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International studies key to overseas work

McKinley Bailey served on more than 120 combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq as a paratrooper with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.

His experiences in both theaters would shape his future, contributing to his decision to pursue a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of Iowa.

“I just decided it was the best fit for me,” said the former sergeant, now 26 and an Iowa state representative. He speaks Spanish, and during high school, he lived in Peru as a Rotary International Youth Exchange student.

For service members such as Bailey who enjoy travel, spent time overseas and have experience with other cultures and languages, an international studies major can be an exciting way to shape their careers.

“This kind of program is very well suited to military,” said Martha Greer, the University of Iowa’s international studies coordinator.

Because the program offers students so much flexibility, it’s a good fit for transitioning service members.

“What I’ve seen is that those with military experience have already had their eyes opened about the rest of the world,” said Dennis Galvan, director of the International Studies Program at the University of Oregon.

“Just being in the military, they have had to think in a new way about international issues and other countries,” he said.

Greer, Galvan and Downing Thomas, the University of Iowa’s associate dean of international programs, offered the following advice for deciding whether an international studies degree is right for you.

What you learn

University of Iowa students learn to integrate theoretical knowledge about broad global processes with in-depth examination of a particular region of the world or a major theme in international studies, such as politics, economics, culture, beliefs and social systems. International studies should not be confused with similar-sounding degrees such as international relations and international affairs, which focus heavily on government-to-government relations.

Jobs you qualify for

“It’s really a strong, broad major, and a good preparation for many different careers,” Thomas said.

Many graduates go on to jobs in government or international organizations. University of Oregon graduates have worked for the State Department, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. There are also positions available in nongovernmental groups, such as the World Wildlife Fund, Amnesty International and Mercy Corps.

Some students use their degrees to “live and work abroad in a traditional career” — banking in Germany, for example — Greer said.

And because international studies programs often require internships and language studies, graduates learn skills corporate America values, too.

Pros and cons

Diversity in career opportunities is one clear benefit to pursuing an international studies degree. But other elements can be viewed as both good and bad, depending on the person.

“It requires a lot of direction, self-awareness and motivation on the part of students,” Thomas said. “For students who know what they want, it ends up being a great choice.”

Galvan said Oregon’s program challenges students’ basic assumptions about their own way of life and culture.

“We should squirm,” Galvan said. “There is a journey of self-discovery we have to go through. Some students don’t want to do that.”

Another potential negative involves students’ friends and family. People who go through the program may find they don’t want to spend their entire careers in the U.S.

“That can be disconcerting to loved ones,” Galvan said.

The right school

Once you’ve considered what type of college you’re most suited for — a large, urban research institution, for example, or a small liberal arts college — look into the faculty. What are they interested in? What are their areas of research? Ideally, you’ll find instructors with the same regional or topical interests as yours.

Additionally, “a faculty that teaches well is one that is doing ongoing research,” Galvan said. What kinds of articles are the faculty members writing? Are they presenting every year, and what are the titles?

Further, examine the course listings.

“You know you like a program if you keep seeing the titles of courses that excite you,” Galvan said. “If there are too many courses that interest you, you have found the right place.”

Finally, call, e-mail or visit the school to talk to people involved in the program.

Online degrees

The experts weren’t aware of any online degree program, and they agreed that’s a good thing.

“So much of what students learn in international studies is really live in the sense that it involves personal interaction,” Thomas said. “That’s something that can’t be done in the same way online.”

Master’s degrees

Do you need a master’s degree to get a job related to international studies? The experts disagree.

“I almost want to say it’s a must,” Galvan said. “Undergraduate degrees don’t signal as much today as they used to. ... It’s becoming a market where an M.A. is almost an entry-level degree.”

For those who do decide on an advanced degree, “the master’s degree targets students who want to do much more in-depth research,” Thomas said.

Back in Iowa, Rep. Bailey’s political obligations may keep him from globetrotting like he did in his Army days, but the young Democrat said he’s still putting his international studies degree to great use.

His area of concentration for his bachelor’s degree was in international business, which has suited him well as chairman of the House International Relations Committee, he said. And while he plans to stay in politics as long as he believes he’s making a difference, he has not ruled out a future stint with the Foreign Service.

His advice for others contemplating international studies: “Don’t be scared to try it. If it’s what you want to do, go do it.”