Richard Damstra
Foreign Service Office, U.S. Department of State
Foreign Service Office, U.S. Department of State
2018 Graduate is Promoted from Intern to Program Coordinator
2006 Graduate Technical Expert at the Social Security Administration in Chicago
Refugee Resettlement Worker with Bethany Christian Services, now working for the American Red Cross
Foreign Affairs Officer, State Department of Global Women's Issues
With a strong foundation in the liberal arts, International Relations majors are well suited for a variety of careers. Occupational opportunities include government administration, politics and campaigns, public policy, non-profit organizations, international relations, business, law, and journalism.
There are so many career resources available to undergraduates that it can be a bit overwhelming. To get you started, we recommend that you take advantage of GVSU's Career Services office, and read two books. GVSU's Career Services site can be found at https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/
The Career Services office has a very helpful Career Guide available at this site that is mandatory reading for anyone at GVSU contemplating a career. The office offers practice interviews and assistance with building and refining your résumé. They also sponsor periodic career fairs, which are chances to meet directly with potential employers.
Graduate School
These three sites can link you to all the professional master’s degree programs offered in the public administration, international affairs, and public policy fields:
National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA)
https://www.naspaa.org/
Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA)
https://www.apsia.org/apsia/index.php
Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM)
https://www.appam.org/
Law School
If you are contemplating law school, check out our helpful pre-law FAQ.
Aaron McGhee is the winner of the 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad
Jul 3, 2024
Sarah D. Pullins is the winner of the Outstanding Paper Award for Political Science and International Relations.
May 3, 2024
Jackson Tisdale is the recipient of the Grand Valley in DC Scholarship for the 2023-24 academic year. The purpose of this alumni-funded scholarship is to assist students in pursuing internship opportunities in Washington, D.C.
Apr 5, 2024
Dr. Tafel wins Pew Teaching Excellence Award
Feb 19, 2024
Eligibility is open to all students who major in political science or international relations.
Feb 13, 2024
August 6, 2024 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Join me to learn more about the Gilman International Scholarship and other fellowships (external, competitive, high-impact opportunities) that help to defray the cost of undergraduate study abroad! The...