16/12/2021
We spoke to employers about what they look for in candidates—and how to seek out roles that will keep you motivated and inspired every day.
We’ve all felt uninspired. The difficulties of finding something fulfiling that still provides a good quality of life can be difficult—and it’s specific to each person. However, if you’re searching for meaningful career paths which take you around the world, then we have a proposal.
By studying the Master in International Relations or the Master in International Development, you’ll be lining yourself up for a career with positive impact at an international level. And while every possible career path requires some common characteristics like a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills and flexibility, we can offer expert advice about what companies are looking for in this particular field.
We talked to two employers, one from our own community, about the qualities they believe will set you on meaningful career paths that matter to you.
Gonzalo Castañeira, Head of People, Brand & Communications at Greenalia
For renewable energy provider Greenalia, the impact of their operations is always at the forefront of their thinking. Producing wind, solar and biomass energy, they’re highly conscious of the communities in which they operate. Their model offers transparency in environmental, social and governance sustainability as they seek to change mindsets in the transformation away from fossil fuels. Gonzalo says working for Greenalia, which has grown quickly from an ambitious startup, is always exciting. For him, it’s the value that IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs graduates bring that makes them attractive as prospective employees.
He says the institution’s innovative and international approach produces people with exactly the qualities Greenalia are looking for, with high-quality training, international exposure and innovative teaching methods. Each of these qualities can give you access to meaningful career paths.
As a result, those graduates add value to potential employers, he confirms. Greenalia is particularly looking for candidates with a desire to drive change and continuously push the sustainable agenda. They also seek strong leadership skills—candidates who can inspire teams and organizations in the pursuit of their mission, combining these qualities with creativity and innovation to challenge the status quo. Such candidates, he concludes, can be real dynamizers for organizations.
Javier Garcia Colino, Senior Associate Director, IE Talent & Careers
Our own Javier Garcia Colino offered some personal thoughts on the career paths available to students of the Master in International Relations and the Master in International Development, and the challenges confronting them upon graduation.
Javier’s role is to talk to companies in relevant fields, help alumni reaching out and pursuing their passions. Of course, there’s practical advice on how to write better CVs, cover letters, and so on. But IE Talent & Careers also runs workshops on personal skills—helping alumni find out who they are—and examines job market options and trends.
For Javier, there are five verticals which students of both programs might look to for a career where they can make an impact:
1. Public sector/public affairs companies
These companies work with governments in an effort to drive changes to regulations. These types of organizations may better suit Master in International Relations alumni.
2. Intergovernmental organizations
Formed by member states, these include global institutions such as the UN or the OECD. Alumni of both programs could make a positive impact in a career within these groups.
3. NGOs and foundations
These nonprofit groups, found in every conceivable sector, can have different aims and philosophies, but all offer the opportunity for a fulfilling career.
4. Think tanks and political science bodies
Think tanks conduct research with the aim of influencing government policy. These are better career destinations for Master in International Relations alumni, according to Javier.
5. Private corporations and NGOs with a specific focus on impact
These groups align their targets with social, economic or environmental concerns. They are usually smaller, making it harder to get into this field. But a career in this sector can be among the most rewarding, and Javier asserts that they’re becoming more important.
Whichever program you study, whatever your career ambitions and in whichever sector you want to pursue them, finding a job is in itself a job, Javier warns.
It takes effort and resilience since competition is tough. As such, opportunities can be scarce in the specific area you’re passionate about.
Concluding, Javier advises all students to get in touch with IE Talent & Careers from the very start of their program. They’re there to help, and Javier offers the firm commitment that they’ll be with you every step of the way.
