Pardee Works: Careers in Money and Impact
An International Relations (IR) degree offers an incredible breadth of knowledge that intertwines global topics, allowing students to explore various career paths. The challenge lies in determining how to make an impact—something that is highly personal and requires self-awareness. On October 17, the Careers in Money and Impact event, hosted by Pardee Career Services, welcomed Pardee alumni Ali Ammar (MA ’19), Luke Markham (BA ’18), Eleanor Murphy (BA ’04), and Pardee Professor Jonathan Greenacre. The speakers, representing sectors from energy to law and finance, shared their perspectives on merging careers with international relations and creating global impact. As noted in the event, it’s essential to ask yourself: “To what extent can you change the world with your capacity and resources?”
IR encompasses many subjects, and that complexity often leads to unexpected career options. Being curious about new ideas is crucial. The more you explore, the more you realize that many impactful jobs are hidden in plain sight.
A recurring theme in the discussion was the balance between grit and humility. As one speaker emphasized, it’s essential to “roll up your sleeves” and put in the work. In a competitive job market, it is essential to be your authentic self and not be afraid to show your character. Students who are called into a meeting often have similar backgrounds of education, but what distinguishes is the confidence in your personality and self-awareness. In other words, as Eleanor Murphy put it, “Be a version of yourself that you are proud of in a balanced way.”
Our skilled panelists highlighted the importance of communication as a distinguishing skill. Whether it’s public speaking or clear, concise messaging, these abilities often set candidates apart. Greenacre also reminded students to “use your 20s as much as possible to build your career,” advising them to strategically align personal goals with professional opportunities.
The event resonated strongly with attendees. Campbell Taylor, a freshman in IR, shared, “I’m debating between being an econ major or an IR major, so this event gave me clarity on how to gain experience and start my journey.” William Graves, a first-year MA student, added, “This is the best career event I’ve attended so far. The information was directly applicable, and I now have ideas for strategizing my career paths.”
Networking and mentorship were also key topics. Graduates shared how valuable it is to reach out to those who have been in similar positions, lifting the veil and connecting with professionals who are often willing to offer advice. “Don’t hesitate to approach people,” one speaker encouraged, adding that “people respect you for doing so because they’ve been in your shoes.” This message resonated particularly with one student, who noted, “The work that Eleanor does really interests me. I’d love to connect with her to learn more after this event.”
Looking ahead, graduates were advised to stay open to fields outside their immediate focus. Looking at opportunities in a field that you are interested in, apart from school and work is equally important to navigate your career. Markham discussed the growing importance of social development within corporations and international organizations: There’s a shift toward impact investing and sustainability—areas that are evolving and require curiosity and adaptability.
Finally, attendees touched on the harsh realities of today’s competitive job market. Internships might not always provide the exact opportunities IR students are seeking, but the key is learning how to sell your experiences and project-manage your life. One of the final takeaways: “You are not defined by your degree.” Instead, focus on finding your niche and developing the character and skills that set you apart.