The Best Six Sectors to Work in with an Area Studies Degree

Interested in studying an area studies degree but not sure where it leads? Don't worry. We've got it covered! Read on for a guide to the potential career paths for area studies graduates.

An area studies degree offers an interdisciplinary study of a geographical, national, federal or cultural region. Whether you're interested in Latin America, Asia, Africa or the Middle East, an area studies degree will introduce you to a new language, the contemporary debates and issues of your chosen region, and a range of different subjects from politics and literature to economics.

Alongside helping you develop many transferable skills, your course will give you the chance to gain expertise in your chosen area and prepare you for these six careers.

Journalism Whatever your interests or location, your niche specialism within a specific region — combined with the strong analytical and writing skills developed on your degree — will give you greater credibility in job interviews or freelance pitches.

Diplomatic service/diplomacy While most diplomatic services today don't require a specific degree level or subject area, popular course choices for diplomats include area studies, international relations, law and economics.

Fluency in multiple languages is an absolute advantage in this field, along with strong verbal and written skills, cultural adaptability, and a deep understanding of international politics.

International law As individuals and organisations increasingly find themselves facing international regulations and laws, it has become fairly common for area studies graduates to move into the legal profession.

Brace yourself first. If you want to become a fully qualified lawyer, you'll need to complete a conversion course or a Master of Laws (LLM) and pass the necessary professional exams and training. Also, remember that competition for positions at law firms can be fierce, and pressure piles up!

NGOs An area studies degree will prepare you for a wide range of careers in NGOs. You'll gain global awareness and expertise in a specific region and/or range of issues.

A great way into NGO work is often through volunteering. Most area studies programmes will require you to complete work experience abroad, and some may even offer you opportunities to volunteer with overseas NGOs.

Teaching and/or academia An obvious choice for many area studies graduates is to go into research, teaching or academia. Depending on your goals or level of education, you may need to complete a PGCE or PhD to land your first job.

Military Depending on your interests and values, working in the military may be the right choice for you. Your global edge, research skills, foreign-language ability and area-specific knowledge may make you well suited to intelligence or humanitarian-aid roles.