IR Personal Statement with Unclear Career Goals?

[clove75]

Hey all, the gist I've gotten from most is that a personal statement for IR programs (for the likes of Georgetown SFS, SAIS, etc.) is supposed to be quite specific on how you feel the program will advance your career goals. 

 

My problem, of course, is I am still not sure what specifically I am interested in doing.  I am quite interested in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but have no idea how that interest will manifest itself down the road.  I could see myself joining a think-tank, working for a peace-building NGO in Israel, or even working in the U.S. govt. regarding Middle Eastern policy.  My philosophy is that I should keep learning about the region and international politics, and opportunities will present themselves.  But is that what programs want to hear?

 

If not, how do I spin my interests in a more positive manner?

 

Thanks!

[ZacharyObama]

Strive for clarity and if not clarity then cohesiveness in your explanation of your uncertainty.

[cptdelorean]

i would say work until you actually have more of an idea, so as to not invest time and money into something you dont want to do

if not that, then choose one thing that you want/may want to do (preferably something that you can make evident by experiences/work), and say you want to do that. no one follows you around and makes sure you are doing what you said you would do in your SOP.

so, if you worked for an ngo previously, say that. if youve done more think-tank stuff, say that.

[intlrlns]

Just sound confident about what you 'think' you want to do..present a strong case for your interest in the Middle East, citing examples of how you already have some academic/professional experience in the field (if you do)...what kind of an institution your grad school degree takes you can be facilitated by your networking skills and the school's career services/alumni network. 

But if you're unclear on the issue you're interested in then consider taking some time to work at an NGO/think-tank to narrow down your interests and institutional preferences. Better to do that before you invest in an expensive grad school degree.