6 answers
sarah
Student
Rexburg, Idaho
1
Question
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I want to go into an international studies major what's a good minor to pair with that?
I want to help out in the humaitarian feild as much as possible. I love travel and hope to be able to do that all my life. I know only a little French but don't know if I want to minor in a language. I will be doing a business module with the IS major. I love writing which makes me consider journalism but I'm more into creative writing than facts. I just want to pair something useful with this major so advice? #majors-and-minors
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6 answers
Mary Katherine McNamara
Management Consultant
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Mary Katherine’s Answer
Hi Sarah!
This is a really good question to be thinking about! I had several friends in college who were International Studies majors and many of them also pursued minors. Some of them minored in a language or political science, and some also minored in economics.
If you want to develop some of your technical skills I would recommend considering a minor in economics. This could be a good compliment to your major. Definitely see which classes would be required, because some may not be as helpful depending on what you want to do. If they offer development economics courses I would recommend taking them as they could be very helpful in the humanitarian field. If you have the chance to talk to a professor about this they can probably give you more guidance!
Best of luck to you!
Mary Kate
This is a really good question to be thinking about! I had several friends in college who were International Studies majors and many of them also pursued minors. Some of them minored in a language or political science, and some also minored in economics.
If you want to develop some of your technical skills I would recommend considering a minor in economics. This could be a good compliment to your major. Definitely see which classes would be required, because some may not be as helpful depending on what you want to do. If they offer development economics courses I would recommend taking them as they could be very helpful in the humanitarian field. If you have the chance to talk to a professor about this they can probably give you more guidance!
Best of luck to you!
Mary Kate
Wendy Jettmar
Sales Leader
15
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Wendy’s Answer
Sarah,
You've got the hardest part accomplished - knowing where you want to start! The great thing about international studies is you really can't go wrong no matter which minor you choose. I know that might sound vague, but take comfort in the fact that no matter which minor you end up choosing, you will continue to discover possibilities and new paths as you continue.
You mention French/choosing a language - that could be a great option if you want to spend your humanitarian efforts in a particular region or culture. You mention creative writing - that's another great way to tie in language and cultures. You could absolutely explore journalism - Like you said, it doesn't have to be factual. You could find (for example) that you love helping teach underprivileged children and create a career around sharing that experience with the world. You could write French children's books.
Don't worry so much about "pairing something useful" - The best careers are the ones built on passion and curiosity. You're more likely to learn more about something that interests you, right? So do that. Follow whatever "feels good" and be open to opportunities and you will be amazed at the opportunities that will present themselves.
I wish you the best and hope that helps!
You've got the hardest part accomplished - knowing where you want to start! The great thing about international studies is you really can't go wrong no matter which minor you choose. I know that might sound vague, but take comfort in the fact that no matter which minor you end up choosing, you will continue to discover possibilities and new paths as you continue.
You mention French/choosing a language - that could be a great option if you want to spend your humanitarian efforts in a particular region or culture. You mention creative writing - that's another great way to tie in language and cultures. You could absolutely explore journalism - Like you said, it doesn't have to be factual. You could find (for example) that you love helping teach underprivileged children and create a career around sharing that experience with the world. You could write French children's books.
Don't worry so much about "pairing something useful" - The best careers are the ones built on passion and curiosity. You're more likely to learn more about something that interests you, right? So do that. Follow whatever "feels good" and be open to opportunities and you will be amazed at the opportunities that will present themselves.
I wish you the best and hope that helps!
Thank you so much! This helped me tons!
sarah
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1662
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Sarah,
Normally I would give an answer similar to those already given. However, depending on what aspect of Humanitarian work you want to do, and if you have the interest, perhaps something in the sciences? Many areas have problems with water, sewer, garbage, and electricity.
Also, perhaps take a look at the jobs in the US Diplomatic Corps. I think they even offer internships. They have a lot of information as to their education requirements. I took the test many years ago, and, it was quite challenging!
https://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/officer/
Also look at the Peace Corps. You may or may not consider joining it, but, it gives you ideas of what skillset is needed abroad.
https://www.peacecorps.gov/
Good luck to you!
Kim
Normally I would give an answer similar to those already given. However, depending on what aspect of Humanitarian work you want to do, and if you have the interest, perhaps something in the sciences? Many areas have problems with water, sewer, garbage, and electricity.
Also, perhaps take a look at the jobs in the US Diplomatic Corps. I think they even offer internships. They have a lot of information as to their education requirements. I took the test many years ago, and, it was quite challenging!
https://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/officer/
Also look at the Peace Corps. You may or may not consider joining it, but, it gives you ideas of what skillset is needed abroad.
https://www.peacecorps.gov/
Good luck to you!
Kim
Alex Crispino
Purpose Activation Manager
17
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Hi there!
As a strategic communications major, it definitely will help your IS major. I would ask you to think about what is your end goal? Is it to work in various locations or to travel to place to help with humanitarian issues? That might help you decide on additional fields of study. Follow your intuition!
As a strategic communications major, it definitely will help your IS major. I would ask you to think about what is your end goal? Is it to work in various locations or to travel to place to help with humanitarian issues? That might help you decide on additional fields of study. Follow your intuition!
Thomas Sutherland
Associate Continuity and Recovery Specialist, CBCP
207
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Here are a few good options to consider:
"Other Social Sciences Majors
The social sciences program area contains 13 different majors.
Economics
Political Science & Government
Sociology
General Social Sciences
Anthropology
Criminology
Geography & Cartography
Other Social Sciences
Urban Studies
Sociology & Anthropology
Archeology
Demography & Population Studies
Rural Sociology"
Source: https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/social-sciences/international-relations-national-security/related-majors/
"Other Social Sciences Majors
The social sciences program area contains 13 different majors.
Economics
Political Science & Government
Sociology
General Social Sciences
Anthropology
Criminology
Geography & Cartography
Other Social Sciences
Urban Studies
Sociology & Anthropology
Archeology
Demography & Population Studies
Rural Sociology"
Source: https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/social-sciences/international-relations-national-security/related-majors/
I've thought of criminology it's not taught at the school I'm currently attending sadly. Thank you for the suggestions!
sarah
Shelley Matthews
Entry level Recruiting
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Shelley’s Answer
What a great question Sarah! Based on your interest you could consider a minor in communications, politics, history or even a foreign language. For careers in international studies your possibilities are limitless. You could consider a career in consulting where you work with lots of international companies. You could even utilize your love for writing in helping create public policies. I would work with your career center to chat about what types of roles folks have found with an IS major.
Thank you!
sarah