Career Compass: Global Political Economy

Social, political, ecological and economic issues are inseparable. Multiple perspectives and the ability to connect and synthesize them are needed to grapple with contemporary, complex issues. The multi-faceted global political economy program will present you with a balanced and innovative way to deepen your understanding of global political and economic relations.

Global political economy is an interdisciplinary program offered by five different departments: history, sociology, economics, anthropology and political studies. Faculty from each department have collaborated to create an exciting degree program that will prepare you to better understand the world, to bridge local issues and global forces and to become effective, collaborative actors beyond the walls of the university.

Skills you will gain by studying GLOBAL POLITICAL ECONOMY

• The ability to understand and define global political and economic relations
• The ability to analyze current and historical events from a social, political, ecological and economic perspective
• The ability to think critically and develop innovative solutions to complex global issues
• The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
6 credit hours from HIST 1370, HIST 1380, HIST 2730, HIST 2732, and HIST 2734; ECON 1010 and ECON 1020 (or ECON 1210 and ECON 1220) and GPE 1700 or GEOG 1700

Advanced and Honours: all requirements listed above plus POLS 2602 

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor to help you plan your degree. Meet with the global political economy program coordinator to learn more about the program.
2. Take SOC 1000 and ANTH 1220 as electives
   to get the prerequisites for upper level sociology and anthropology courses.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Set up your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including Global Political Economy Students’ Association and Arts Student Body Council.
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers and the Community Action Poverty Simulation.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the International Centre to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik, the International Centre for Students or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Refer to the Academic Calendar for the requirements in your program. 

To do this year:

1. Go to the Faculty of Arts Student Services Office to declare your major in person prior to registration..
2. Take POLS 2502 as an elective to get the prerequisite for upper level political studies courses.
3. Consider choosing a second language for your minor to enhance your employability prospects upon graduation.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Become a student affiliate with the Political Economy of the World System (PEWS).
4. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for a research assistant position or Undergraduate Research Award.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out Canadian Red Cross, Manitoba Legislative, UNICEF or volunteer abroad through the AIESEC Global Citizenship program.

Watch for the new GPE Field Placement course offered in 2021* Register for this course to gain valuable work experience and networking opportunities in GPE. The GPE Field Placement course is offered every second year. Students are placed with community, labour, non-profit, and public sector organizations, where they get valuable research-based work experience and network connections.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Become a Faculty of Arts Student Ambassador or join the Student Leadership Development Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange or Travel Study program, UNICEF Internship Programme, Canada World Youth, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out the WUSC Student Refugee Program or Community Engaged Learning. Practice your use of additional languages through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:

General: Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your program.

Advanced: Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your program.

Honours: Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your program. 

To do this year: Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other academic institutions.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Watch for the new GPE Field Placement course offered in 2021. Register for this course to gain valuable work experience and networking opportunities in GPE. The GPE Field Placement course is offered every second year. Students are placed with community, labour, non-profit, and public sector organizations, where they get valuable research-based work experience and network connections.

Check out student job opportunities with: Canadian Border Services Agency, Global Affairs Canada and UMSU.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Devex, My World Abroad, Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program, volunteer for the International Student Mentorship Program or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:

General: Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your program.

Advanced: Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your program.

Honours: Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your program.

To do this year: Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Present your research at the CSA Annual Conference or submit an article to the CCJA Justice Report.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the International Youth Internship Program, Manitoba Legislative Internship Program or Embassy of Canada’s Internship Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus and register for the Intercultural Leaders program through the International Centre.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Border Services Officer
• Community Development Officer
• Conciliation/Mediation Officer
• Donor Relations Officer
• Economic Development Analyst
• Emergency Preparedness Analyst
• Food Program Coordinator
• Foreign Intelligence Analyst
• Foreign Service Officer
• Government Program Officer
• Immigration Agent/Consultant
• Immigrant Settlement Worker
• International Development Officer
• International Policy Advisor
• NGO Program Officer
• Policy Analyst
• Political Aide
• Regional Development Director
• Sustainability Officer
• Volunteer Coordinator

Options requiring other education

• Anthropologist
• Business Development Officer
• Disaster Response Manager
• Economist
• Food Security Program Officer
• Foreign Correspondent
• History Teacher
• Lawyer
• Sociologist
• University Professor
• Urban and Regional Planner

Industries such as business, community development, government and policy development would value a global political economy major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Oral and written communication
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Teamwork
• Numeracy and data use
• Digital technology
• Industry specific knowledge
• Continuous learning

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.