what all IR students should know // job, classes, freedom 

Things all IR students should know: 1 - Lots of history classes. 2 - You need to know (several) languages. The more, the better. 3 - The number of essays you have to do. Info in mass media is always distorted, have to double-check everything. 3.1 - Have to conclude, analyse, and provide insight into everything you write. 4 - You need to be well-rounded and holistic in the work you do: Economics, history, politics, law... international relations isn't a thing, it's essentially just combination of many other subjects. 4.1 - This has pros and cons... it means you won't have enough expertise in any of those areas to apply for one of those specific jobs, at least not without further study. 5 - Future job opportunities are made difficult by how broad & unspecific IR is. You have to do a masters, almost definitely in something more specific, because a bachelors in IR just isn't enough of a qualification. More time studying, more time spending on education, etc

Fellow IR student here! I'm a few months from finishing my degree and have actually been considering filming a video on discussing the IR degree and future career prospects. This is a great video for anyone coming into the IR degree!

To be honest, the degree is what you make of it. You don’t need a Master’s to get a job (unless you really want to work in IR). Just make sure to have internships and to network during your studies. Ofc if you just expect opportunities to fall on your lap without putting in the work, that’s not gonna happen.

I think the main thing to consider when studying IR (as someone who is applying to study this and keep in mind I'm listing multiple ways to go about this): 1. Incorporate other skills you already have. What I mean by this is, I have skills in graphic design, photography, video/podcast editing, production, writing, and I have done real work for people and have a portfolio. Making a portfolio with your best school papers, designing your own website, or just doing something out of the box can get you noticed. Using skills you have in combination with IR will take you farther. 2. Have a minor or double major in something with hard skills like a language, business, computer science, etc. 3. International relations is a combination of a bunch of subjects: economics, law, politics, history, languages, etc. Think about the different things that encompass IR and choose which one you like the best. If it's law, for example, go seek out legal internships, jobs, etc in the future. 4. Pick a region of the world like Eastern Europe for example and learn everything you can about it. Pick one language from the region and start learning it. 5. Learn languages, there's not a certain number, but language learning is so important. I think many people (no matter what degree they get) go in it without a plan or idea of what they want. I'm not saying you have to make a 5 year plan detailing every step, but just taking the time to think about your interests and developing those is so important. At the end of the day, no matter your major, it's hard to find a job, but the more skills you pick up the more likely you can get a job (even if it's just to hold you over until you get your dream job). If you have aspirations to work at the UN or in the government that's fantastic, but also understand that there are so many other options. You can also have both. I know people who worked a job for 10 years and then finally went to college for the first time and used their degree well, and I know others who got their university degree straight out of high school and got a job using that degree, and 6 years later they changed their line of work to something completely unrelated to their major. What I'm trying to say is no matter what you choose in life things will happen. You have to make intentional choices about the jobs you take and although I don't agree with all points of the book, The Defining Decade is a book to read, if you want to look more into what I'm talking about. Well, rant over, I hope you all find yourself employed and in good spirits in these times. :)

As a first time IR student, worse, in Masters Degree (1st year also), I have to say I really like this. I can see some things you mentioned in the video, for example, i've noticed that some subjects seem to be very demanding, especially in terms of research/essays, history, economy and TIME. Especially for someone who comes from the languages field (my bachelors), I feel overwhelmed sometimes. Also, you see very different types of students: people from IR bachelors, people who already traveled the world, people who have been in higher places or represented their country.. I feel like I'm in disadvantage, and years behind. Not gonna lie and say, "Oh the name didnt meant anything for me, I wasn't dreaming about my future job", 'cause that's a lie. I have to say the name sounded appealing to me at first, "International Relations"..Ah, sounds like heaven. However, I also realized that I wanted this before. I'm a very curious person, and I want to know more about the world, conflicts and foreign policy. After all, this may sound like it's rocket science, or , can even be 'rocket science', but I like this and it's about the world we live in, and I want to understand it. PS: If anyone knows resourceful channels for IR in youtube, or good websites, anything, I will appreciate it :)

This was literally the video i wanted since idk so long . To know the darker side of affiliating yourself with the ministry and the much needed reality check. Thankyou for such an insightful content. Keep posting more. Much love xx

What is difficult for me In this field,is COMMUNICATION. I'm an introvert, only to find out I need to communicate alot 🙆😑

I'm so thankful that you chose to be so honest about all this, it's so helpful in many ways, I really wanted to understand everything about the IR field and this was the best video for that, you're amazing.

i love your videos and insights about IR :) you were actually a defining person on whether i would pursue a degree on this field or not and i’m very glad i did, so thank you very much!

OMG, what you mentioned at 8:00 is EXACTLY what i'm dealing with right now. I am so lost in narrowing down what exactly is the best fit job choice to pick because this major is so complex and I don't have background in Law or Economics, besides the courses surrounding those topics I've taken at my university. We consume a variety of different information, it's confusing to know where to put yourself when picking a job. I'm based in Washington D.C, and currently researching different think tanks and international companies to possibly join. Thanks for this video!! Just subscribed, I'm happy to see like- minded individuals in the same situation! much love

Finally someone who understands!! literally what you said is what I'm living right now

I love how honest you are!

This really gave me a lot of insights about this course because I’ve been contemplating between IR and architecture. I really love IR and wish to become a diplomat someday but am very hesitant about the freedom part since being architect has a lot of freedom actually but thank you so much for this. It really gave me a lot of options to consider :)

I graduated from IR last year during corona and came out of the degree more lost than ever before. I decided to go back to uni and i'm now doing my Masters in Social Work because it has proper jobs and has more direction compared to IR. Some of y'all are saying how negative this video is, but honestly, she's speaking facts. It's the harsh reality unfortunately.

I am so happy I found this video! Thank you so much for being honest and mentioning the pros and cons this year I decided to study IR hopefully everything goes well! 💕

I just watched this video and I can say that I totally agree with you.I am too IR student and I’ve became 3th grade end of this year.The uncertainty about future you talked abot same as me and I dont know what to do still.Yes we have had a lot classes from every field but they dont make us profession in specific area and this is annoying.On the other hand I love my department and I am happy for chosing it.I can say that this department definitely helps to improve your personality and you become a different person than you are in the past.Let see what will happen in the future.By the way you look very pretty and intellect girl from here 😇

Thank you so much for this! 3 years later, still very helpful

hey, i actually just discovered your channel and as i was thinking how cool it is, you uploaded a new video :) im an ir student from turkey and i can relate to everything you just said, i am literally in a love hate relationship with my field (i dont really hate it tho) and despite the fact that i find studying ir really inspiring and eye-opening, i have my doubts about job opportunuties. thats why im thinking of starting a second degree with international trade and business. anyways, loved your channel, your style, accent, room, vibe, and hair even though im not a colorful-hair-type of girl. so basically everything is great, thanks :) (this is actually my first ever comment on youtube for years haha)

Oh wow this is very different for me. I’m a junior at an international university in the US. The main differences are the emphasis on history and languages. Here we have more of an emphasis on theory and contemporary events. I also minor in political science and getting a certificate in national security studies and I’m having a blast! Lots and lost of writing, but rooted in original analysis and your thought process. I’ve taken an international political economy class but I just had to deal with economics once! I also didn’t have to study law :/ Seems like the demands in other countries are much more rigorous! I wish we did that here :((

Such a helpful video!! I'm a highschool student considering an IR degree, def gave me a reality check bc iwas def glamorizing it. much love

Apply the programme because you love it.. and the rest will be clearly open .... am ambitious

I am 20 and I am in my fourth year of IR in Mexico, and I can resonate with everything you say, and they're things that thankfully I've accepted, the thing of probably never getting married is passed me, and about the job, I think is very important to work o do internship while you are in Uni, so you start creating connections and learning about what do yo like to do in the field

love this!! I feel like finally someone speaks this all up. I’m an IR student in China and I thought that maybe IR-major student in the US or in Europe would be much easier to apply for a job, but it ends up like the same...

One of my biggest challenge is communication , it's like I've been an introvert for a long time ... And it's frustrating to know that I'm obliged to be a good speaker like Obama ... Anyway , we're in this Together . I hope we become friends

Thanks for making this video. I thought I am the only IR student who is dealing with such thoughts. This video gave me answers to my questions. It will also help me in my career selection. ❤

Thank you so much my dear for enlightened us on what we are supposed to know about the course we are pursuing right now. I believe just as you said, most of us choose international Relations' course due to the prestigious life we see people working in the ministry of foreign affairs are living but actually we don't even know what such prestigious life entails. Thanks once more for making us understand that this career is not a bed of roses

Oh my gosh, every words in which either we are dealing with or something that's always comes in my mind while studying IR. job, knowledge, nothing enough to know what is enough, I got whole things what you want to say through this video, now I'm in huge dilemma to apply for

Hey! I'm from Brazil and I'm about to start studying IR. Your video clarified a bunch of questions that I had about it. Thank you so much for this

Not me walking into this line of study with my eyes closed…I got a slap to the face when I started. Definitely not the type of majour you want to go into without knowing anything about it. I don’t regret choosing this as my field of study, but I definitely feel like I could have prepared myself more. I’m going into my fourth year and I am so LOST.

Thank you! Tomorrow I am going to enroll at uni. Today I had yet another hesitation if I should risk it all and follow the path of studying international relations or just a safer path like IT. You help me feel reassured of my decision to take on the safer path. After listening to everything you had to say studying Europeasm and international relations definitely doesn't sound like something I am willing to deal with.

Thank you for making this video! I am about to finish my bachelors in International Relations in just a few months, and I am having the same issues and concerns! I literally have no idea what job I would even like to apply for, and I definitely feel confused as well. I also feel like everyone in my major is wayyyyyy smarter than me, and meanwhile I feel a bit lost.

I think in the US there is a lot of potential for this career, specially if you are american.

Hello, I came to my last year in the International Relations department and you were a translator to my feelings. I wish I had watched this video before choosing this path. In these days I was feel like stayed in the middle of two ways but after this video I am sure i will change my way. Thank you for such a wonderful video.

Thank you so much for this video, i plan on enrolling in a IR course next year, and this made me feel secure about my decision. I love studying history and languages (I have moved around in my life, and already know a few), comparative perspectives and argumentative essays sound fun (i know, I’m a freak). So exited to start my course next year!

a completely honest video, thx!

i just want to thank you so muchh♡♡ this finalizes my decision to do ir it sounds exactly what i want

I want to study international Relationship and when I tell my parents about this, one thing they only worries is "can you find a job with this degree". and after taking a deep thought, I have gone college to learn different things and the first time ever, I go out and get a job since after graduate from secondary. Actually, I do have concerns can I finish this degree especially after i feel really deep that I need a break after gone through secondary school. and so I decided to make a wishing list of what i want to learn to explore, and in the meantime, i also found myself know less about society that connect with the real world, even thought i love reading and history books, but at the end of the day, I found it was not enough to fulfil my curious of the world. But getting out of the school is like, there is a world that I never seen and there is like more things should explore become go into learning this degree. after three years til now, my life change a lot (that destiny..). I live in another country now and starting a new life without knowing anything about the land, and now all in my head, is tried to make a living first before anything I want to do. I still read books related to literally EveryThing, haha. from economic to politic and laws, from history to literature that affecting how people think in this world. I still love reading tho. but still, i do have doubt from time to time whether should I do this degree earlier or not. although I like to learning something like this, but I'm thinking about.. when you start to have you business and then start you own life, and there is billsssss to pay lol. I'm just wonder. wondering, it is the right decision I made for myself, when you take things into account, like money and time, and the will that you are able to finish the course. But anyway, I will still try to move on but for those who gone so lost like me figuring what to do in the future and to Make A Living. I don't want this to be a options that I can only choose either one (either do things you like but you hard to find a job, or you can find a job but the thing you are studying is not what you want) because i can't do it both things at the same time. (like maintain your living while you are also working and studying in the same time. so...I hope people, who might going though these kind of thinking, hope it helps and I don't know.. but just feels like want talk about this a bit.

thank you well explained!! this is the video I was looking for!!

I come back to her videos to see whether she hasn't still blown up or not

I've just found your video, thank u!! really needed, just finished my IR Bachelor!

I got ya sis. I'm a freshman at IR in Portugal and was even elected as class representative but despite liking what I study and the field I'm not seeing any ways out. Finally someone who gets me because EVERYONE says there are lots of ways and paths and you can get lots of jobs but you don't get something concrete wich makes me insecure so I'm definitely thinking about changing to another safer course unfortunately (I need something safer bc I've to take care of my mom :/) Sorry for my bad english 😅

I face more problems just because I got to study abroad in Beijing, China. Sometimes I don’t dare to talk what I learn and think from the outside world.

Thank you for being so honest. That was helpful ❤️

This is literally my life in a video rn. sis be spittin fact

thanks so much for making this video. it really was helpful, to the point and what I was looking for🙏

Starting last year of IR I needed to hear that some one else has the same feelings about how difficult is to understand which is our place as professionals. You have a new subscriber, I hope you keep on talking more about our career! 👏🏼

Thank you so much indeed ☺️ Iam quite happy with your video, I'm from Sudan 🇸🇩

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences!

Hi, I'm 23 and currently pursue my master in IR and diplomacy at my own country. Your video does make sense to me, and make me realize the reality of this course from the way media glamorize it. Still, I'm still interested in pursue this course. Thank you for the video.

thanks so much for this update god bless you aspiring to be ir student

What you said at 10:00 up until a few minutes later is so true.

Thank you so much Rina for this video❤

I totally agree, International relations draws its concepts from way too many fields, it has me spread me thin so much Idk what I'm supposed to be working on lol

Well i done master in economics. I am planning to start another master in IR. The one thing which i don't like is capturing my freedom by this proffession. its seems very diffuclt job.

The speaker is so cute! I like the presentation styles, very relaxex and friendly Now I knew that IR in all countries is just the same!!! Do check on my International Relations video too! But currently I only have one IR videos in english. Others is in Malay language.

im a 19 year old freshman in college and i have literally no idea whatsoever what i want to do with my or what i want to study lmao i've been spending my day running a "day in the life of/what all x students should know/is x really a good major to pursue/10 reasons why u should not pursue x" marathon through like a quadrillion different majors AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Hey Rina, Loved your honest review of IR. I am looking forward to work in swiss govt organisations.

I really loved the video, thank u so much!

OMG, I just discovered that my favourite russian youtuber has an english channel❤️ Люблю и уважаю вас, Арина

Hey Rina, I can't understand what can I do for my future because in life two things to do like do any degree which give you best future like well paying job' and another way we think do that degree or study which you like which your heart accept but that situation I am too depressed about my study because good job is also necessary for your family and for future.. So. I am very sad about these silly thoughts.. can you please tell me what can I do and what is best for me.. because you're a knowledgeable girl and you have lots of knowledge.. I will wait for your response. Thankyouuu 🙂

awesome, literally I was waiting such video to know exactly about IR actually I am business graduate I would like to start IR

I actually need to start this career.

Hey I'm an IR student from kenya and I'm loving this video 😊 Thank you so much 🙏

I love studying languages especially Chinese, korea and Greek

That is literally me! I have no option but to take Mphil. I ENJOYED STUDYING BUT THE WORK LIMITATION IS FRUSTRATING. I also do realised that in last semester but yeah still i have gone for mphil program this year but thinking over starting business on side

I have a question Can I become a history teacher or historian if I study International Relations? I love History so much but in my city there are no history degrees to study, only Bachelor of IR and I think this might be related to History. Thanks in advance

I don't know whether it's a dumb question yet I am asking is it possible to apply for masters in international relations with any other bachelors qualification ( without bachelors in IR)

Thank you so much for such an informative video.

I study I.R. and, to be honest, I do like it. There is only one problem with it...I do not know what I want to do once I am done. How does the system differ compared to the American one? (New subscriber here lol. Just found out about this channel and already really enjoy the contents)

I'm a nurse here in Germany (expat) but i want to pursue IR. Do i still need to take the 4 year course or is there a program in I.R that focuses directly on I.R related subjects.

Thank you for your presentation ... I agree with you , IR is ... Huh aloooot of history like seriously .. it was useful , I got the same challenges .

tf man, idk if I'm still gonna pursue this major or not after I watch this video and read the comments, especially with how y'all explain about the job opportunity and how broad IR actually is

Super! Great video! I need more videos like that. Please! So interesting...

Im just a teenage who is really confused and doesn't know what to study and doesn't know her passion 😭 but i think im interested in this field........ Although i don't like history classes, I'm okay with the rest of the things i gotta do

I know English Hindi and Manipuri and I'm planning to learn German soon and I know a little Chinese

can you elaborate on career opportunities in International Relations other than becoming a diplomat?

Life saver. Thank you

Which University it is coz I am keen on taking historical classes.

Thanks for the whole lot of wit

Any advice on the specialisation of IR atleast how to go about either diplomacy, security or development...I'm finding it hard to decide

This major is amazing if you double major it with like economics or finance something like that you will have tons of job opportunities if you pair it with a degree with high demand jobs especially finance and economics majors think about double majoring this one you can open even more doors for work abroad

Where do you study?

u are amazing u made me think a lot

I am considering switching my major it is really hard to find what I really love..

Which university you're in?

Honestly, tank you 😘

If answer in yes, so to what extent

International Relationship is so difficult and hard to catch the concept. I've almost lost a passion for IR. What should I do about this?

Hey hii tell me one thing I am currently doing bachelor's in political science from india and I am willing to look for major in international relations and find job there

this video was amazing for me. I am a brazilian international relations studant (3rd year of college) and Im starting to see things how they really are (everything you mentioned) and I kinda feel the same way, I love studying this, i really do, but theres so much things we have to worry about. master is some of them, like EXACTLY what u said, companies wants that as a prerequisite, so here we go.... 2 more years studying etc etc

Hi!! Do you know some German universities where you can study IR?? Please ☺️

Haha as I enter into masters this is the video I needed to watch to confirm that despite everything I still want to do this!! Maybe I’m crazy lmaooo

Thank you for your video ❤❤ love you

So beautiful ❣️ love you and your lecture

Thank you so much for the video. As you are a senior student, pursuing your masters in International relations; you plz make a video on how to write a personal statement for coosing International relations for pursuing bachelor degree. What to consist in our personal statement? How will be our 1st year as international relations student? What are the things that we shuld better be knowing as basics for international relations vourse? Can you plz make this video?

the vdeo is nice and it's really increased my will of studying IR, what jobs will i do when done with studying this course?

Awwwwn thanks this video is so helpful😘

Really I get confuse I don't know I study international relations major or Chinese literature major in china 🤦🏻‍♀️it's really difficult which major is top for humanities and languages lover like me in world

I am final year student, studying IR I need more advices please

@14:57 TV shows or movies always have portrayed the Ambassadors and Diplomats as dumb. The guy with the gun always wins. :( Is there any Master's Degree to be the man with the gun? Anyway, the subject is particularly interesting.