In International Relations
Students in the Masters Program are encouraged to apply for an internship with an international organization. These internships provide hands-on experience, valuable career contacts, a chance to see the application of international policy up close.
Applications for internships are submitted directly to the organization. The department can help with finding an appropriate internship and crafting a strong application, but final selection is done by the organizations themselves.
When you are selected for an internship, the internship director writes a letter describing your schedule and responsibilities, and you may then register for the international internship course, POL 7950.
In addition to your work at the organization, which normally consists of one full day a week for the course of a semester, you write a policy paper of about 20 pages assessing an issue on which you during you internship.
Below is a list of international organizations based in New York and Washington with internships for graduate students. Deadlines and positions constantly change, and this document will be updated at the beginning of every semester. But to get the most information on a particular internship, please visit the organization’s website. You may also create your own internship with an organization not listed here. Many students, for example, have worked for local refugee organizations or media outlets. We particularly encourage international internships abroad, which can be done in conjunction with study abroad programs.
Employment
In a rapidly changing job market and the broad range of work in international affairs, how does a masters degree help? At Brooklyn College, students with masters degrees in political science and international affairs have pursued a varied range of careers.
Many have continued on to advanced study, either in law school or doctoral programs in political science. The high selectivity and rigorous conditions for graduate programs often require students to apply with completion of another graduate degree. A masters in political science is often the ideal preparation because many of the masters credits earned can be transferred into the doctoral program, and because the masters thesis is perhaps the best way to prepare for Ph.D. studies. Similarly, students who go on to law school have transferred credits from law-related courses at Brooklyn College, and have found that political science provides them with the broader context of the law that is not given in law school. For law students who eventually choose jobs outside of law firms, a masters in political science is particularly helpful.
Another set of graduates go on to work in international affairs. Many of them join US federal government agencies such as the State Department, international governmental organizations such as the United Nations, and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) both in the US and abroad. Many have also worked for local groups and New York city agencies with an international focus, such as refugee resettlement efforts. One graduate became the mayor’s liaison with the Afghani community, for example, and several students work with anti-terrorism agencies.
A third common path is in journalism, education, and politics. Many students now write for local newspapers, teach global affairs in a high school, or work for elected city and federal officials. As with careers in academics and international organizations, these graduates report that having a masters degree helped them get jobs, move up in their fields, and apply both their knowledge and analytical skills on a daily basis.
Search Engines:
- Idealist: job / volunteer opportunities with a number of non-profit, public service and activism related positions here
- State Department: here
- International Organizations: here
- United Nations: https://jobs.un.org/Galaxy/Release3/vacancy/vacancy.aspx?lang=1200
- Political Job Hunt: http://jobs.politicalwire.com/a/jobs/find-jobs
- International Affairs jobs: website for the entry-level and junior graduate searching for the ideal position http://internationalaffairsjobs.com/~
- International Civil Service Commission:an overview of all the different agencies within the United Nations http://icsc.un.org/joblinks.asp
- Foreign Policy Association: this websiste provides you with an overview of all the different job opportunities within the Foreign Service http://www.fpa.org/
US Governmental Opportunities:
- Mayor: http://www.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/menuitem.beb0d8fdaa9e1607a62fa24601c789a0/
- Public Advocate: http://pubadvocate.nyc.gov/
- City Council: http://council.nyc.gov/html/home/home.shtml
- Comptroller: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/
- Borough Presidents: http://www.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/menuitem.ebba9f255b4ae6f7c576e9b401c789a0/
- New York State Officials: http://www.state.ny.us/index.html
- Federal Officials: http://www.usa.gov/
CUNY Jobs for Students: http://urdox1.cuny.edu/jobs/student-jobs.html
The Koch Associate Program: The Koch Associate Program is a very selective, one year, paid career opportunity for bright, talented young people who are interested in pursuing a career in the non-profit sector. Graduating students often don’t realize the great job opportunities that market-oriented non-profit organizations provide for those interested in advancing the ideas of a free society. The Associate Program is a great way to jumpstart that career, because we help Associates develop the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for a successful future with free-market think tanks, policy institutes, or other non-profit organizations.
While in the program, Associates are placed into a full-time role with a reputable organization where they work four days each week. The positions available to Associates cover various fields such as policy analysis, donor relations, program management, legal reform, public relations, and marketing. A full list of the organizations where Associates work along with some examples of project placements can be found on our website. Then, one day each week, Associates come together in a classroom setting at the Foundation to engage in reading discussions and group projects, network with their peers, listen to guest speakers, and learn how to apply Market-Based Management® in a non-profit setting through interactive exercises and workshops.
Associates range in experience from recent graduates to those with up to ten years of work experience, and they come from diverse fields and academic majors. Project assignments are determined on a rolling basis, so the earlier candidates apply, the sooner they can select their non-profit placement. All applications must be submitted via our website. To learn more about the program and the Foundation, please visit http://www.cgkfoundation.org/.
The Brennan Center for Justice: The Brennan Center for Justice is currently hiring a Research Associate in our Democracy Program. This is an entry-level job that provides great experience for someone who has recently graduated college. The job description can be found at http://www.brennancenter.org/pages/jobs#demra
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA): The Department of Economic and Social Affairs promotes and supports international cooperation to achieve development for all, and assists governments in agenda-setting and decision-making on development issues at the global level. DESA provides abroad range of analytical products and policy advice that serve as valuable sources of reference and decision-making tools for developed and developing countries, particularly in translating global commitments into national policies and action and in monitoring progress towards the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals. For more information, go to http://www.un.org/esa/desa/
The Magner Job/Internship Recruitment Program: The Magner Center sponsors a comprehensive recruitment program for Brooklyn College students in the fall and spring semesters of each academic year. It is open to all students seeking paid and unpaid internships and/or entry level employment in their career field. Undergraduates, graduate students, and recent alumni may participate. The program assists students with the creation of a professional resume, the development of effective interviewing skills,and provides access to employers through the web based e-Recruiting program, job fairs and other means. For more information please follow: http://info.brooklyn.cuny.edu/confluence/download/attachments/2588751/Magner+Center+Workshop+Schedule+fall+2010+v4+_08+26_.pdf
The American Political Science Association: APSA’s eJobs is a year-round, online resource for political science employment opportunities and job candidates. It contains the most comprehensive online listing of political science jobs, is updated daily with new job listings and candidate resumes, and is fully searchable by field of interest, name of employer/candidate, region, keyword, position, salary, type of institution, and most recent postings. For more information please follow: http://www.apsanet.org/content_2602.cfm
The World Health Organization: WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends. For more information please follow: http://www.who.int/employment/profiles/en/
