for new grads).
Build your network
Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.
The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.
- Alliance Francaise
- American Political Science Association
- Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
- Association of Canadian Studies
- Association of Professional Economists of BC
- BC Council for International Co-operation
- BC Economic Development Association
- BC Political Studies Association
- BC Public Service
- Canadian Association for Security Intelligence Studies
- Canadian Association for the Study of International Development
- Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
- Canadian Council for International Co-operation
- Canadian Economics Association
- Canadian Foreign Service Institute
- Canadian International Council
- Canadian International Resource Development Institute
- Canadian Political Science Association
- Canadian Society of Customs Brokers
- Commonwealth of Learning
- Cuso International
- Economic Developers Association of Canada
- Global Affairs Canada
- Government of Canada
- Institute for Research on Public Policy
- International Criminal Court
- International Development Research Centre
- International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
- International Monetary Fund
- International Political Science Association
- International Studies Association
- NATO Association of Canada
- Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions
- Open Canada
- Organization for Economic and Co-operation and Development
- World Bank
- United Nations
- United Nations Association of Canada
- United States Consulate
Connect with alumni on LinkedIn
Find UBC International Relations graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.
More information
From your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.