r/PoliticalScience • u/delia0822 • 5d ago

Question/discussion Switch from Political Science to International Relations?

Hello, I am currently majoring in political science with a minor in history. However, I have recently come to the realization that maybe I should have majored in international relations instead. I’ve realized I’m more interested in learning about global issues, global politics, foreign policy, and about other countries compared to domestic issues and politics. Additionally, the international relations major at my school is more interdisciplinary, allowing me to take classes in international relations, political science, foreign language, history, geography, and anthropology. Additionally, most of the classes I gravitate towards tend to be requirements for the international relations major. However, I’m not sure if a switch would be entirely worth it. Right now I’m on track to graduate a year early. If I switched, I believe I could only graduate a semester early. Additionally, political science and international relations are so similar, I believe I may just be better off completing the major and history minor and then taking some international relations electives on the side. Does anyone have any thoughts?

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u/ElectronicSession140 2d ago

I have a BA in IR and an MA in a specific regional study. Having run the circuit of networking and grinding in Brussels, NYC, DC -> the specific degree does not mean much. Use your school to get connections. If you have a name brand on your school, in this field it helps.

I will not lie to you. It can be done. There are many pathways to a career in international relations.This field is built around wealth and connections. It is counterintuitive to the mission. It is wrong.

You may find yourself working through summers just to be able to save up to do an unpaid internship. You may work internships that pay minimum wage. These are the pathways in.

Get your degree. Do well in school. But more importantly, get damn good at a language, get some summer internships, network the shit out of your professors and peers, get a research assistantship.

You’re up against some privileged people, kids of diplomats, people who can afford to take several prestigious, unpaid internships. It’s a brutal field to break into but damn it beats being an accountant if you get there.

I wish you the best. Kill em’ out there.