Graduate Student Services

1957 E Street, The Elliott School building

Taking Advantage of Short Term International Opportunities
Theodore Ho, M.A. candidate 2012

GW's Elliott School of International Affairs was recognized for preparing alumni for jobs with the U.S. government as reported in Foreign Policy.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates offer career advice at an Elliott School event.
» Watch the video

Career Coaching

Typical sessions include assistance with:

Clarification of career goals
Resume/cover letter critique
Networking tips and suggestions
Job search strategies
Compensation negotiation assistance
Job & internship advice for international students
Career coaching for mid-career professionals

International Career Direction Assessment (ICDA)

The ICDA is a computerized self-assessment tool that looks at your skills and interests, work personality, and occupational preference profile in relation to a career in international affairs.

Professional Development Action Plan (PDAP)

The PDAP is relevant and required for all of our students regardless of program. The PDAP provides an opportunity to map out a career plan for the duration of the graduate program.

Asks you to reflect on current skills/interests/abilities, what you would like to improve while you are here, and what actions you will take to do this.
The focus is on school and work experience COMBINED.
You can use the Career Track Guides to complete the plan

We strongly encourage that you discuss your PDAP with a career coach.

Mid-Career Students

Professional career coaches are qualified to help all students with all levels of experience with their career development and job search.

International Students

GSCD is aware of the unique career development needs of the school's diverse international student community. In addition to the range of services available to all students, there are a series of events and programs specifically for international students throughout the academic year. These include:

international alumni mentoring discussions
presentations by employers hiring international students, and international alumni panels about how to find a job in the U.S.

For additional information, please refer to our international student frequent asked questions as well as the document "How to Search for Job in the U.S. for International Students" that is located in the document library section of Elliott School Career Connection.

Graduate Student Career Development Newsletter

The GSCD newsletter is emailed out on a monthly basis to all students. The newsletter features profiles of current students and alumni, a career advice column, career articles, and updates about events and deadlines.

International Career Employment Weekly

The International Career Employment Weekly is an outside publication to which GSCD has purchased a subscription that allows us to share this information with our students and alumni. This publication contains a long list of opportunities around Washington, the United States, and the world. It is a good resource for those looking for internships and employment. Every week, the new username and password is emailed to you through the weekly events email, and we also post them on the homepage of Elliott School Career Connection.

We ask that you only share this information with other Elliott School alumni or students.

ESCC Weekly Events Newsletter

Every week, we send you updates about all the events that are happening within the Elliott School, across campus, as well as in the greater Washington, DC area.

Walk-ins and evening appointments

Walk-ins are quick, 10 - 15 minute appointments. Please check Elliott School Career Connection for updated walk-in hours during the day or evening. We are also available after-hours by appointment.

Phone-A-Coach

We offer telephone appointments to review resumes and cover letters or to discuss action plans. You can make an appointment by calling (202) 994-3788 or emailing escareer@gwu.edu. You can also phone-in during walk-in hours.