The Perfect Reading List to Begin Your International Job Journey

What Should a Person be Reading to Gain Knowledge About the Field?

To participate in current discussions, it is important to know what is happening in the world, especially relating to policy and economic decisions. After conducting interviews with leaders in the field, we comprised a list of a few news sources for you to utilize to foster discussions and expand your knowledge in foreign policy. It is not necessary to read all of the sources everyday, but it is important to read a few to broaden your knowledge and ensure that you have the best information. Reading about current events is also a good opportunity to help you figure out what topics or regions in foreign policy interest you the most.

Here are just a few sources to facilitate your knowledge journey!

  • Diplomatic Courier: This is a global affairs magazine that connects the diplomatic and policy establishment to the next generation of leaders in diplomacy and foreign policy. It publishes six print editions per year, as well as weekly online content and a daily blog.
  • The Economist: This news source offers authoritative insight and opinion on international news, politics, business, finance, science, and technology.
  • Foreign Affairs Magazine: This magazine is the leading forum for serious discussion of American foreign policy and global affairs. It is published by Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), a non-profit and nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to improving the understanding of U.S. foreign policy and international affairs through the free exchange of ideas.
  • Financial Times: This is a UK based newspaper that specifically focusing on global business. It is the leading global business news organization and provides trusted news, commentary, and analysis on numerous economic issues worldwide.
  • The Global Post: This is a great news source, started by The Boston Global. They obtain more on the ground news and will get information on what is specifically happening locally around the world.
  • Local newspapers from regions that you are interested in. Almost every country or region has a dedicated English newspaper, or if you are particularly ambitious, read the paper in the country’s native language.

To learn more about how to obtain an international job in government, check out our “Guide to International Jobs in Government.”

What Do You Think?

Are there other important news sources perspective government workers should be reading to get ahead in the field?

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Maryanne Leblanc

Dear Samantha,

Forget reading – join the Peace Corps! While not a perfect institution, more than most things, your Peace Corps experience will be what you make of it. If you take it seriously, it will provide a unique perspective and understanding that will serve as an uparalleled foundation for international work of all kinds.

Best,

Maryanne