Global Political Studies

Have you always been passionate about politics, the importance of international issues and the dynamics of domestic policy against a background of global political realities and pressures? Do you want to explore issues such as international terrorism, global trade policy and international diplomacy? Majoring in Global Political Studies within the Department of Political Science will put you at the crossroads of foreign politics, political economics and domestic politics by combining specialized study in International Relations and Comparative World Politics. The program proposes diversified course offerings which will allow you to gain understanding of the forces shaping political and economic realities across the globe.

Career Options in Global Political Studies

Below is a sample list of some future choices to explore following studies in Global Political Studies. This list is not exhaustive but it provides a solid idea of what fellow graduates have gone on to do and what potential careers a Global Political Studies degree can offer. Some options are more directly associated with specific areas of Global Political Studies than others.

Author
Archivist
Children’s Rights Advocate
Community Worker
Diplomat
Editor
Entrepreneur
Event Planner
Executive Assistant
Foreign Business Advocate
Foreign Service Worker
Fundraising Coordinator
Human Resources Specialist
Industrial Relations Consultant
International Aid Director
International Brand Strategist
International Development Worker
International Security Analyst
Journalist
Lawyer

Legal Aid Representative
Lobbyist
Magazine Contributor
Marketing Director
Market Researcher
Non-Profit Organization Director
Political Strategist/Analyst
Politician
Publisher
Professor
Project Manager
Public Policy Analyst
Public Relations Representative
Researcher
Social Program Director
Speech Writer
Trade Policy Analyst
Translator
UN Representative

Some of these career choices may require additional education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential education or professional formative courses and exams. For a more in-depth description of some of the careers mentioned above visit Career Cruising (login information can be found on the home page of the Career Centre's online system) or the National Occupational Classification website.

Skills Developed through a Global Political Studies Degree

A background in Global Political Studies ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges. Here are just a few of the skills a Global Political Studies degree can help you develop:

Core Global Political Studies Skills

A strong ability to express yourself through written work in an informed and analytical manner
Solid communication skills developed through presentations, classroom debate and group projects
An ability to think critically about social and economic issues within the framework of global politics
Understanding of the subtleties shaping international and national political scenes in Canada and abroad

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
The ability to organize, understand and analyze sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas
The skills to collect various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields, put them into writing and efficiently convey your message and the goal of your work

Management and Teamwork

The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project’s intended and successful end result
The capacity to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems
The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field. The following is a selection of organizations related to the field of Global Political Studies that you may want to visit as you research career options for Global Political Studies graduates.