Career Paths

Alumni mentorship

We offer an Alumni Mentor Program to help students build networks in the security community. Participating students are assigned to an SSP alumni based on interests, background and career goals. Ideally, this begins during the student’s first semester and progresses to where the mentor makes specific career suggestions, serves as a reference and helps forge professional relationships.

Careers for international students and alumni

Our international graduates go on to pursue security careers in various sectors. While the opportunities available to them often differ from those available to U.S. citizens, our international students are generally able to find positions in their field both during and after the Security Studies Program.

We strive to support our international students in every way possible, including through:

• Events specifically for international students to learn more about options
• Connections with other students
• Providing feedback to our program administration

Our academic advisors are also well-versed in the requirements for international students and can give current students guidance on what employment can look like during and after the program.

Working while in school

The U.S. government issues several types of visas and work permits, each of which presents its holders with certain employment rights and restrictions. Individual circumstances may vary, but generally speaking, all international students are eligible to work on campus during the program, and many are able to work off-campus.

Within the Security Studies Program, you may apply for positions such as Research Assistants (RAs), Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Fellows (part-time work). Other administrative and research positions are also available in departments across campus.

You are also able to work off-campus in positions related to the security field. Note that restrictions on off-campus work are much stricter than those for employment within Georgetown. The Office of Global Services is the main resource at Georgetown for all visa and work authorization questions and provides detailed information regarding employment for both F-1 and J-1 visa holders.

Post-graduation

Finding a job

The SFS Career Center serves current students and alumni of all SFS graduate degree programs, including SSP. Career counselors offer one-on-one consultations, mock interviews with evaluation, information sessions and employer recruitment on campus. In addition, they assist with cover letter and resume writing and internship opportunity coordination, and they provide an online job database for all students to use both for finding positions and posting materials for recruiter review.

Working in the U.S.

International students have a few options that allow them to continue working in their positions after graduation. The Office of Global Services has more information on options following graduation. Please be aware that non-U.S. citizens cannot obtain careers as U.S. federal government employees or work in positions that require a U.S. federal government security clearance.

Working abroad

Because of visa restrictions and job availability, many of our international students pursue positions abroad. Due to international experience and, in many cases, advanced language fluency, our international students often have an advantage over U.S. students when it comes to security-related positions outside the U.S. government.