Foreword

As a student majoring in International Relations, I have long been fascinated by global

issues, diplomacy, and international cooperation. Yet, I often found myself wondering

what a real-world career in this field might look like beyond what textbooks could offer.

To find answers, I decided to personally reach out to professionals who are actively

working in various international sectors.

I conducted in-depth interviews with 12 experts whose work spans international

education, public diplomacy, humanitarian aid, international development, civil society,

polar research, and international trade. Each of them offered not only a window into

their professional journeys but also valuable insights and advice based on their field

experiences.

Through these conversations, I gained a deeper understanding of the wide range of

career paths that an International Relations major like myself can pursue. More

importantly, I was inspired by the passion, resilience, and sense of purpose each person

brought to their work. This project has not only broadened my perspective but also

helped me envision my own future more clearly—with both aspiration and practicality in

mind.

Minji