Since 1960 interest group activity has exploded. The vast majority of associations have extensive contacts with the government. The educational and experimental background of the staffs of interest groups varies greatly but social science and liberal arts backgrounds are common. Since most interest groups collect and analyze data which they relay to the government, students wishing to enter in this career should be able to demonstrate familiarity with the policy making process. In recent years the opportunities and the demand for qualified men and women with an interest in international organizations has grown enormously.
Jobs run the range from management and finance to writing.
Job placement is in private non-profit organizations, international business, financial institutions, and international government agencies. Examples of specific placements would be in CARE, World Vision, Peace Corps, CIA, or the Department of Agriculture. Graduate degrees are useful in international studies with specializations in such subjects as economic development, comparative government, regional studies, and political analysis. Engineering, computer science, public health management, and business administration are degrees in high demand also. In addition, the knowledge of a foreign language is usually required for an overseas job.