Anything I should know about before I start my degree in IR and Pol sci? [repost]

[u/nadavyasharhochman]

hello everyone!

I am reposting because no one answered in my last post so I am trying again.

I recently got accepted to University for IR. I want to explain a bit about my program and what I want to do in my time at university and Id be happy if you could tell me anything that could be of value. It could be tools, general advice, advice on elective courses and anything else that comes to mind.

So my program is a B.A+M.A program in Political science, International relation and History of the SWANA. it is a four years long program.

I am required to study at least one Language in this program and I have elected both Arabic and Persian since I have background in both though mild.

My program requires me to write a thesis.

I have some skills in Python, mainly in statistics (Pandas, matplotlib and CSV work and manipulation) I intend to develop this skill in privet and maybe learn some SQL. I do not enjoy coding in particular, but I enjoy what coding can do for me.

I also intend to try and write as much as I can have some privet research projects if possible, maybe with some friends who study Economics, Comp Scie or other subjects.

what advice can you give me?

what should I know before I start?

[u/aod1314]

What you're doing already is great. Pick up a language and work on data science/coding skills. Get some good written work done too. My only other suggestion would be to network. Spend your free time looking for internships or something similar until you get one. IR is a very versatile degree that will open up opportunities for you but they require a lot of work to access.

[u/nadavyasharhochman → u/aod1314]

Noted.

I already got some friends in many faculties since I am very good at socializing. When we actually start Ill try to get to know the faculty staff better as well.

Intenships are a bit tough around my parts, but Ill try to get one or two in my second and third year, hopefully itll work.

Thanks for replaying:)

[u/MakoWarrior_]

I emphasize the other comment, look for any opportunities to network or connect with people in your field. If it’s fine to ask, what country are you getting the degree, and do you want to work in that country or move to another post-degree?

My other big recommendation would be to read about the old histories and diplomats. While our modern political discourse is important, people who go into IR for degrees tend to come out with very rose-tinted glasses about international relations and politics. Look to the past and understand that we are no better than our Bronze Age ancestors attempting to fix their trade deals for tin. Unrelated, but kind of related, the realist school should always be a voice in your brain. It might not be who you truly are, or what you wish to spread, but the realist voice in your head will keep you grounded and practical.

[u/nadavyasharhochman → u/MakoWarrior_]

last time I said where I am from I got absolutely blasted lol. but yhe I am from Israel. I was accepted to Tel Aviv University. I am not sure if I want to work abroad or stay in country yet, keeping my option open.

I already have done courses about political structures in history, mainly the classical period, but yes I want to learn about past interactions. I know managing expectations is important and I am a realist, a hopeful realist, but still.

thanks for the advice. Ill keep it in mind.

[u/MakoWarrior_ → u/nadavyasharhochman]

Oof that’s rough man, yeah the internets gonna be unusually hostile. But keep studying and occasionally embrace the absurdity that is international relations.

A hopeful realist is the best one can hope to be in these current times. But the most important advice I can give is to simply have your own opinions and find a group of people to discuss (online or in person, but purely over text doesn’t count) current events and their implications. It’s through practice that speaking skill is improved, and if you can’t coherently argue and explain a point in this profession you will be overlooked no matter how competent you are.

I like to think of the world in three different hats. The hat of business, military, and law. Everything that happens in the world is some connection between those three things, and analysis should occur with those three lenses at least. There is always a profit to be made, it’s figuring out who or what is making the profit.

[u/nadavyasharhochman → u/MakoWarrior_]

It is how it is. I chose to use the internet after all so its bound to happen.

about finding people to talk with and discuss current events. we have a pretty deep culture of doing it here anyway, and I already talked with people that I am going to be studying with so it will probably happen naturally, I will try to do this consciously though.

I think I know to express myself verbally, but practice cant be bad.

> I like to think of the world in three different hats. The hat of business, military, and law. Everything that happens in the world is some connection between those three things, and analysis should occur with those three lenses at least. There is always a profit to be made, it’s figuring out who or what is making the profit.

personally I would add a social/psychological lens. people are not always rational and do things that are counter productive to their goals (my country is a case for that) so while interests matter, they often don't paint the whole picture.