embord

Okay, here's the deal: my eventual goal is to go to grad school for a dual degree (JD/MA International Relations/Affairs/Etc.), but there is no way I'll be able to afford to pay down the loans from 3-4 yrs completely on student loans. Any ideas for a decent student (3.5 GPA once I've graduated, well-respected college in the right circles) with a B.A. in International Relations for an entrance-level job that would pay enough for me to live and save a bit? I'm totally on my own for paying for grad school, other than what I can manage to get for loans, and I'm probably not going to be making a six-figure salary for a very long time after grad school. Must save money!

zoeydoggie

You've probably not received any replies because there is not one sure answer to your question. As you know, the jobs for IR majors are few and far between at the BA level. You will need to expand your searches into areas that you may not have considered.

My D was an IR major. Before heading into a JD/MA program she temped at a law firm. It kept her fed and housed but she decided her time was better spent in school to get the degrees that would give her better opportunities. Good luck. There are jobs out there that you can do but you have to find them.

plscatamacchia

^^ Yes. You aren't going to find a job as an IR major with a 3.5 GPA for your BA that will put you in a position to save.

And man, practice those writing skills. Ha...

"but there is no way I'll be able to afford to pay down the loans from 3-4 yrs completely on student loans."


Umm...what?

bluebubbles

Zoeydoggie, I'm going to have to disagree with you and say that there are actually TONS of places where you can work as an IR grad. OP, take a look at the hundreds of think tanks, research organizations, and NGOs out there. Work at one of these places for a few years, and it'll give you excellent experience for grad school. Couple your major with a finance or economics minor and you can go the finance, investment banking route. I think it's a very useful major and is a bit more "spicy" than the bland political science degrees.

zoeydoggie

You may be right, bluebubbles. I am going strictly from D's experience in DC. The think tanks, etc. there use grad school interns for low pay or free. There are a few spots for BA grads but the OP with a 3.5 is probably not competitive for them. They would also be unlikely to pay enough to do more than live a very modest life in that high cost of living area.

I'm not saying the jobs are not out there. I'm saying it will take a serious and dedicated person to find and land one and since earning money is one of the priorities the OP may want to look further afield.

zapfino

The University of Wisconsin has a great International Careers website.

The link is here:
Go Global! The International Careers Website