OLD Master of Science in Foreign Service

Careers

The goal of the MSFS program is to give each student an excellent education and assist them in leveraging the resources available to them through the School of Foreign Service. While at MSFS, students develop a multipronged approach towards building a challenging and rewarding career after graduation, which is based upon creating their own personal network of career advocates both on and off campus. Both curricular and extra-curricular activities are designed to equip students with knowledge and skills that can be applied over a lifetime. In addition, the Program offers students a number of services to help them launch their careers, whether they are interested in pursuing a job in the private sector, with the government (US or foreign), or within non-profit or multilateral organizations.

Our international graduates from the Class of 2011 found themselves working in all sectors, including the private sector, in foreign governments, and for international organizations. A sample of some of the workplaces include: the European Union; the Governments of Bhutan, Peru, Poland, and Turkey; the World Bank; Barclays Wealth Management; the Inter-American Development Bank; the International Finance Corporation; Caritas; Kroll Consulting; Proximity Designs; the United Nations Foundation; SunEdison; and Knights Investment Group, among others.

Click on the following headings to learn more about MSFS career programs and services:

Internships: The MSFS Internship Coordinator helps MSFS students find part- or full-time work during the school year and summer that will fulfill their MSFS internship requirement while complementing their graduate education through developing professional skills and experience and expand their network of contacts. This past summer, 90% of the graduating class of 2012 interned; some decided to stay and work locally, while others found work abroad in locations such as: Austria, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Hong Kong, Jordan, Kenya, Madagascar, Mongolia, Morocco, Nicaragua, and Rwanda.

Careers: MSFS graduates are around the world pursuing careers in a wide variety of organizations in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. MSFS graduates have profoundly different interests and expertise, as demonstrated by the diverse number of employers that hire our graduates every year. Over 96% of the Class of 2011 is pursuing further education or employed by over 65 employers from around the world.

Career Counseling: MSFS has two staff members dedicated to providing students with advice and assistance in finding internships and full-time employment after graduation. Staff members meet with students individually and organize career and sector events. In addition, students often draw upon the guidance of faculty members, staff, and alums in expanding their professional networks and furthering their career search.

Career Center: In addition to our own in-house career services, MSFS students and alumni are able to draw upon the vast resources of the School of Foreign Service Graduate Career Development Center (CDC). The CDC provides advice and assistance to graduate students and alums in MSFS as well as the seven other SFS graduate programs and the Government Department. MSFS and CDC staff work closely together to maximize our resources and provide students the best guidance possible.

Careers in International Affairs: The award-winning guidebook published by Georgetown School of Foreign Service is an excellent resource for students seeking more information about organizations involved in international affairs.  The updated Careers in International Affairs guidebook will be available in 2013.

Professional Development Clinics: The MSFS Program offers evening and weekend clinics throughout the academic year designed to augment practical skills necessary for succeeding in the workplace.

Trips, Panels, Receptions: MSFS hosts a number of exclusive events throughout the year to introduce students to successful practitioners and potential employers in the field of international affairs, including alumni presentations, guest speakers brought in by our concentration chairs, a series of "DC Career Days", and our annual "NYC Career Trip".

Presidential Management Fellows (PMF): Georgetown is a leading supplier of PMF finalists to the US Federal Government, with 7% of the MSFS Class of 2012 named as PMF finalists this year. MSFS student interest in this prestigious, fast-track program is high and each year MSFS offers briefings and panels to educate students about the program, the application process, and how to find a PMF position in the US Federal Government.

U.S. Foreign Service: Georgetown supplies more members of the U.S. Foreign Service than the next three universities combined. Georgetown University is also the leading supplier of candidates to the CIA and NSA.