Career Pathways

The resources below are a jumping off point for someone interested in pursuing a career in International Education. Use these resources to delve into interests, spark ideas, or start a discussion with a mentor!

1. Understand the main career paths in the field:

• Supporting groups and individuals coming into the United States
• Supporting groups and individuals going abroad
• Supporting the field of international education
  • The following is a small sampling of international education organizations. Continue your search to find more. IIE, AMIDEAST, IREX, World Learning, American Councils for International Education, USAC, SIT, CIEE, AIFS, CEA, SFS, ISA, Semester at Sea, API.
  • Consider international and domestic non-governmental organizations.

2. Get involved with professional organizations:

• Become familiar with the organization by exploring their website.
• Many organizations will have a career center including job openings.
• Attend a conference. The conference registration fee often has a student rate or offers scholarships.
• Many organizations will have a regional chapter. Consider engaging at the regional level.
• Take trainings offered by organization.
  • Free, online training course for designated school officials working with immigration regulations
• Organizations to explore:
  • Supporting groups and individuals going abroad
    • NAFSA: Association of International Educators
    • Forum on Education Abroad
    • Global Leadership League
  • Supporting groups and individuals coming into the United States
    • NAFSA: Association of International Educators
  • International Initiatives
    • AIEA: Association of International Education Administrators
    • NAFSA: Association of International Educators

3. Review international education job openings:

• Explore professional organization career centers for job openings, general job search information & much more. Example: NAFSA Career Center
• Explore job posting sites which have international education sections. Examples: HigherEdJobs, Inside Higher Ed
• Consider: What types of jobs are posted? What skills are they looking for? Do you have those skills? If not, what training can you take?

4. Learn about your skills by taking a strengths test:

• Myers-Briggs
• Strengths Finder
• True Colors

5. Conduct information interviews with professionals in the field:

• Do you have a contact that could introduce you to the person you’d like to interview?
• Review online resources for how to request an informational interview
• Questions to ask:
  • What is your background?
  • How did you enter the field of international education?
  • What does your day look like?
  • What do you wish you knew when you were entering this field?
• Tips for a successful informational interview:
  • Do your research regarding the person with whom you’ll meet. A quick online search can give you some great conversation starters about their past publications or presentations in the field.
  • Dress to impress. This may not be a formal job interview, but you want to be sure to make a good impression.
  • Bring your résumé and be prepared to discuss why you want to work in international education.
  • Ask for advice and additional contacts. Try to get three to five additional names of people you can contact to ask for informational interviews. You never know who might be aware of potential job openings in the field!
  • Follow up with a personalized and genuine thank you e-mail or written note within 24-48 hours of your meeting.

6. Get involved with internationally focused organizations. Here are some to consider at CSU and in Fort Collins:

• CSU Cultural Mentors
• CSU Council of International Student Affairs (COISA)
• Fort Collins International Center (FCIC)

7. Consider educational opportunities at the undergraduate or graduate level:

• Majors/minors/certificates in political science, anthropology, international development studies, etc.
• Degrees: international education, student affairs in higher education with possible international education track, etc.

8. Explore post-graduation international experiences:

Look for international opportunities related to your professional goals, like teaching, working, researching, or attending graduate school abroad.

9. Apply for a nationally competitive scholarship:

• Fulbright Program
• To research other options, visit CSU’s Office of Scholarship and Fellowship Advising

10. Infuse your international education interests into your daily life:

Read books & blogs written by those who have lived or are living abroad, follow your inspirational leaders on social media, and dream big with your friends, family, and networks. You can do this!