Explore career options in Asian and international studies
Here you can find information on the types of careers and employment roles an Asian and international studies degree may land you.
You can also discover where to look for job vacancies, as well as professional associations, mentoring and international opportunities.
Opportunities
Studies in Asian and international studies and international relations provide you with a strong foundation in Asian culture and communication, Asian history and politics, business in Asia and international relations. As a graduate, you will be highly skilled in communication, research and critical analysis.
In addition to knowledge and skills directly related to your program of study, you will also develop a range of other skills (e.g. teamwork, analytical, communication) through academic study, employment, voluntary work, sporting activities and life experience. Recognising the value employers place on these skills is an important factor in your graduate job search.
Career fields
- Foreign Affairs
- Embassies and consulates
- Travel and tourism
- Translation and interpreting
- Human rights organisations
- Museums and cultural institutions
- Education
- Import and export
- Country risk analysis
- Public relations
- Non-Government organisations
- Aid organisations
- Corporations
- Consultancy
- Intelligence
- News and media
- Immigration
- Customs
- School teaching
- Police
Employment roles
- Immigration officer
- Coordinator of international relations
- Business reporting manager
- Customs officer
- English language instructor
- Government administrator
- Visa officer
- Manager of corporate affairs
- Administrative assistant
- Linguist
Your employability
In addition to knowledge and skills directly related to your program of study, you will also develop a range of other skills such as teamwork, analytical, communication through academic study, employment, voluntary work, sporting and recreational activities and life experience.
Recognising the value employers place on these skills is an important factor in your graduate job search. You can further develop your employability with these resources:
Vacancies
Information on relevant vacancies can be found in a wide range of sources:
- CareerHub
- Airlines worldwide
- Australian Government departments
- Customs brokers and forwarders in Australia
- Queensland Government departments Australian political parties
- Australian Suppliers Directory (AUSTRADE)
- Banks in Australia
- Multicultural organisations in Australia
- Chambers of Commerce and peak industry groups in Australia
- Export Council of Australia
- Freight shipping companies in Australia
- Foreign consulates and embassies in Australia
- Local Governments in Australia
- Logistics Consultants in Australia
- Think Tanks in Australia
Notable alumnus: Amanda Hodges
Amanda Hodges is an international strategic business, investment and government affairs executive leader with more than 20 years’ service in senior leadership and diplomatic roles across the globe.
Job application resources
Craft a stand-out resume and cover letter, and learn how to prepare for job interviews.
Approach potential employers
Many work opportunities are not advertised, so we recommend approaching potential employers with the aim of researching their needs and how your skills, experience, interests and qualifications could match theirs.
This is called informational interviewing and will benefit you by:
- clarifying your specific career direction
- enhancing your professional network
- increasing your chances of being offered a job.
Industry outlook
The Your Career website includes helpful information such as job descriptions, employment prospects, average weekly earnings and skills requirements. Every job title in the database has a skills section to help you identify and describe essential skills for your future career.
The My Future website also has job descriptions and a useful career insight section.
The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching website has up-to-date information on graduate salaries, especially the Graduate Outlook Survey (GOS) National Report, which contains undergraduate salary figures.
More detailed information is available at the Labour Market Insights portal.
Professional associations
Joining a professional association is a great way to interact with people in your field who can assist you to explore your career options and potentially find employment opportunities. These associations hold regular professional development and networking events:
- Applied Linguists Association of Australia
- Asia Pacific Sociological Association
- Asian Studies Association of Australia
- International Australian Studies Association
- Australian Institute for International Affairs
- Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators
- Foreign Correspondents' Association
- International Sociological Association
- Japanese Studies Association of Australia
- Korean Studies Association of Australasia
- Advance Global Australia
Students are welcome to join and often receive a discount on their membership.
Mentoring
The award-winning Industry Mentoring Program provides an excellent opportunity to further develop your employability and build professional networks.
The Program is available to students with more than 80CP as well as recent graduates.
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is aligned to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ) and is committed to promoting decent work and economic growth, advancing the principles of responsible and sustainable consumption and production, and advocating for peace, justice, and resilient institutional frameworks.
Further careers information
Careers counselling
Individual career counselling sessions are available to all current students and recent graduates.
You can book an initial appointment via CareerHub.
Career planning
Our website has an array of career planning resources you can explore at any stage of your student journey.
Career Readiness
Check out our Career Readiness site in Learning@Griffith for additional information and resources for your career development learning:
Similar career options
Please note: The content on this webpage is a guide only. Please refer to degree-specific information and accreditation requirements of your profession on the Degree and Course Finder website and with the relevant professional accreditation body for your degree.