Professional placement has the highest priority at the School of International Affairs (SIA). From their first semester in the SIA, students will have the opportunity to work with the director of International Career Services. The director will connect students to the strongest possible network of opportunities prior to and upon graduation through the resources offered by Penn State, its faculty and alumni worldwide, as well as a range of multinational organizations, institutions and enterprises.

Professional Career Counseling — A licensed counselor works with students to define and target the best placement possibilities and identify internships, faculty alliances, and relevant extracurricular activities to achieve the career goals and aspirations of each student.

Individual Assessment — Evaluations and assessment overseen by a licensed career counselor can be used to support students’ existing career exploration/awareness activities.

Resource Library — Materials include useful information for all stages of career planning, as well as special materials and resources related to global job searches and international careers. Resources are available to assist students and alumni who wish to explore international affairs related occupations, learn more about national and international organizations, and locate internship and employment opportunities. Career search topics range from networking, career exploration, resume/CV writing, cover letter writing and templates, interview strategy and technique, and personal development to specific information on the customs, traditions, and etiquette related to careers and job searches in other regions and countries.

Enrolled students also will have access to the extensive resources of Penn State’s Bank of America Career Services Center and the collections of the University Libraries, a top ten-ranked library system containing more than 5.2 million volumes, 5.3 million microforms, and 68,000 serial subscriptions, and more than 500 databases and 15,000 e-journals.

Mock Interviewing — A videotaped mock interview is one of the best ways to prepare for an actual internship and/or employment interview. It not only provides experience and practice answering questions, but also provides insight into the interviewer’s perspective that can be viewed, analyzed, and critiqued.

Invited Speakers — Panel and individual guest presentations/programs throughout the year will focus on timely international issues and professional development topics.

Skills Training Workshops — A workshop series provides specific instruction in job research, resume-writing, interviewing, networking, and all aspects of professional career development.

Internship Database — A database of more than 450 internship opportunities is available to enrolled students. In addition, a number of exclusive internship opportunities have been developed through faculty and alumni designed specifically for SIA students.

Job Placement — Our graduates will be placed in a variety of venues, including international organizations; media organizations; federal, state, and local governments; consulting firms; higher education institutions; cultural and educational change organizations; policy research centers; development assistance programs; foundations; and multinational corporations.

Alumni Networking — Opportunities are available to meet and network with almost a half million Penn State alumni worldwide. Enrolled students may join Penn State’s Blue and White Society and have access to the Alumni Association’s powerful online directory to reach out to 450,000 alumni across the nation and the world.

Lifelong Access — Alumni will have lifelong access to career services. Whether it's to get professional advice on effectively updating one’s resume, to learn the latest developments on job search techniques, or to relocate, the Office of International Career Services can assist.