Reply to Major for a kid who wants IR but is average student

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP here. Let me clarify. I KNOW my kid won't excel in IR, that is why I am asking what OTHER major should someone with this profile look at besides hospitality. 
He's not a Stem kid, he has high social intelligence, interested in social justice, and travel, and is a mediocre student but a hard worker and very practical. [/quote]

I'm trying to understand what do you mean by saying you know your kid won't excel in IR? This is a curious statement.

Do you mean in IR classes? (why not - these don't seem particularly onerous)

Or do you mean they won't in an IR career? (this is a broad swath - not everyone in IR is a diplomat or high level policy negotiator - there are many international non-profits out there and USAID etc.)

Side note - another option (probably not life long career option) is to work with tour companies that travel to Spanish speaking locations.  The leaders of these groups need to have top level social skills to deal with both the families on their tour and manage all of the local logistics in the country being visited.[/quote]
OP here, I mean excel careerwise. We live in DC and have friends in UN, State, IMF... I'm fully aware of what he'll be up against, even for super entry-level jobs. So I asked what else he could consider studying and making sure that he applies to schools that offer that. For example, he liked a school but later realized they didn't offer Spanish as a language. This has been a helpful thread. I know it's hard for DCUM to think lower than most. I really wish more here would talk about CC and 2 tier State schools. Not all of our kids can/need to go to top schools.[/quote]

Thanks for the clarification. FWIW - we have colleagues at the places you mention UN, State, IMF, World Bank....but what I'm trying to say is that there are many other paths to international employment.  I totally understand why you are asking for alternative paths  as support - but I also think you may be underestimating the opportunities your child may be able to take and be successful.  So I'm trying to throw in that support that side a bit. I also know people who do work in other countries at the ground level or for the federal government at basic levels - (not high powered jobs) and I suspect your child would be a candidate for that.  But keep the Spanish and get internships and jobs that use the Spanish because actually using the Spanish will take him a long way.  Good luck![/quote]

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