Are you prepared to work in the international affairs field? We know employers expect a certain skill set - do you have it? Do you have a realistic sense of how you can advance in the field? Many students pursue a Master’s degree with a general idea of getting a job in the international field, yet once admitted to a program, put off decisions or even deeper thinking about a specific career and what that entails. This class puts those issues front and center, cultivating skills and methods, and undertaking the career discussion. Employers in the international aid and development and non-profit industry require proficiency in certain administrative and communication skills and tools, such as reading and manipulating spreadsheets, familiarity with information management software, and networking tools. They further expect mastery of soft skills such as the etiquette of working in this field, and, of course, critical analysis. Through a mix of workshops, activities and discussion, this course supplies students with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to be employable after graduation. Skills Workshops: Data literacy (database formation, spreadsheet work, visualization, analysis); Presentations and public speaking; Report writing and editing; Monitoring and evaluation (Results, effectiveness, defining success); Professional ethics. The Job Hunt: Individual advising; leveraging the MA / MS curriculum; resumes, LinkedIn and other online profiles, cover letters, interview; the world of consulting: is it the best path to break in?; working at, and applying to the United Nations; networking, networking, networking. In addition, the class will feature discussions with alumni successfully employed in international affairs, including at the UN. Assignments will give students not only an overview of the field, but also generate outputs for a portfolio that can be used in applying for jobs. In the process, students will gain confidence and comfort in discussing the international aid and development industry, its practice and terminology. As part of the course students will receive individual counseling and academic advising targeted toward a specified career direction. Course Objectives: 1. Develop skillset of specific professional tools that are sought by employers, 2. Through class outputs, build a portfolio and resume bullet points, 3. Gain confidence for a job interview based on being prepared for the interview, and prepared for the job as well, 4. Gain confidence in discussing the international aid and development industry, its practice and terminology. It is recommended to take this course prior to one’s final semester.