JSIS Alumni Careers
Finding the perfect job can be a difficult thing for a graduate of international studies. Available jobs in this field vary widely depending on individual preferences and constraints. We have assembled a list of resources and Web sites that graduates of international studies can use as they begin their search for gainful employment. The listed organizations regularly provide jobs, job-listings, fellowships, or internships that may be of interest to Jackson School alumni hoping to pursue an internationally-oriented career, be it in government, the corporate world, NGOs, or in academia.
Please let us know about other Web sites you find interesting, or any useful job-hunting tips or techniques specific to international studies alumni. Send your contributions to jsis_alumni@u.washington.edu.
JSIS Career Services
The Office of Career Services at the Jackson School is available to assist alumni as well as students in the job search. Located in 208 Thomson Hall, director Betsy Bridwell maintains a variety of resources that can be helpful in locating 'international' jobs. In addition to an email listserv where current announcements are posted, there are also books, directories of organizations, and other materials that can be used to research organizations that might be of interest. For more information, contact Betsy at: betsyb@u.washington.edu.
International Job Listings
These job boards post internationally-oriented positions available both in the US and abroad.
The Foreign Policy Association
A major American think tank on foreign policy, the FPA hosts a large job board featuring several hundred openings, almost all of which involve working in international affairs, for NGOs, government organizations, or universities.
Gateway to International Development Jobs & Consultancies
A website listing jobs in international development. You can also subscribe to their email Jobs Update Newsletter.
Idealist.org
An amazing job, internship, and volunteer resource that focuses on letting people know about non-profit opportunities.
Relief Web
A job listing web site that lists job in relief and development around the world
Women In International Security
A membership organization dedicated to promoting women in the field of international security, WIIS posts a wide range of international jobs, mostly in the D.C. area. Anyone can become a member and receive the bi-weekly job listings by e-mail.
Seattle-based NGOs
These organizations are all either based in, or have a significant presence in, Seattle. Though they tend to be small and rarely offer paid positions, many can offer internships and job-hunting advice for those interested in exploring positions in their area of expertise.
ACLU of Washington
The local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.
AIESEC at UW
or visit AIESEC at the UW, room 30 in the HUB sub-basement.
An international work exchange program that offers a wide number of opportunities around the world. Though a student organization, it can also offer exchanges for non-students.
National Bureau of Asian Research
Casa Latina
A Seattle-based organization that tries to give voice to give voice, education and support to Seattle's low-income Latino community.
Community Alliance for Global Justice
"The Community Alliance for Global Justice is an alliance of individuals and organizations working in Seattle and the region for the transformation of the global economy. We believe the global economy should embody the core values of social justice, environmental sustainability, democracy and self-determination."
Global Partnerships
A Seattle-based organization that focuses on microenterprise research and investment in Central America and on domestic advocacy projects. Its aim is to eliminate world poverty. Excellent opportunity for those wishing to utilize Spanish speaking skills.
Mercy Corps
A Portland-based organization that works to support the needs of children around the world.
Results
A Seattle-based political advocacy group that builds support for initiatives to end hunger and the worst aspects of poverty, in the US and abroad.
World Affairs Council
A Seattle organization that participates in bringing international issues to the local forum through community event planning, public school curriculum research and planning, and international visitor coordination. Internship is unpaid.
World Vision
A faith-based international development NGO that tackles the roots of poverty. "World Vision helps transform the lives of the world's poorest children and families in nearly 100 countries, including the United States. We extend assistance to all people, regardless of their religious beliefs, gender, race, or ethnic background."
General Job listings in the Seattle Area
With the exception of international business jobs, internationally-oriented positions in the Seattle area tend to be few and far between. If these are the kinds of positions you are interested in, you will have perhaps a much easier search if you resign yourself to moving to New York or DC, or perhaps San Francisco or L.A. However, if you do want to tough it out in Seattle, consider getting a day job to support you during what is for many—though not everyone—a very long search. Below are a few places to look for non-international Seattle-area job.
UWAA Career Services
The career services program of the UW Alumni Association. Features Husky Career Network, a searchable database of over 3,000 UW alumni and friends who offer career networking. Also has a long list of job openings in many fields, career-related workshops, and tips for career-related tasks such as resume writing.
Northwest Classifieds
Updated daily and list jobs in every field imaginable: contains the complete job-listings from the Seattle Times and Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Great search terms too!