Top-5 Academic Programs for a Successful International Career

A successful international career undoubtedly starts with education. It is nearly impossible to get noticed and start your long ascent up the career ladder, without the proper academic background. If you like to read the biographies of successful CEOs of multinational corporations and global organizations, you have probably noticed that a large majority of them have stellar academic records, from top universities. 

However, while it seems obvious that you need the proper studies to excel in your international career, when it comes to picking an academic program – things get a bit complicated. Firstly, out of all the various types of degrees, which ones are the most appropriate to facilitate a successful career? Secondly, which universities and colleges offer the best return on investment for your professional path? And thirdly, you also have to look for accommodation near your university as it can be a real challenge for international students. That's where Amber steps in to provide affordable student housing like student housing in London and student accommodation in Nottingham that are hygienic, comfortable, and secure. And last, but definitely not least, there are literally thousands of academic programs around the world, so how do you know where to look and what to pick?  

If you want your graduate education to really work for your international career, you need the academic program that meets the following basic requirements: 

  • Do not base your research or your decisions on your previous undergraduate experience. Graduate degrees represent a whole other level, with quite different approaches and rules. Try to consider the whole process as a new degree, not related directly to the rest of your education. 

  • It needs to be from a legit university or college. Beware of money-making programs, with big loud names and little academic credibility. 

  • Strive to get into top tier academic programs. International employers are usually on the lookout for graduates from top schools. 

  • It must be accessible to you geographically. If you choose an academic program that is taught on the other side of the world, the challenge (and cost) of relocating there might be too much of an effort for you. With so many programs available out there, you have solid chances of finding something similar, but closer to home. 

  • It needs to have the price/quality ratio that is just right for you. You do not want to get into debt for the rest of your life, before at least considering a more affordable degree. On the other hand, if you find yourself just a bit short of the budget for the degree of your dreams, you can try to scout ahead on Jooble for college student jobs in the same geographic area. 

To get you started with some examples, we have compiled this list of five academic programs that meet and exceed all of the requirements above, while also being perfect for facilitating an international career:

  1. Master of Business Administration (MBA) – this type of degree needs no introduction, being one of the most popular choices worldwide. It is the top choice for a career in International Business or in Non-profit Management.
    Example of academic program: MBA Program, Stanford Graduate School for Business, USA (QS Program Rating: 94.5 / QS World University Ranking: 1).

  1. Master of Science in Organisational Development – programs in organizational development are great for international jobs is consulting, training and organisational leadership. 
    Example of academic program: Globalisation, Business and Development MA, University of Sussex, UK (QS Program Rating: 96.3 / QS World University Ranking: 246).

  1. Master of Philosophy in International Relations – these programs open up potential careers with international corporations and organizations, foreign and domestic governments, finance and banking institutions, consulting, research organizations, and public interest sectors. 
    Example of academic program: MPhil in International Relations, University of Oxford, UK (QS Program Rating: 89.6 / QS World University Ranking: 5). \

  1. International Law Degree – international law is a very exciting and dynamic field of study. Needless to say, professionals with a lot of expertise in international law are hunted by employers worldwide.
    Example of academic program: Master of Laws Program, Harvard University Law School, USA (QS Program Rating: 99.9 / QS World University Ranking: 3).

  1. Master of Arts in Public Health – with a master’s degree in public health, you can apply for international jobs related to health agencies, health policies, health education, research and even refugee work. 
    Example of academic program: Master's Programme in Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden (QS Program Rating: 90.5 / World University Ranking: 36).

While these are obviously just a few examples out of the thousands of options available worldwide, we hope that they will help you start your research and find the direction that is right for you. 

“Sine doctrina vita est quasi mortis imago.” (Without learning, life is but the image of death) – Dionysius Cato. 

Teodor Birsa 

2022-01-14 07:24:19
© Arina Ordina