Careers in International Relations
Welcome to the Career Resources Hub for Western’s International Relations program.

This guide was prepared by Tessa McDermid during the Fall 2025 semester.

Career Paths and Prominent Employers
Federal / Public Service

Major departments that recruit International Relations graduates include Global Affairs Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Department of National Defence, Public Safety Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Helpful resources:

● Polywogg: An unofficial guide to navigating and succeeding in the Canadian Federal Government (https://polywogg.ca/hr-guide/)

● Global Affairs Canada Job Search: Search for and learn about the variety of jobs offered by Global Affairs Canada (https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government.html)

"Western’s IR program trained me to think analytically and communicate clearly — two skills essential in government policy work. Many IR courses bridged political theory with real-world case studies, which helped me learn to navigate complex global and domestic issues through a pragmatic lens. My advice for students is to focus on developing strong writing and research habits; being able to turn complex issues into concise recommendations will set you apart.”
- Cara Mu, IR/HBA Alumni, Policy Analyst for Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Canada

“My life has been quite the journey this past year. In April, the Wilson Center was reduced to its statutory minimum and I along with 120 of my colleagues were let go. My time at the Canada Institute came to an unexpected end and I spent five months looking for the next opportunity. During this time, I assisted the Center for North American Security and Prosperity as a project coordinator. Since DC was facing major change, coming by a job was hard. But if there was one important thing I learned during this time, it was that leveraging your networks is key. While they might not have had a job for me, my connections met with me for coffee and asked around their own industries for possible opportunities. I got to collect lots of info on how people made a name for themselves in their careers and how they started and advanced.

Thankfully, I was able to carry those connections into my next role where I am now a foreign policy and diplomacy service officer at the Canadian Consulate in NYC. Not only have I had the chance to stay in the Canada space during a critical time, but I also have the privilege of using skills I gained (and have since refined) during my time at Western.

Students should remember that Western may seem small in the world, but as an American, I’ve been shocked by just how many Western grads I’ve come across. While I do work in a Canada-focused space, I still have met Western alum (and Western IR alum) in the most random places (the most recent ones being a fellow IR-grad who shares the office with me working as a trade commissioner for the Ontario office here in NYC!)”
- Madison Lipson, IR alumni, Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Service Officer, Canadian Consulate in New York

International / Multilateral Organizations and NGOs

Career paths include:

● United Nations agencies (e.g., UNDP, UNICEF, OHCHR)
● UNESCO, World Bank, International Monetary Fund
● Advocacy and human rights NGOs (e.g., Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch)
● Regional organizations (e.g., European institutions, ASEAN, African Union)
● Development agencies (e.g., USAID, DFID, CIDA)
● Think tanks and research institutes

Internship resources:

● UNICEF Internships: Global opportunities for students and recent graduates (https://www.unicef.org/careers/internships)
● World Bank Internship Program: Requires an undergraduate degree, current enrollment in a graduate program, and fluency in English (https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/careers/programs-and-internships)

Private Sector

International Relations graduates bring strong research, writing, and global awareness into private-sector careers. Many alumni work in consulting at firms like McKinsey & Company, Deloitte Canada, or EY Canada, in government relations at organizations such as Navigator, Crestview Strategy, or Global Public Affairs, or in fields like finance, technology, and risk analysis.

Western’s International Relations Program is proud of its diverse and successful group of alumni who move between the public and private sectors over their careers. The versatility of an IR degree allows students to build careers that combine global insight with business and policy decision-making.

Law School and Legal Careers

Why International Relations and Law?

International Relations provides exposure to diplomacy, global governance, human rights, international law, trade, and security. Many of these fields intersect with the professional legal and regulatory field. Coupled with a legal degree, IR graduates can work in public policy, international litigation, treaty work, human rights law, governmental advice, and other related fields.

Steps for Students Considering Law:

LSAT and Admissions Preparation:

● Law School Admission Council (LSAC) for information on registration, test dates, and Canadian law school information (https://www.lsac.org/lsat)

● Commercial prep platforms such as Kaplan, Powerscore, 7Sage, the Princeton Review, or Blueprint

● Use official LSAT practice tests (distributed by LSAC) to simulate exam conditions (https://www.lsac.org/lsat)

Law School Application Guides:

● Map application deadline carefully

● Gather transcripts, letters of reference (ask faculty early, give them your CV + writing sample)

● Research combined or joint programs (e.g. JD/MA in International Affairs)
                   ○ The University of Ottawa offers a JD/MA (International Affairs) 
                   ○ (https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-law/)
                   ○ The University of Windsor and the University of Ottawa both offer
                      Canadian and U.S. dual JD programs (https://www.uwindsor.ca/law/)
                      (https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-law/)
                   ○ The University of Toronto offers a JD/MA in Global Affairs and a JD/MPP
                      in Public Policy
                          ■ (https://jackmanlaw.utoronto.ca/jd-program/master-global-affairs-jdmga)
                          ■ (https://jackmanlaw.utoronto.ca/jd-program/public-policy-jdmpp)
                   ○ Western’s Ivey offers a Combined JD/MBA Degree
                          ■ (https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/mba/academics/combined-jdmba-degree/)

Western University Career and Pre-Law Support

● UWO Career Education provides workshops, mock interviews, resume and cover letter help (https://career.uwo.ca/)

● Western Pre-Law Society is a student-led club that offers information sessions, speaker panels, mock trials, and other resources to help inform your law school preparation.
                    ○ (https://www.westernprelawsociety.com/)

“The International Relations Program, its professors, and courses, provided me with invaluable skills that I have carried throughout law school and as a lawyer. International Relations taught me intensive research and writing skills. Every part of my practice requires various degrees of drafting and research, having the ability to approach these issues quickly and effectively has been an immense help. As a litigator, I spend a lot of my day arguing and negotiating issues with various parties and opposing counsel. The various simulations and presentations I completed within the International Relations program provided me with early experience in how to best approach speaking to individuals whose opinions are often the opposite of my own. The support I received from the professors and other individuals within the International Relations program are ones that I carry to this day. Specifically, Professor Schumacher provided my letter of reference when applying to law school and was of great assistance in helping me determine my career path. International Relations is a program I would recommend to anyone interested in the legal profession. The experience I gained throughout my time in the program has been and will continue to be foundational for me as a person and a lawyer.”
- Nicholas Johnson, IR Alumni, Associate Lawyer (Litigation) at Bennett Grant LLP

Graduate Programs in International Relations / Global Affairs / Public Policy

Why a Graduate Degree?

Graduate degrees such as a MA, MPP, or PhD typically combine theory, methods, and regional and thematic specialization, and often require a capstone, thesis, or internship. Many Western IR alumni continue at leading programs like Munk, NPSIA, and Balsillie to deepen their expertise and expand their global careers.

Notable Canadian Schools to Consider
● Munk School, University of Toronto (Master of Global Affairs, Master of Public Policy)
                      ○ Internship placement built in, strong alumni network
                            ■ (https://munkschool.utoronto.ca/)

● Norman Patterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA), Carleton
                      ○ Recognized IR school; co-op or placement component possible; joint JD/MA
                         partnership with the University of Ottawa
                            ■ (https://carleton.ca/npsia/)

● Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA), Waterloo / Wilfrid Laurier / CIGI
                      ○ Graduate school focusing on global governance and public policy
                      ○ BSIA’s unique partnership model
                            ■ (https://balsillieschool.ca/)

● Carleton SPPA / Public Policy and Administration MPPA
                      ○ Includes optional co-op work term with placements at federal departments and
                         think tanks
                      ○ Carleton SPPA co-op option
                            ■ (https://carleton.ca/sppa/mppa-program/)

Application Tips

● Build a strong academic record, especially in research methods, economics, statistics
● Gain internships, research assistant roles, and publications
● Demonstrate regional expertise or language skills
● Seek programs with strong alumni networks and placement support
● Reach out to faculty, current students, or admissions for advice

“Western's IR program was a unique place for me to learn from my peers as much as my professors. The small IR class sizes help to develop a likeminded community of students with common interests in history, current events, and global politics, which was formative during my time at Western and beyond. This and the IR program's strong focus on studies in history were essential to developing the analytical, writing, and communication skills which benefitted my studies at the Munk School of Global Affairs, and now my career at Global Affairs Canada. For anyone considering the IR program at Western, or a career path toward the public service, competencies in writing, critical thinking, and teamwork will be exceedingly valuable toward your success.”
- Matt Sparling, IR alumni, Specialist (Korean Peninsula) at Global Affairs Canada

Co-op, Internships & Experiential Learning

Federal / Public Service Programs

● Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP)
                     ○ Eligible if you meet these 3 criteria: you’re registered as a full-time student in a
                        secondary or post-secondary accredited academic institution, you meet the
                        minimum age requirement in the province or territory of work, you'll return
                        to full-time studies in the next academic term, or if you're in your final year
                        of studies, you must have been previously employed under either the Federal
                        Student Work Experience Program, the Co-op/Internship Program or the 
                        Research Affiliate Program
                     ○ (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service
                        commission/jobs/services/recruitment/students/federal-student-work
                        program.html)

● Government of Canada’s Post-Secondary Co-op/Internship Program
                     ○ Eligible if you meet these 3 requirements: full-time student registered in a post
                       secondary co-op or internship program that is on our list of validated post-secondary
                       academic institutions and programs, your work term or internship must be an
                       academic requirement, as determined by your academic institution, and you must
                       meet the minimum age required in the province or territory of work.

● Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Student Programs
                     ○ Specifically allows students to apply via the Federal Student Work Experience
                        Program and co-op pathways

International / Global Internships

● International Youth Internship Program (IYIP): places eligible Canadians (18–30) in internships abroad or virtually within the international development sector. All related expenses are covered.

● Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP): Global Affairs Canada runs volunteer cooperation and internship programs overseas, placements can be over a short or long period (2 weeks–one year) or virtual.

● Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (focused on research across disciplines, including social sciences): 12-week internships in Canadian universities for international undergraduates and opportunities for Canadian students to host or collaborate.

● United Nations Internships
                     ○ Eligibility: Enrolled in a Master's or in a Ph.D. programme, or in the final year of a
                        Bachelor’s programme, or within one year after graduation from a Bachelor’s,
                        Master’s or Ph.D. programme, excellent command of English or French, neither a
                        child or a sibling of a United Nations Secretariat staff member.
                     ○ Duration: The internship programme lasts for at least two months and can be as
                        long as six months. Once selected, you must begin your internship either prior to or
                        within one year of graduation.
                     ○ Cost: United Nations interns are not paid. All costs related to travel, insurance,
                        accommodation, and living expenses must be borne by either the interns or their
                        sponsoring institutions.
                             ■ (https://careers.un.org/home?language=en)

● NATO Internship Programme
                     ○ NATO offers six-month internships to applicants in the third year of their university
                        studies, or recent graduates of a bachelor or master's programme.
                     ○ Internships take place at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
                     ○ Eligibility: Age: 21+, a citizen of a NATO member country, at least two years of
                        university completed and enrolled in a third year OR having obtained your highest
                        degree less than a year prior, proficiency in one of the two official NATO languages:
                        English or French (a working knowledge of the second is considered an asset).

■ (https://www.nato.int/en/work-with-us/careers/internship-programme)

Western University Co-op and Internship Programs

● Social Science Co-op Program: The Social Science Co-op Team works closely with a network of employers to provide practical, hands-on experiences for students across the Faculty of Social Science as early as Summer of their second year.
                     ○ Registered students can work between 4-months and 16-months and earn up to 1.0
                        credit toward their degree.
                             ■ (https://www.ssc.uwo.ca/coop/index.html)

● The Western Undergraduate Summer Research Internships (USRIs)
                     ○ The Western Undergraduate Summer Research Internships (USRIs) provide
                        undergraduate students with engaged research experiences under the mentorship of
                        a faculty member and are intended to stimulate undergraduate students’ interest in
                        research through direct exposure and hands-on experiences conducting research.
                             ■ (https://www.ssc.uwo.ca/research/usri.html)

Reserve / Military / Police Internships

● Join the Reserves: The Army Reserve is the part-time component of the Canadian Army. It generates full-time capabilities from part-time service, at home and abroad. Reservists can choose to deploy based on their particular circumstances and can serve Canada from their hometown. As an integral part of the Army, Reservists benefit from its unique work experience, sense of belonging and camaraderie.
            ○ (https://forces.ca/en/reserve-force/)

● Indigenous Summer Training Programs: The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) offers five summer training programs that are six to eight weeks in duration, combining a variety of Military training and Indigenous cultural teachings. These programs will help you develop valuable skills such as self-confidence, self-discipline, teamwork, time management, respect and fitness. This opportunity will allow you to find out more about yourself and what you are capable of achieving through hard work, perseverance and teamwork.
            ○ (https://forces.ca/en/programs-for-indigenous-peoples/summer-programs/)

● Canadian Coast Guard Academy: We offer specialized marine training to develop future Coast Guard officers and provide ongoing training for Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) personnel. Learn the skills to save lives, safeguard marine life, and protect the environment on Canada’s waters.
            ○ (https://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/academy-academie/index-eng.html)

● Toronto Police Service (TPS): Offers the Youth In Policing Initiative (YIPI) for youth 15-18 which provides paid work with TPS divisions and units.
            ○ (https://www.tps.ca/youth-policing-initiative/)

● Ontario Provincial Police (OPP): Has summer employment opportunities for students, a Cadet Program, and civilian employment roles.
            ○ (https://www.opp.ca/index.php?id=128)

● Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP): For those considering federal policing or international liaison roles, the RCMP student jobs page shows opportunities across Canada.
            ○ (https://rcmp.ca/en/careers-rcmp/student-jobs)

● London Police: Offers career pathways such as a Cadet Program, Special Constable Program, Volunteer Auxiliary Officer pathways, and Civilian Professional roles.
            ○ (https://www.londonpolice.ca/careers/)

● London Police Citizens’ Academy: A free, hands-on program that introduces participants to real police work through weekly sessions on investigations, forensics, traffic safety, emergency response, and community policing. Participants meet officers, tour facilities, and engage with specialized units. The goal is to build a stronger community-police understanding. Open to adults 18+ who live or work in London (background check required).
            ○ (https://www.londonpolice.ca/community/get-involved/join-the-citizens-academy/)

"Western's IR program has prepared me for two careers that require the ability to communicate clearly, and think critically, often about complex murky issues. As a Canadian Forces Infantry Officer, IR broadened my world view, and challenged my viewpoints on Canada's security and defence policy. The course offerings blended a solid academic theory foundation, along with the real world impacts of those same theories. Now, as a police officer, the IR program provided me with the foundational learning to look for opposing viewpoints; seeing differing competing views has allowed me to excel while dealing with people from all walks of life in traumatic situations."
- Peter Keane, IR alumni, Canadian Armed Force Military and Police Officer

Job Boards

● LinkedIn
            ○ Set tailored alerts using keywords like international relations, policy analyst, government
               relations, foreign affairs, research assistant, or global internship.
            ○ Follow organizations you’re interested in and turn on “job notifications” for those
               employers.
            ○ A strong LinkedIn profile (headline, summary, skills, and work examples) improves your
               visibility. Western’s Career Education can help you refine this
              (https://career.uwo.ca/index.html)

● Indeed
            ○ (https://www.indeed.com)
            ○ A broad board that pulls from thousands of company websites. Use advanced filters
              (location, salary, part-time/full-time, internships) and set alerts for specific fields like
               consulting, international development, public affairs, research, or NGO internships.

● Government of Canada Jobs (GC Jobs)
            ○ The main posting site for federal policy, analyst, program officer, research, and student
               positions.
            ○ (https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government.html)

● TalentEgg
            ○ (https://talentegg.ca)
            ○ A student-focused Canadian board for internships, entry-level jobs, and campus
               recruitment.

● Glassdoor
            ○ (https://www.glassdoor.ca)
            ○ Not just salary information. Use it to identify companies hiring for analyst, policy, research,
               communications, and consulting roles. Review interview experiences to prepare more
               effectively.

Tips, Skills, and Advice

● Start early: Seek out internship and co-op opportunities, volunteer work, or experiential learning in your undergraduate years

● Build a niche: Develop regional expertise, language skills, thematic specializations through your undergraduate courses (development, security, climate, migration)

● Global and intercultural learning: Take advantage of Western’s Global at Home: International Learning Honours Program, which allows students to build international, intercultural, and global competencies through coursework, co-curricular activities, and reflective learning without studying abroad.
            ○ (https://international.uwo.ca/learning/global_at_home/honour/)

● Quantitative / Data skills: Learn basic statistics, policy modeling, GIS, data visualization

● Build strong writing and communication skills. For example, write policy briefs, op-eds, blogs to build your writing portfolio
            ○ Submit your essays or apply to work for Western’s undergraduate journals:
                         ■ The Social Contract (https://ojs.lib.uwo.ca/index.php/socialcontract)
                         ■ The Mirror (https://ojs.lib.uwo.ca/index.php/westernumirror)
            ○ Attend Western’s Writing Support Centre for writing advising
                         ■ (https://writing.uwo.ca/)

● Networking: Attend speaker events, conferences, departmental mentorship, alumni panels
            ○ Join The Association of International Relations (AIR) and attend the annual research
               symposiums and career workshops (https://linktr.ee/Airwesternu)

● Balance work vs grad school: Sometimes gaining professional experience before applying to graduate study is advantageous