IEPS: Launching careers in economics, politics, and beyond
The best schools can be recognised by their alumni. We are proud of ours.
Since the Master’s program in International Economic and Political Studies offers two specializations – International Economics and International Politics – and these specializations allow you to deepen your focus early on, the careers most commonly chosen by IEPS graduates depend on those specializations.
Economists work in international commercial or investment banking, insurance and finance, consulting or business management. Some opt for governmental institutions – national (such as ministries or central banks) or international (e.g. institutions of the European Union).
Graduates specialising in political science also often choose to work for governmental institutions, in diplomacy and other public administration sectors (as consultants and managers in social policy issues). Some prefer jobs in non-governmental public organisations, education, public relations, advertising and media.
The skills gained in the IEPS program are transferable to a wide range of industries. For example, even before the end of her studies, Anna Voronkova acquired a job in a high-tech aircraft technologies company. Shahmar Hajiyev applied his skills in the area of global energy industry, and Victor Kapustin decided to pursue a career in infrastructure network regulation. Victor says: “People I met at Charles University challenged my views, motivating me to learn more. Courses that I took I could choose myself, so they were aligned with my interests. As a result, I graduated as a skilled professional and a better citizen. The education that I got at Charles University allowed me to start a career in an innovative, dynamic and challenging industry in the US.”
Besides these career opportunities, our graduates can stay in academia and continue their studies at the PhD level, either with us or abroad.
Students of both specializations appreciate the many study abroad opportunities the Faculty of Social Sciences offers. Anna Voronkova, says: “Thanks to IEPS, I could spend one semester at the City University of Hong Kong. Besides taking five courses there, I could also consult my thesis on Chinese economic development with some of the world’s best experts. Moreover, I was granted two scholarships, one Czech and one Chinese, while my tuition fee in Hong Kong was waived.” András Megyeri agrees: “The atmosphere at the IEPS program of Charles University considerably broadened my worldview, while the excellent exchange programs opened up many future possibilities. So I could spend a part of my studies of international politics at a university in Seoul, offering me a new insight into the world.”
However, even if you decide not to pursue a study stay abroad, you will be immersed in the international environment, as Shahmar Hajiyev’s experience confirms: “This school supports new ideas and encourages knowledge in a friendly academic environment where domestic and foreign students are highly motivated and inspired to study and conduct research. In addition, there are a lot of sports and cultural activities to enjoy in your free time.”
IEPS gives students not only solid grounding in economics or politics but also the space to follow their own interests, whether that leads them into government, international organizations, business, or further study. Many take advantage of the program’s study-abroad options, while others find that the international mix of classmates is enough to broaden their perspective at home. However they choose to use the degree, graduates consistently point to the program’s flexibility and inspiring environment as what helped them take their next steps.
