Program Analysis
Eckerd's International Relations and National Security Studies program, while offering a strong liberal arts foundation, places graduates in a challenging market. Unlike programs in major policy hubs, your location in St. Petersburg means local entry-level opportunities in national security or international development are limited, requiring significant initiative to find relevant roles. The field itself often demands advanced degrees—a Master's or even a Ph.D.—for the high-level analytical and leadership positions typically associated with "political scientists" or "managers." Without those specialized credentials or extensive, targeted internships, you'll likely start in broader administrative, research, or non-profit coordination roles that don't reflect the high earning potential of the most specialized careers. If this remains your passion, you must actively pursue multiple internships and plan for graduate school early to compete for top-tier government, NGO, or think tank positions.