Graduate Career Development Programs

The career development team at Graduate Student Services (GSS)' offers information sessions and career-networking panels throughout the academic year. These resources span many sectors and industries within international affairs. In addition, career coaches are available to conduct mock (practice) interviews with students to prepare them for a broad spectrum of opportunities.

 Career Networking Panels

Student, alumni, and employer panels provide Elliott School students with valuable information that can help shape their careers. Alumni and employers taking part in the panels share insight on their organizations and industries, with topics such as:

  • Finding and preparing for an internship abroad
  • Careers in the federal government
  • International development
  • The private sector 

Recent Career Cafes

Career Cafe with Scott Stein, OIE

Capstone Career Cafe

Environmental Crisis with Dr. King

This informational program helps acquaint Elliott School graduate students with organizations in their areas of interest. Site visits, which are for informational purposes (not for job interviews), provide students with an insider's view of career possibilities, required qualifications, and employment and internship opportunities. 

Organizations that have participated in the program include:

 Professional Development Workshops/Seminars

Sessions are available throughout the academic year on such topics as:

  • Interview techniques
  • Federal government job search/navigating USAJobs
  • Networking strategies
  • Professional etiquette
  • Salary negotiation
  • Security clearance process

 Mock Interviews

Employers report that strong interview skills are indispensable. For that reason, we encourage all job seekers to practice interviewing --  individually, with company representatives, or with a career coach -- to get feedback and hone their skills. Our mock interviews can also be conducted over the telephone.

 Alumni Networking

Networking is the backbone of a career search in Washington, D.C. and beyond. We offer multiple training opportunities that address networking skills - individually and as part of a group. We also encourage students to use the Elliott School Alumni network in LinkedIn. The Elliott School has a powerful network of over 23,000 alumni around the world who are great resources for informational interviews and career advice. (Please note: The Elliott School LinkedIn group is a closed group, so you must indicate “The Elliott School” under education to be accepted into the group.)

Hear from our alumni!

In this video series, we sit down with Elliott School alumni to ask 3 questions about their career paths and educational experience at Elliott.