Career Services
Why Hire From SAIS?
Students choose the SAIS education based on its reputation for academic excellence combined with its pragmatic approach to the study of international relations. With its three-fold emphasis on economics, area studies and language, SAIS students are well-prepared to enter careers in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. SAIS graduates can be found in leadership positions in all fields.
SAIS Students Have a Strong International Background
Members of a typical entering class at SAIS represent more than 60 countries with 70% of the class having worked or studied internationally. Almost 90% have professional work experience prior to entering SAIS with a wide range of employers including governments, multilateral organizations, financial institutions including global investment banking and securities firms, consulting firms, non-profit and development organizations, newspapers and the like. Approximately one-third of SAIS students are non-US citizens.
SAIS Students Are Prepared to Work in a Changing World
SAIS students have well-developed analytical skills and an understanding of how business, government and non-profit institutions work together in a changing world. Whether an employer represents the private, public or non-profit sector, the strong background that SAIS students gain in international economics as well as in the politics, culture and history of a region are crucial in advancing organizational goals and in effectively working across sectors.
SAIS Students Become Leaders in their Chosen Fields
As a result of SAIS's global outreach and rigorous admissions standards, SAIS students represent the best and the brightest. They come to SAIS to advance their international careers, to understand the forces shaping industry and government, and to gain the tools that will help them to eventually become leaders in their chosen fields. As one of SAIS's alumni put it, “SAIS not only prepared me for my first job after graduation, it prepared me for career success later in life as well.” For organizations looking for human capital both for today’s jobs and tomorrow’s leadership, SAIS is an important international resource.
On-Campus Recruitment Opportunities
Employers are welcome to participate in our on-campus recruiting program which begins in September and runs throughout the spring. This program allows employers to post an open position, collect résumés and select candidates to interview on one or multiple SAIS campuses. This program also benefits from the strong alumni connection SAIS has with former students at our Nanjing, Bologna and Washington, D.C. campuses.
Career Fair
Career Services hosts an annual Career Fair on the Washington, D.C. campus during the fall semester in mid-October. The fair is a convenient way for companies to increase their visibility on campus, recruit talent, and to network with highly motivated students and alumni. A sampling of employers who participated in career fairs during the previous years include:
- Abt Associates
- ACDI/ VOCA
- A.T. Kearney Global Business Policy Council
- The Avascent Group
- Catholic Relief Services
- Cardno Emerging Markets USA, Ltd.
- Chemonics International
- Clinton Health Access Initiative
- Devex
- Environmental Defense Fund
- FINCA International
- FBI
- International Republican Institute
- International Resources Group
- Kroll
- MicroVest Capital Management
- Nathan Associates Inc.
- National Security Agency
- One Acre Fund
- PACT
- Population Services International
- RAND Corporation
- Search for Common Ground
- Toffler Associates
- USAID
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Department of the Treasury
Employer Presentations
Employers are welcome to SAIS campuses in Washington, D.C., Bologna and Nanjing and our team members there are happy to support any campus visit. Employer presentations are an effective way to provide students with an overview of your organization, while building brand awareness on campus. Presentations can be either formal or informal and often range from auditorium style engagements complete with technical support to informal “brown-bag” lunches with smaller groups of students. Our office can also arrange for your event to be catered. Please contact Career Services at the desired location to schedule an employer presentation.
Career Clubs
SAIS students are actively involved in a variety of sector-specific career clubs, including:
- Careers in Development
- Careers in Diplomacy
- Consulting
- Defense and Intelligence
- Energy and Environment
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Gender and Development
- Global Security and Conflict Management
- Global Women in Leadership
- International Organizations
- International Trade
- Journalism and Media
- Net Impact
- Toastmasters
Employers are often invited to work with the clubs on their various events, allowing employers an opportunity to target and network with select groups of students.
Other Opportunities to Engage with Students
Students choose the SAIS education based on its reputation for academic excellence combined with its pragmatic approach to the study of international relations. With its three-fold emphasis on economics, area studies and language, SAIS students are well-prepared to enter careers in the public, private and non-profit sectors. SAIS graduates can be found in leadership positions in all fields.
Career Treks
Career Services organizes several career treks for students each year to cities such as New York, London, Brussels, Geneva, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Career treks provide employers with the opportunity to network with students who are interested in learning about future employment opportunities. If your organization is interested in hosting an event during a SAIS career trek, please contact our office.
Employer Site Visits
For employers in the Washington, D.C., area, we can easily arrange to bring a group of SAIS students to your site for a presentation by your human resources staff or by SAIS alumni employed at your organization. Students are always eager to learn about internship and hiring needs of area organizations.
Job and Internship Postings
Employers are welcome to advertise open positions on SAISWorks, a free, online job posting and internship resource for SAIS students which allows them to respond directly to the posting organization. Positions reach our current students and experienced alumni around the globe and remain posted for 30 days unless otherwise advised.
SAISWorks allows employers to register for career fairs, request on-campus interview dates, and register to participate in employer presentations if these events are held on the Washington, DC campus.
To access these services, employers need to have a password for SAISWorks. To obtain a password, please contact Janet Burrowes, Associate Director for Employer Relations, jburrowes@jhu.edu , 202.663.7797.
Video Conferencing
For employers who want to interview students without incurring travel costs, Career Services can facilitate video conferences. Please contact Janet Burrowes, Associate Director for Employer Relations, jburrowes@jhu.edu or 202.663.7797 for more information.
Résumé Collections
In addition to posting an opportunity, Career Services can prepare customized books of cover letters and résumés for your consideration from qualified candidates who express specific interest in your job or internship posting. These books can be put into PDF format and e-mailed to you on your requested timetable. For more information about résumé collections, please contact Janet Burrowes, Associate Director for Employer Relations, jburrowes@jhu.edu or 202.663.7797. She will coordinate your outreach to the campus that best meets your hiring needs.