How the Paris School of International Affairs supports students into shaping their careers

Career Development Starts with the Curriculum

Each of PSIA’s eight master’s programs blends rigorous academic foundations with direct exposure to professional practice. With half of our faculty drawn from the field—diplomats, NGO leaders, development practitioners, consultants, policy experts—students gain more than knowledge. They gain first‑hand insight into how international affairs operate in real time.

This proximity to practitioners helps students sharpen their skills, understand sector expectations, and hear candid testimonials about the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s careers. It is often in these classrooms that students begin to imagine their next steps, test ideas, and refine the projects they hope to bring to life.

Beyond the Classroom: Tools to Navigate an Evolving Job Market

Outside of the classroom, PSIA has also developed a strong career guidance program to accompany students every step of the way. We provide multiple tools to assist them: a weekly career newsletter, CV workshops, individual orientation meetings, etc 

Throughout their 2 years at PSIA, students benefit from:

• Specialised resources tailored to International Affairs, including a weekly career newsletter packed with opportunities, insights, and testimonials.
• Targeted events and job fairs designed to explore next steps and decode recruitment processes, engaging our vibrant community of alumni and faculty.
• Mentoring opportunities that connect students with experienced professionals eager to guide the next generation.

All PSIA initiatives are complemented by the broader Sciences Po Career Services, which offers school‑wide career fairs, workshops, and sector‑specific events. Together, they form a robust support system that accompanies students from their first semester to their first steps as young professionals.

Spotlight: “What’s Next After Your Master’s?”

A highlight of the Fall semester, the “What’s Next After Your Master’s?” series has become one of PSIA’s most successful career events. Each year, hundreds of first‑year students attend one and all eight sessions—one dedicated to each master’s program—to hear directly from alumni working across the spectrum of international affairs.

Alumni enthusiastically return to campus or join online from around the world to share their trajectories, whether in international organisations, the private sector, government, NGOs, start‑ups, or independent ventures. Their willingness to give back reflects the strength of the PSIA community and the pride they take in supporting the next generation.

For students, these conversations are consistently described as eye‑opening and deeply motivating. Beyond practical advice, they offer an honest and inspiring look at the many ways a PSIA degree can translate into meaningful work. The diversity of alumni careers—from UNESCO and the European Commission to the World Bank, Doctors Without Borders, the EBRD, Société Générale, McKinsey, and more—shows just how many paths are possible after graduation.

See more testimonials of PSIA alumni

Empowering the Next Generation of Global Actors

PSIA’s mission is to prepare students to move confidently across sectors, countries, and professional roles. Our efforts have helped us maintain excellent results in graduate placement. 

 Whether they aspire to join an international organisation, work in the private sector, contribute to public policy, or launch their own initiative, students find at PSIA a community ready to guide, challenge, and inspire them.

Our alumni are not only successful professionals—they are mentors, role models, and engaged global citizens committed to supporting the next generation. Their journeys reflect the spirit of PSIA: ambitious, diverse, and deeply connected to the world.