By ‘Public’ we generally refer to public service, which presents itself by working within a government agency. Naturally, each government has a unique composition, with different agencies serving different needs.

Within the world of geopolitics, most students and young professionals connect geopolitics and diplomacy. Diplomats are considered prestigious – though, from my career experience, many adjacent ministries believe no one loves the sound of a diplomats voice more than a diplomat. This is neither here nor there, the points I want to make here are that:

1) Your nation’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not the only place to engage in a career in geopolitics,
2) Of all geopolitical roles, the role of a diplomat is romanticised to the largest extent (especially at University),
3) Other agencies and organisations outside of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs often have more influence to effect change,
4) Without obvious KPIs, diplomacy can leave certain individuals feeling professionally unsatisfied.

With this in mind, I cannot give specific Agencies and job boards like I have in the other sections due to the number of governments that would need to be covered. However, I can give general recommendations that will inform your own search and consideration. If you would like location specific advice, please make a custom request.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Where a nation’s diplomatic service is often located.

For example, the United States Foreign Service (under the United States Department of State).

Ministry of Trade

A nation’s Ministry of Trade can cover positions from negotiating Free Trade Agreements to overseas placements, supporting exporters and promoting greater terms of trade.

For example, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)

Ministry of [largest export]

A nation will direct substatial resources in supporting its largest export, and to secure competitive terms in export markets. Many of my University colleagues went to work for New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), and worked on Free Trade Agreements and were occasionally required to travel to international conferences on agriculture — within her first 18 months at MPI (her first role after graduating), one colleague had attended conferences in Peru and the United States and worked on several trade agreements!

Intelligence Agencies

Utilising a different set of skills, careers within a nation’s Intelligence Agencies also have a strong geopolitical focus.

For example, the United Kingdom’s Secret Intelligence Service (M16).

Customs

A nation’s Customs Service Policy Officers are involved in specific Free Trade Agreement chapters, alongside immigration and security considerations.

For example, Canada’s Border Services Agency.

Central Bank

Central Banks work closely with the Central Banks of partner countries, and keep abreast with geopolitical events in order to accurately forecast interest rates and borrowing/lending terms.

The Bank of Japan is an example of a Central Bank.

Parliament

Working in Parliament can expose one to select committees and portfolios that cover Foreign Affairs, Defense, Trade, Environment and others issues intertwined with geopolitics.
Although Parliament sounds daunting, there are many entry level positions perfect for early career experience — especially with the changing of government.

For example, Singapore’s Parliament House.

Universities

Universities house Research Centers and Think Tanks that can provide geopolitical research and academic roles.

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) IDEAS team is a good example (see link below). Similarly, the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) out of the University of Sussex, and the Centre for Geopolitics out of the University of Cambridge are geopolitical Research Centers.

London School of Economics and Political Science

Type here

Vacancies

Internships

IDEAS

University of Cambridge

type here

Centre for Geopolitics

University of Sussex

type here

Institute of Development Studies

Embassies, High Commissions, Delegations and Consulates

Other countries’ missions to your country can be a great place for geopolitical exposure.

In fact, my first role as a Policy Officer in an Embassy, came from reaching out to all missions in my country.

Embassies and High Commissions have the same function, the later being the term used for Commonwealth to Commonwealth missions. A delegation is the term used for an entity that is not a nation, such as the European Union or the United Nations.

Consulates are less likely to have geopolitical roles, but it does not hurt to contact Consulates, as this may get you priority contact to their colleagues at an Embassy/High Commission (and out of the Spam folder!)

If you would like country specific advice, please seek out a custom request.