IR Grad School and Career Advice

[gabscf]

So I graduated college (Florida International University) this past Fall with a BA in IR and a minor in French. Applied to GW and American Uni's online IR program, however, I was rejected for both. I had a 3.2 GPA and my math score for the GRE was abysmal. My only field-related work experience was interning at the French Consulate in Miami for longer than someone should work as unpaid intern.

 

I've been thinking of waiting a year to re-apply to AU's online IR program. AU is my top choice because I can work and go to school at the same time, without having to physically go to a campus. So I have a few questions, don't know if this is the right forum for them, but here we go:

 

1. Can I use my LSAT scores in lieu of the GRE, my LSAT score is a 174. I only took it because I received a fee waiver. I also do not want to shell out another $200, or even $90, to take a test.

 

2. Does anyone know of another IR master's program that is fully online from a recognized university?

 

3. I want to work as either a FP advisor or a conflict resolution/peace-building specialist, how do I go about forging a path to one of those careers.

 

4. Does anyone know of paid internships, for non-students, in the field. I know paid internships, even for students, are nearly impossible, but maybe?

 

Thanks in advance for any help and advice you can offer. I'm really at a loss, or feel that way, and even thinking switching careers because IR seems like a rich-kid field because only they can afford unpaid internships and I've also failed at getting into grad school. Anything to humor me would be great at this point =)

[KenBesonders]

I know you LSAT score is good but grad schools are specific about using GRE for their criteria. No other tests can be used in lieu unless otherwise stated. (Sometimes GMAT)

 

With your outstanding LSAT score, I would almost recommend applying to law school and focus on a branch of international law, such as national security and war law. It can help open the same doors if you build a network. Georgetown and GWU are good for this sort of thing and sometimes you can take IR classes for your degree.

[leon32]

I'd strongly encourage you to wait to apply for Graduate School, and to try and work somewhere, even if it is not totally related. There are numerous ways to go abroad and make money, such as teaching English, working holiday in Aus and other places, etc. etc. In the meantime, you can do things like study study for the GRE. Before I took the GRE I studied everyday for 6 months and brought my math score from 20% range to 70% range. Taking the time and spending the $200 again will not only increase your chances of getting in, but of also getting funding. Also, studying and improving language skills is extremely important for either jobs or getting into schools. You can go to a top program with your GPA, but not without more experience and better test scores. My undergrad GPA was only 3.11 (I liked parties more than homework at the time), but after a few years of work and improving my skills and a high GRE score I got into every IR program I applied to, including top 5 ones with funding. BTW, do not go to Law School unless you actually want to be a lawyer, getting into international law is not exactly an easy thing to do, and probably hardly the first step for almost anyone out of law school.

Edited May 25, 2015 by leon32

[gabscf]

Thanks Leon32 and KenBesonders. Law school is def not on my list, I took a few comprehensive law studies courses and crossed law school out. I have an interest in human rights law, but not to be a lawyer.

 

Leon32, I'll def take into account getting more work experience before reapplying and retaking the GRE. I tried contacting someone at American University to get feedback on my application, but never heard back from them.

 

Can anyone suggest any places to intern or get an entry-level for a career as a FP advisor or Conflict resolution/peace-building?

[chocolatecheesecake]

Thanks Leon32 and KenBesonders. Law school is def not on my list, I took a few comprehensive law studies courses and crossed law school out. I have an interest in human rights law, but not to be a lawyer.

 

Leon32, I'll def take into account getting more work experience before reapplying and retaking the GRE. I tried contacting someone at American University to get feedback on my application, but never heard back from them.

 

Can anyone suggest any places to intern or get an entry-level for a career as a FP advisor or Conflict resolution/peace-building?

 

Most universities offer some services to alumni, including career services. You should try to get an appointment with career advisors who serve alumni at your undergraduate institution. The other way to figure this out is to just cast a wide net and look online at organizations that do the kind of work you're interested in. Start by Googling things like conflict resolution, think tank, US ngo, and things like that, and get to know the landscape of the field you're interested in.