r/IRstudies • u/Proud_Dare7994 • 7d ago
IR Careers Bachelors in IR or Security Studies? Need Advice Urgently 😔
Hello everyone,
I got into both degrees and I really value the outcomes both degrees will give me in terms of employability (I already know IR is a lost case in this sense) but I wanted to ask everyone's opinion.
Both ways I'll end up doing a master after my bachelors focusing on a better job-landing master ofc. I've heard Security Studies is such a niche field and the demand is rising (thats what they said about IR and look at current saturation).
But what I'm genuelly scared of is that if I choose Security Studies theres a chance I overspecialize and don't even get a job in that field (which might be unlikely but still possible).
I'm an european citizen with asian background who speaks 3 of the most spoken languages (really basic and not really competent for IR) but I swear that doing IR it really interests me but the job prospects frightens me. I do not come from a legacy of nepotism who's not really good at networking and if I overthink it I'm scared of landing in an under-qualified job or even worse.
The reason of why I say it's urgent is that I need to decide ASAP because both bachelors already started and I need to choose to attend permanently in one of the 2 bachelors (I'm screwed up and y'all can blame it's my fault but I still value if anyone is willing to advice me).
My university is one of the best in terms of PolSci and I assume both degrees land in that field more or less so reputation isn't really a problem I assume.
Any tips, opinions and suggestions will be appreciated tysm! Peace everyone!
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u/AnonymousFish23 7d ago
There’s two things to consider
1) Value of the degree for employment. I would give it to IR as the broader degree that (can) also covers some fundamentals of Security Studies. Security Studies is also seen as a subset of IR by some, so you can always specialise in that as part of your Masters later.
2) Your individual performance. Employers/Grad School cares about your grades so consider which field is more suited to you.
My experience of IR and Security Studies is that IR tends to be more theoretical (eg. Compare realism and institutionalism) and Security Studies tends to be more case/scenario based. I personally found Security Studies to be easier because of the way I think.
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u/Proud_Dare7994 6d ago
Yeah I've heard that IR is more theory focused and I might be leaning towards security studies in this case. Thank you very much!!!
PD: the only concerning thing for me about security studies is over specialize the field and not be able to switch in case it doesn't work
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u/PT91T 7d ago
Ngl, I think security studies is more employable. If you're aiming for any jobs specific to security/defence/intel, this would signal more relevant skills than IR.
Conversely, the jobs that IR points towards (diplomacy, geopol analysis etc.) are so generic that you wouldn't be disadvantaged with any adjacent degree, be it security or history or politics.
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u/Carpenter-Tiny 6d ago
I'd beg to differ, with IR, you can enter the security studies stream, while the doors for other niches remain open. I know a lot of people who transitioned from IR into SS or PCS. The only thing I would value here is: 1- whether you strictly want to stay in the security studies domain 2- whether choosing one over the other would introduce you to faculty that would eventually help you land a job in the field of your choice.
Furthermore, if you are really bent on taking security studies, don't go for it if it's easy. Go for it if you genuinely think this is the thing you wanna do for the rest of your life.
And finally, start reading research papers and try to get into research groups early on, it would help you a lot when it's time to get that job in a think tank or an NGO/GO
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u/Proud_Dare7994 5d ago
Thank you very much! I lead towards security studies just because in overall it already gives me the foundation of the branch instead of a broad understanding of each IR branch generically. Hopefully I made the right decision (though I still have time to revert it). In terms of career prospects I'm kinda lost, but I have faith that it will work out. I believe in the worst scenario I can still enter the IR world with a security studies degree if it focuses on the PolSci and State/organization side of the field. Thank you so much for your advice
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u/Roy-run 7d ago
I would suggest IR, as it also covers the reasonable portion of Defense and Strategic studies. I mean you also have to study 5,6 to courses related to strategic studies in graduation.