Looking for a Job? International Affairs Major? Good Luck

As a senior about to graduate with a major in international affairs, I have become immune to the daily phone calls from my parents asking me if I have found a job yet (and telling me to stop playing around and go to law school or business school). I have learned to bite my tongue when strangers tell me my major is useless. I realize that in New York, if I mention that I’m interested in security studies, people assume I mean bonds and securities in the financial markets, not national security

I expect such an attitude towards my major outside of DC, even outside of GW. But when a career advisor at the GW career center began my consultation with: “Conflict and Security? What can you do with that?” I realized I was completely on my own when it came to finding a job. My consultation ended with "You should find someone to talk to about your major. Good Luck."

International Affairs is a specialized major, and the career options aren’t always obvious. However, GW has over 2100 undergraduates in the Elliott School! I don’t expect to have to tell the career center what kind of jobs are suitable for someone with my major.

To be fair, GW’s location has allowed me to start networking early on, so I’m in a fair position to find a job without the help of the GW career center. But DC is a city run on connections. GW has alumni all around this town. The career center should be a greater resource than it is.

My friends in the business school listen to my rant, with a relaxed smile, because at the business school, career advising is a priority. The Hatchet reports that two GW students are creating a resume critiquing website for GW business school students:

The partnership will be facilitated through the F. David Fowler Career Center, which provides career related services to business majors.

"It really comes down to our commitment to George Washington University. Ultimately we developed this product because we have a genuine interest in helping students on their résumés," he said.

Perhaps it's time for the Elliott School to start taking care of its own students.