Graduate Students

Graduate students in global studies bring a wide range of academic, professional, and international experiences. Whether you are early in your career or navigating a mid-career transition, exploring career options at the master’s level means going beyond job titles—toward identifying sectors, functions, and organizations that align with your values, skills, and long-term goals.

As a Pardee MA student, you have the opportunity to explore complex, global career paths—from multilateral diplomacy and public policy to NGO program management, ESG consulting, development finance, human rights advocacy, and more. Career advising, tools, and curated resources can support your exploration with insight into sector trends, alumni pathways, and international job markets.

Strategies for Career Exploration:

• Clarify your direction early. Pardee graduate degrees are versatile, but broad options can be overwhelming without focus. Take time to reflect on your values, interests, and strengths. Use assessment tools and engage in career advising conversations to identify themes and begin articulating how you can contribute.
• Build industry insight over time. Learn how your academic focus connects to real-world sectors and roles. Research employers and functions within global development, diplomacy, public policy, climate and sustainability, security, tech and data, consulting, and more. Pay attention to sector trends, hiring practices, and emerging areas of growth.
• Explore careers by function and region. Understand how responsibilities and expectations vary across roles like policy analysis, program management, communications, or research—especially across international institutions, NGOs, governments, or private firms in different parts of the world.
• Apply your skills through real-world experiences. Pursue research or teaching assistantships, internships, or short-term projects related to global studies. Present at conferences or take on leadership, writing, or editing roles in student organizations to build professional skills and showcase your expertise.
• Engage with alumni early and often. Talking to professionals can help you uncover lesser-known paths, clarify your interests, and gain practical advice. Use platforms like BUConnect and LinkedIn, and attend Pardee alumni panels and networking events to hear directly from those working in areas you want to explore.

Resources:

• O*NET Interest Profiler – Reflect on your interests and how they translate to professional functions
• Pardee: Functional Skills Worksheet – Map out your skills with this exercise
• What Our Alumni Do – Explore career trajectories and roles of Pardee graduates across sectors
• What Can I Do with This Major – Global Studies – Get ideas for applying your academic background in real-world settings
• APSIA Career Guide – Insight into career paths in international affairs, including multilateral, nonprofit, and private sectors
• BUConnect: Pardee Alumni Network – Reach out to global studies alumni for career conversations and mentorship
  

There’s no single way to write a resume or cover letter but a clear, tailored, and well-organized document can open doors to internships, jobs, fellowships, and more. Whether you’re applying to global NGOs, government agencies, think tanks, or private sector roles, strong application materials should reflect your global perspective, transferable skills, and relevant experiences.

Strategies to Get Started:

• Use field-specific templates to guide structure, formatting, and tone appropriate for roles in international relations
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to each position by highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the role
• Incorporate action verbs (like those listed below) that emphasize competencies such as communication, leadership, research, and diplomacy
• Show outcomes and impact by quantifying results or describing how your work contributed to a larger goal
• Review and revise regularly to keep materials polished, concise, and up to date

Resources:

• VMOCK – An AI tool for resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, and interview preparation available for all BU students and alumni within two years of graduation
• Pardee Sample Resume 
• Pardee Sample Cover Letter 
• Competency-Based Action Verbs for Your Pardee Resume 
• How to Write Resumes and CVs (Center for Career Development)
• Advising appointment with your graduate career advisor

For graduate students with early or mid-career experience, internships, fellowships, and short-term projects can be valuable stepping stones, whether you’re pivoting sectors, deepening expertise, or exploring new roles. In the diverse fields of global studies, opportunities are often interdisciplinary, mission-driven, and competitive, making it essential to approach your search with strategy, clarity, and reflection.

Understanding how to use tools like Handshake, LinkedIn, and professional directories can help you uncover roles that align with your goals and experience level. Pair a targeted search with intentional networking and clear application materials to stand out.

• Start early. As a graduate student, your program duration is usually short. Many multilateral organizations, large global companies, and government agencies often have early deadlines for summer internships, fellowships, and specialized programs for graduate students and professionals.
• Use keywords strategically. Combine topical (e.g., “human rights,” “climate policy”) and regional (e.g., “Latin America,” “Middle East”) keywords rather than relying on job titles alone. This yields more targeted results on job boards and search engines.
• Tailor your materials. Customize your resume and cover letter for each role. Emphasize how your academic training, professional experience, and skill set align with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Explore beyond the obvious. Global challenges are addressed by a wide range of actors. Consider roles in state and municipal governments, government contractors, think tanks, NGOs, consulting firms, development banks, and university research centers—many of which seek graduate-level expertise in global studies.
• Network with purpose. Build connections by attending events, reaching out to Pardee alumni, and engaging with professionals and organizations on LinkedIn. Many job leads and project opportunities come through referrals and informational conversations.
• Organize your search. Use a tracking system such as a spreadsheet, app, or document to log opportunities, deadlines, application stages, and follow-ups. Staying organized helps manage a more advanced and targeted job search effectively.
• Know your options as an international student. Understand work authorization pathways such as CPT, OPT, or academic training. Research employer sponsorship practices early and be prepared to communicate your eligibility clearly. Use BU’s ISSO and Pardee Career Services graduate student advising as resources for guidance.

Resources:

• Handshake – BU’s main platform for finding jobs, internships, and career events. Browse openings, register for workshops, and connect with employers.
• Pardee Career Resource Guide – Explore job boards, fellowships, and professional organizations tailored to Pardee’s career interests (Handshake login required).
• BUConnect – Connect with Pardee students and alumni. Find mentors, build your network, and share opportunities and advice.
• Pardee LinkedIn Page – See where alumni work and learn about their career trajectories. Discover new roles and organizations that hire Pardee alumni and students, and match your interests.
• Searching for Jobs and Internships (CCD)

Interviews are your opportunity to bring your experiences and skills to life. Strong preparation helps you communicate clearly, confidently, and professionally. Whether you’re applying for a government internship, a consulting role, or a position at an international organization. Use tools like VMock, advising support, and industry-specific guides to build your strategy and practice your responses.

Strategies for Interview Success:

• Prepare intentionally. Learn about the organization’s mission, current work, and the responsibilities of the role. Reflect on how your background and skills align with what they are looking for.
• Understand interview types. Most interviews include common and behavioral questions that explore your past experiences. Formats may include virtual, panel, case, or one-on-one interviews. Research the format in advance and prepare accordingly.
• Practice effectively. Prepare responses to typical and role-specific questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Practicing in advance helps you speak with clarity and confidence.
• Use technology to prepare. VMock’s Interview module allows you to practice introductions, rehearse job-specific questions, and receive personalized feedback using the SMART Interview tool.
• Follow up thoughtfully. Send a thank-you note that reflects on your conversation and restates your interest in the position. This helps leave a positive and professional impression.

Resources:

• VMock – Use the Interview module to practice common questions and receive AI-powered feedback on your delivery, tone, and content.
• Mock Interview Appointments – Schedule through Handshake to meet with a career advisor.
• Interviewing for Federal Jobs
• How to Apply for Jobs at the UN – Interview Tips and Preparation
• WorldBank Group Recruitment Process
• Vault: Explore Career Paths & Conduct Job Searches (Great resources in Public Relations, Finance, Consulting, Government, Nonprofit, Law, Education, etc.)
• Case Interview Prep – Management Consulted
• How to Interview for a Job (CCD)

Networking is one of the most effective ways to explore career paths, learn about different sectors, and build relationships that support your long-term professional development. Whether you’re early in your career or pivoting to a new direction, networking helps you gather insights, uncover hidden opportunities, stand out in the job search process, and develop meaningful connections.

Conversations with professionals and alumni can spark new ideas, provide guidance, and open doors to mentorship. Over time, your network becomes a professional community you can learn from and contribute to.

Strategies to Strengthen Your Networking Skills:

• Be curious and intentional. Approach networking as a learning opportunity. Ask thoughtful questions about someone’s work, career journey, or trends in their field. Demonstrating genuine interest, both in your outreach and conversations, goes a long way in building meaningful connections.
• Prepare your introduction. Be ready to share a clear and concise summary of your background, interests, and goals. This helps others understand your direction and how they can support you.
• Engage consistently. Networking happens at career-specific events—like alumni panels, employer sessions, and Pardee Career Night—but also at broader gatherings hosted by Pardee centers and other BU communities. Look for opportunities to connect around shared global interests.
• Use your conversations wisely. Take notes, reflect on what you learn, and follow up with a thank-you message. Stay in touch and look for ways to build relationships over time.
• Give and receive. Share resources, events, or ideas with peers and alumni when possible. Networking is most powerful when approached as mutual support, not one-way outreach.

Resources:

• BUConnect – BU’s networking platform where you can search for alumni by field, location, or area of expertise. All Pardee students and alumni are part of the Pardee School of Global Studies Network, making it easier to find professionals who share your academic and career interests.
• Pardee LinkedIn School Page – Research alumni career paths and connect directly through LinkedIn. See where alumni work, explore trajectories, and develop targeted outreach.
• Pardee Mentorship Program – A new mentorship program is available to Pardee graduate students. Opportunities are announced in the Pardee Career Services newsletter. Contact careerps@bu.edu to learn more.
• Career Events and Networking Opportunities – Pardee Career Services hosts alumni panels, employer meetups, and career conversations throughout the semester. You will also find other networking opportunities through centers at Pardee, various BU departments, student clubs, and local organizations. 

Pardee Career Services hosts workshops, alumni panels, employer information sessions, networking events, and more—on campus, in the Boston community, and virtually. These programs offer valuable opportunities to explore career paths, build professional skills, and connect with practitioners in the field of global studies.

Stay informed through our weekly career newsletters, sent via Handshake to all Pardee students. If you’re not receiving them, email us at careerps@bu.edu.

Resources: 

PardeeWorks is a signature speaker and panel series featuring alumni and professionals across diverse fields related to global studies such as diplomacy, national security, international development, economics, human rights, and more. These sessions provide real-world insights and a chance to engage directly with practitioners.

Pardee Career Night connects students with employers, alumni, and industry professionals for networking, career exploration, and recruiting. Discover how to use your Pardee degree and find internships and jobs tailored to your interests.

Career Launchpad Program is a five-session program designed for graduate students to build career exploration, application, interview, and networking skills, with special support for international students. It helps you navigate resources and plan your career path effectively.

Explore past events here.

Interested in collaborating? Student groups or departments are welcome to co-host events on career-related topics. Reach out to us at careerps@bu.edu—we’d love to partner with you.