Stanford University
Stanford, CA, United States
QS =2Full need-based aid
Computer Science · Management Science & Engineering · Economics
- Tuition
- Est. above $60,000 per year before aid
- Deadline
- Typically 1 November
All careers
Economics & Policy
Diplomat / International Relations Officer
Represents a country or organisation abroad and negotiates on international issues.
What this career is
Diplomats and international-relations officers work in foreign ministries, embassies and international organisations, analysing politics, negotiating agreements and supporting citizens abroad.
What professionals do
- Analyse political and economic developments
- Draft reports and briefings
- Negotiate and represent positions
- Build relationships with counterparts
Outlook: Selective entry; languages and international experience are strong advantages.
Official occupation data
Tasks, skills, US pay and job growth from O*NET and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Key skills
Negotiation
communicationUseful for consulting, sales, entrepreneurship and diplomacy.
Start with
- · Learn interests vs. positions
- · Practise in Model UN or case competitions
Writing & argument
communicationEssays, research reports, policy memos and scholarship applications all depend on strong writing.
Start with
- · Write a one-page memo each week
- · Enter an essay competition
Public speaking
communicationInterviews, pitches, Model UN and leadership roles all reward clear spoken communication.
Start with
- · Join a debate or Model UN club
- · Present a project in under five minutes
Research methods
analyticalNeeded for academic research, policy analysis and evidence-driven roles in any sector.
Start with
- · Learn qualitative and quantitative designs
- · Replicate a published study with open data
Leadership
leadershipScholarships such as Chevening and fellowships explicitly select for demonstrated leadership.
Start with
- · Take on a defined role in a club or project
- · Lead one initiative from idea to result
Education paths
- 1Bachelor's in international relations, law, economics or languages
- 2Master's in international affairs or public policy
- 3National diplomatic-service entrance exams
Universities strong in Politics & International Relations
University College London
London, United Kingdom
QS =2Limited aid
Economics · Architecture (The Bartlett) · Computer Science
- Tuition
- Est. £28,000–£45,000 per year for international students
- Deadline
- Typically late January
University of Oxford
Oxford, United Kingdom
QS #4Limited aid
Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE) · Economics & Management · Law
- Tuition
- Est. £30,000–£55,000 per year for international students, by course
- Deadline
- Typically mid-October for entry the following autumn
Typical entry-level roles
Junior Diplomat / AttachéPolicy OfficerProgramme Officer at an international organisation
Build your profile
Recommended extracurriculars
- · Model UN
- · Language learning
- · Internships at the UN or embassies
Recommended internships & programmes
Funding variesIn person
- Location
- UN duty stations worldwide
- Deadline
- Postings open throughout the year
Scholarships & fellowships
Funding variesIn person
- Location
- Boston, United States
- Deadline
- Registration typically in autumn for a February conference
Funding variesIn person
- Location
- Host city changes annually
- Deadline
- Typically autumn for a spring conference
Funding variesIn person
- Location
- Harvard and an Asia-Pacific host city
- Deadline
- Multiple rounds before each conference
Fully fundedIn person
- Location
- United Kingdom
- Deadline
- Applications typically open in August and close in early November
Certifications that help
Languages
IELTS Academic
British Council / IDP / Cambridge
The most widely accepted English test for study abroad and scholarships.
- Cost
- Fee set by the local test centre
- Time
- Test takes under 3 hours; 4–8 weeks of prep
Languages
Goethe-Zertifikat (German)
Goethe-Institut
Internationally recognised German language certificates.
- Cost
- Fee set by the local Goethe-Institut
- Time
- Depends on level