International Relations Student CV Example
An international relations student CV showcases your understanding of global politics, research abilities, and language skills.
Recommended template: VibrantPro
Key Skills to Include
Quick Tips
- Highlight language skills and any study abroad or international experience.
- Include involvement in Model United Nations, debating, or political societies.
- Detail relevant dissertation topics or research projects.
- Showcase any internships with NGOs, government agencies, or international organisations.
Ready to build your CV?
Start with the Vibrant template and customise it for your student role.
Upgrade to ProHow to Write Your International Relations Student CV
An international relations student CV should demonstrate your analytical capabilities, language skills, and understanding of global political dynamics. Whether you are targeting careers in diplomacy, NGOs, government, or international business, employers want to see evidence of research skills, cross-cultural competence, and the ability to engage with complex international issues.
CV Structure
Use a reverse-chronological format with profile, experience, education, and skills. Include a dedicated languages section. Feature Model UN, think tank internships, and any international experience prominently. Keep to one or two pages.
CV Format
Choose a clean, professional template. Ensure consistent formatting and save as a PDF. If applying to international organisations, consider including a nationality and language section as is common in those contexts.
CV Profile Examples
Multilingual IR Student
Final-year international relations student at the University of St Andrews with a predicted first-class degree and fluency in French and Spanish gained through a year abroad at Sciences Po Paris. Experienced in policy research, cross-cultural communication, and public speaking through Model UN and NGO volunteering. Seeking a graduate role in diplomacy, international development, or public affairs.
Policy-Focused Student
Third-year international relations and politics student at the University of Warwick with a predicted 2:1 and a research focus on European security policy. Completed a summer internship at a Westminster think tank, contributing to policy briefings on NATO alliance strategy. Targeting graduate positions in policy research, government, or international organisations.
Development-Focused Student
Second-year international relations student at SOAS University of London with a strong interest in global development and human rights. Volunteered with a refugee support charity and participated in the university's Model African Union. Seeking a summer placement with an international development organisation to gain practical field experience.
State your degree, university, year of study, and classification. Highlight language skills and international experience. Mention the sector you are targeting.
Key Skills for Your International Relations Student CV
Political Analysis
Assessing international political developments using theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence.
Research Methods
Conducting qualitative and quantitative research using academic databases, archives, and statistical tools.
Essay Writing
Producing well-structured, evidence-based academic arguments on complex international topics.
Foreign Languages
Communicating in one or more foreign languages, supporting cross-cultural engagement and international research.
Diplomacy & Negotiation
Engaging in diplomatic communication, building consensus, and resolving disagreements constructively.
Critical Thinking
Evaluating competing perspectives and forming well-reasoned positions on contentious international issues.
Public Speaking
Delivering confident speeches and presentations on political and policy topics to large audiences.
Data Analysis
Processing and interpreting quantitative data to support research findings and policy arguments.
Cross-Cultural Awareness
Understanding diverse cultural perspectives and adapting communication accordingly.
Work Experience Examples
Detail internships, research roles, and Model UN participation with specific outputs and achievements. Describe the policy areas you worked on and the analytical methods you used.
Research Intern
Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), London
Completed an eight-week summer internship in the international security studies programme, supporting research on European defence cooperation.
Responsibilities
- Conducted desk research on NATO burden-sharing arrangements, compiling data on defence spending from 12 member states.
- Drafted sections of a policy briefing paper on European strategic autonomy for the programme director's review.
- Attended and summarised four expert roundtable discussions on international security topics for internal distribution.
- Managed a database of academic and media sources for the team's ongoing research projects.
Achievements
- Contributed research that was cited in a published RUSI commentary piece on European defence spending trends.
- Received a commendation from the programme director for the quality and thoroughness of desk research outputs.
Head Delegate, Model United Nations
University of St Andrews International Relations Society
Led the university's delegation of 12 students at three national and international Model UN conferences during the academic year.
Responsibilities
- Prepared policy position papers and opening speeches for assigned countries across security, humanitarian, and economic committees.
- Coached and mentored 12 delegation members on procedural rules, resolution drafting, and diplomatic negotiation tactics.
- Represented the delegation in committee sessions, proposing amendments and building coalitions with other delegations.
- Coordinated travel, accommodation, and registration logistics for conference attendance.
Achievements
- Won the Outstanding Delegation award at the Oxford International Model UN conference, competing against 25 university delegations.
- Personally awarded Best Delegate in the Security Council committee at a national conference in London.
Education & Qualifications
List your degree with classification and relevant modules. Include study abroad details. Follow with A-levels and language qualifications.
BA International Relations
An undergraduate degree providing comprehensive understanding of global politics, security, and international institutions.
Language Certifications
Formal certifications in foreign languages demonstrating communicative competence.
Civil Service Fast Stream Eligibility
Meeting criteria for the UK Civil Service graduate scheme.
A-Levels
Advanced-level qualifications demonstrating academic ability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How important are languages for international relations students?
Does Model UN experience count on a CV?
What careers suit international relations students?
How do I get think tank internship experience?
More Student CV Examples
Student CV
A student CV highlights your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and transferable skills to secure part-time work, internships, or graduate roles.
A Level Student CV
An A Level student CV showcases your academic subjects, predicted or achieved grades, and any work experience or extracurricular involvement.
Accounting Student CV
An accounting student CV demonstrates your financial knowledge, analytical skills, and progress towards professional accounting qualifications.
Architect Student CV
An architecture student CV highlights your design portfolio, technical drawing skills, and experience gained through academic projects and placements.
Art Student CV
An art student CV showcases your creative practice, exhibition experience, and technical skills across various artistic mediums.
Biology Student CV
A biology student CV demonstrates your scientific knowledge, laboratory skills, and research experience gained through your degree programme.