Overview
International affairs professionals in state government help strengthen connections between their state and the global community. They may support international trade and business development, promote tourism, coordinate international education initiatives, foster cultural exchange and build partnerships with foreign governments and organizations.
Those working in international affairs play a key role in advancing economic growth, educational opportunities and global engagement for their state. This work is ideal for individuals who enjoy relationship-building, cross-cultural communication, strategic thinking and collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
What You Might Work On
In state government, professionals in this field often:
- Initiate and maintain business partnerships with other countries
- Oversee recruitment and/or programming for international students at universities in the U.S.
- Plan and host events for international delegations and dignitaries
Is This a Good Fit?
While roles and responsibilities vary, you might enjoy this field if you:
- Enjoy working in a cross-cultural environment
- Researching and drafting project proposals and partnership agreements
- Working across multiple levels of government and other international organizations
Where You Could Work
State government is broad — so where do you start?
One approach is to focus on a type of role. Another is to focus on a mission area or the kind of impact you want to make (i.e., in public health, education, transportation or elsewhere).
Keep in mind: mission areas often span multiple agencies, so you may find relevant roles in places you wouldn’t expect!
Professionals in this field work across many state agencies depending on mission area, including:
- International trade and investment: South Carolina Department of Commerce
- International education: Any state-funded university/academic institution; Example – University of Houston (Texas), George Mason University (Virginia)
- Travel and tourism: California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)
Sample positions
International Trade Manager
| Employer / agency | Georgia Department of Economic Development |
| Location(s) | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Mission context | Strategically deliver economic development throughout the state by attracting new business investment, supporting the expansion of existing industry and small businesses and pursuing and expanding the State of Georgia’s international relationships. |
In this role, you may:
- Develop an effective trade promotion program to recruit new companies and expand the trade client base to increase exports statewide
- Connect with trade partners, initiate contact and build relations with local communities and industry associations
- Manage trade promotion events including trade shows, in-bound and out-bound buyer delegations and export seminars
- Perform research on potential international markets, market trends, trade policies and other research related to export development
Director of International Programs
| Employer / agency | Skagit Valley College – Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges |
| Location(s) | Mount Vernon, Washington |
| Mission context | Advocate, coordinate and direct Washington state’s system of 34 public community and technical colleges. |
In this role, you may:
- Cultivate partnerships and engage in opportunities that meet or exceed SVC’s international student recruitment targets through contractual partnerships and relationship management with secondary school students, families and counselors as well as embassies and other key international partners
- Liaise with assisting agencies such as the U.S. Department of Commerce, American Association of Community Colleges, Education USA, National Association for Foreign Student Affairs, etc., for the purpose of increasing international student enrollment
- Establish strategic agreements and partnerships with international high schools and university officials, government agencies, educational organizations and professionals who serve international students
Homeland Security Program Analyst 1
| Employer / agency | Office of Emergency Management, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services |
| Location(s) | Albany, New York |
| Mission context | Responsible for coordinating the activities of all state agencies to protect New York’s communities, the state’s economic well-being and the environment from natural and human-caused disasters and emergencies. |
In this role, you may:
- Evaluate and comment on homeland security, emergency services and public safety programs and studies regarding transportation hub safety, security and risk conducted by state and national governments and public/non-profit/private sector organizations
- Conduct comprehensive research on homeland security, public security and emergency management trends at the state, federal and international levels, interacting extensively with agency representatives, subject matter experts, advisory services and legal resources, as relevant. Draft preliminary reports and recommendations based on gathered information
- Instruct transportation hub employees in the area of terrorism awareness
