I was recently accepted to a tertiary institution to pursue a degree in International Relations. I think this is the area in which I would like to pursue a career. However, I am very worried because my parents and some friends are saying that when I graduate I will not be able to find a job since this area is not in demand. Please advise me.

THE choice of a programme of study for a career should be based on one’s level of interest in the area, as well as on one’s ability to handle the workload and yes, the level of marketability the field enjoys.

The choice is, however, ultimately

the individual’s.

In trying to decide if you have made the right choice, you need to seek career counselling. You may visit the career centre on your campus for this, and the career counsellor will help you to make an informed decision.

If you need to make changes, you will be guided as to how to do so. You may also be asked to do a career self-assessment inventory, which will help you to assess your interests, abilities, and values, and then align them to various career objectives.

This will help you to decide if you are suited for the area you have chosen, while pointing you to related career areas.

You may also be able to find information on International Relations. This should include the skills and competencies required, courses to be pursued, and its marketability.

Preparing for the job market

. Try to develop additional skills and competencies required for the job market generally, and specifically for your area of specialisation. Some of these include: knowledge of at least one foreign language; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; flexibility, which includes a willingness to relocate; and an appreciation for and ability to interact with people of different cultures.

. Become aware of the organisations that employ people with your qualifications, and do some networking. Get involved in internships and volunteer service in one or more of these organisations.

. Seek to become involved in clubs and societies or developmental programmes, for example, a mentorship programme. In a mentorship programme, you will be guided by an experienced person in the field, and this could give you a glimpse of what happens, as well as an introduction to key persons.

. Be sure to score good grades. In addition to having broad-based skills and competencies, organisations want you to have a good grasp of the subject area.

. Develop job search skills and competencies. These include having a good grasp of interviewing skills and competencies, and writing résumés, which will guarantee you the interview, and eventually the job.

. Choose a minor in which you have interest and which will complement your major. These include a foreign language, marketing, human resource management, psychology and sociology. A carefully chosen minor could increase your marketability.

. Do a good inventory of the skills and competencies you have acquired while pursuing your programme of study, and try to align these to the needs of organisations, then target them during your job hunt.

Reminder

You should also bear in mind that you are pursuing a first degree so there is always the opportunity to pursue graduate studies. And those studies do not have to be in the same area as your undergraduate study.

Of course, qualifying for graduate school will be highly dependent on your grades from the undergraduate level. Your long-term career goal should therefore be considered. Doing an International Relations degree may be the first step in achieving this goal.