International Studies Association holds forum for career-seekers

Dan Wamsley

The International Studies Association held a Career Opportunities Presentation on Thursday in the Taggart Student Center Walnut Room. The presentation was ISA’s first official function, and was attended by approximately 60 students.

Guest speaker Randy Jensen, assistant director of Career Services at Utah State University, spoke to students about the advantages of an international studies major and the skills students will need after graduation. He described the international job market as very promising, but pointed out that specific competencies are needed to get ahead in the field.

“You should start thinking how to gain those competencies now,” Jensen said.

Along with project development, writing and research skills, Jensen included flexibility and creativity as skills that were crucial to international employment. Included in the presentation were addresses of several different Web sites that will be beneficial for international studies graduates- not only job-search Web sites, but Web sites that explained how to go about working abroad, sites dedicated to international etiquette, and sites for obtaining international work permits.

“You’d be surprised at the massive volume of paperwork and bureaucracy involved,” Jensen said.

Jensen also described the duties and perks of working for the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Service Officer (FSO), including how to prepare for the difficult Foreign Service Exam, which Jensen said he only knew four people who have passed.

The exam is very difficult, Jensen explained, because the Department of State wants only the very brightest and best people representing the United States abroad. A practice exam is also available, he said.

Besides working as an FSO, IS majors also have opportunities for employment in international business, other government agencies or volunteer work for organizations such as the Peace Corps.

“[The Peace Corps is] the ultimate internship,” Jensen said. “It’s difficult, and not for everybody, but it looks great on a resumé.”

Another “great inroad to international opportunity” Jensen listed was teaching English abroad.

“Think about what area you really want to work in … and start doing things in those areas,” Jensen said.

Melanie Dixon, a senior IS major said afterward, “I’m so impressed with this. This is the kind of stuff I needed to know.”

The International Studies Association was formed after founder and President Bryan Chamberlain became frustrated that he didn’t know anybody in his major. Because the international studies major covers such a broad range of classes, few had even heard of it. So he talked to his adviser, sent out e-mails, and rounded up other students with the same concerns. The International Studies Association was formed, complete with a constitution and mission statement. The club plans to meet often and feature guest speakers, foreign films, and service projects.

“[International studies] is becoming part of the political science department, which will give it more structure,” Chamberlain said.

Chamberlain added that if a student likes adventure, travel, and interesting work, then international studies is the right choice. Study abroad experience is required.

Anyone interested in the major can contact adviser Veronica Ward at 797-1319. Anyone interested in joining the ISA can e-mail Chamberlain at bryanc@cc.usu.edu.

-slqzk@cc.usu.edu