Undergraduate Students

Exploring careers in global studies starts with curiosity—about yourself and the world. Use the opportunities at BU and Pardee to gain insight, reflect on what matters to you, and build direction over time.

Strategies for Career Exploration:

• Start with your interests. Get involved in student organizations, classes, volunteer work, and campus events that connect to global issues. These experiences help you discover what excites you and build valuable skills along the way.

• Reflect on what matters to you. Think about what motivates you, where you thrive, and what kind of impact you want to make. Use assessment tools or talk with a career advisor to explore themes and possibilities.

• Make connections between academics and careers. Your major builds skills in communication, critical thinking, negotiation, and cross-cultural understanding. These are valued across sectors—from policy and advocacy to consulting and international development.

• Learn from people and real-world examples. Attend Pardee events, explore alumni stories, and reach out to professionals on BUConnect or LinkedIn. Ask about their career paths, lessons learned, and what advice they’d share with students like you.

• Take small steps—and keep going. Career development isn’t a one-time decision. Check in regularly with career advisors, try new things, and use your global perspective as a strength as you continue to learn and grow.

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 
• Competency-Based Action Verbs for Your Pardee Resume 
• How to Write Resumes and CVs (Center for Career Development)
• Drop-in Resume or Cover Letter Review Schedule (CCD)

Internships and early work experiences are essential for exploring career paths, building transferable skills, and expanding your professional network. In global studies, roles are often diverse, interdisciplinary,  mission-driven, and competitive, making it important to approach your search with strategy and clarity.

Understanding how to use career tools like Handshake, LinkedIn, and professional directories helps you identify relevant opportunities and prepare effective applications. Combine active searching with networking and reflection to align your choices with your long-term goals.

Job & Internship Search Strategies:

• Start early. Many multilateral organizations, large global companies, and government agencies often have early deadlines for summer internships and fellowships.
• 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 background, hands-on experiences, and skill set align with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Explore beyond the obvious. Global challenges are addressed by a diverse range of actors. Look into opportunities with state and municipal governments, government contractors, think tanks, NGOs, consulting firms, development banks, university research centers and other private companies—many of which offer internships and jobs related to global studies.
• Network with purpose. Build connections by attending events, reaching out to Pardee alumni, and engaging with professionals and organizations on LinkedIn. Many internships and job leads come through referrals and informational conversations.
• Organize your search. Use a tracking system such as spreadsheet, app, or document to log opportunities, deadlines, application stages, and follow-up actions. Staying organized helps manage multiple applications efficiently.
• 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 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)

Graduate and professional programs can help you deepen your expertise and expand your career options in international affairs, policy, law, international development, business, and related fields. Deciding to pursue an advanced degree requires reflection, research, and planning. Use available tools and advising resources to clarify your goals, explore programs, and prepare strong, compelling applications.

Strategies for Graduate School Planning:

• Clarify your goals. Consider why you want to pursue further study and how it fits into your long-term career plans.
• Research programs thoroughly. Look into curriculum, faculty, funding, internships, and alumni outcomes. Focus on program fit rather than rankings alone.
• Create a timeline. Track deadlines for applications, exams (e.g., GRE, LSAT), recommendation letters, and financial aid.
• Draft and revise your statement of purpose. Use personal, specific examples to explain your interests, experience, and goals.
• Strengthen your application. Reflect on your academic and professional experiences, and identify any gaps to address through coursework, research, or volunteering.
• Use advising and get feedback. Meet with a career advisor to review your application materials, talk through your options, and plan next steps.

Resources:

• Graduate School Selection & Application Tracker – A customizable template to help you organize program research, compare options, and manage your application process from start to finish
• Pre-Law Advising (BU College of Arts & Sciences) – Comprehensive law school preparation resources and advising
• APSIA Graduate Programs – Includes tips for selecting programs, application advice, and career paths in international affairs
• Pardee Career Guide – Explore job boards, fellowships, and professional organizations tailored to Pardee’s career interests (Handshake login required)
• Additional Education Resources (CCD)

Networking isn’t just about finding a job. It’s about building relationships and being part of a community. As a student exploring career possibilities, talking with professionals and peers can help you learn about different paths, discover new interests, and gain insights you won’t find online.

Some students feel nervous about networking, but it doesn’t have to be transactional or intimidating. Many alumni and professionals enjoy sharing their experiences and want to support students like you. These conversations can be inspiring, informative, and even fun.

Over time, the connections you build through classes, student groups, events, or online platforms can become a professional community you can learn from and contribute to as you grow.

Strategies to Strengthen Your Networking Skills:

• Start small and stay curious. Ask classmates, professors, or club speakers about their interests and paths. These everyday conversations build confidence and help you practice connecting with others.
• Prepare a short introduction. Share a little about what you’re studying, what excites you, and what you’re hoping to learn. This helps others understand your goals and makes the conversation more meaningful.
• Get involved. Attend Pardee events, panels, and BU-wide programs. These spaces are full of people who care about global issues and want to support your growth.
• Follow up and stay in touch. A short thank-you message or LinkedIn connection helps you keep the conversation going. Over time, these connections can grow into a professional network.
• Think of it as mutual. Networking isn’t about asking for favors. It’s about sharing ideas, learning from others, and being open to new perspectives.

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.
• 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.

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.