You've got questions, we've got answers

From post-graduate decisions to career transitions, we’ve been where you are. We created Ilkmade Sessions to offer mentoring and support for students and professionals in Politics, International Relations, and Development. These are some common questions we tackle in a Session!

Should I get an MA or a PhD

What are the main career types in IR?

How do I highlight a career transition in my CV?

Should I get an MA or a PhD?

What are the main career types in IR?

How do I highlight a career transition in my CV?

Explore How Sessions Can Support Your Career

There are a wide variety of career paths, so we’ve got a variety of options. Create what you need; whether it’s one Mentor Session or multiple meetings with our Experts, we’ll pair you with those who have direct experience within your field of interest.

SINGLE SESSION (30 MINUTES)

Popular single sessions include:

  • CV/Resume review and edit
  • Action plan for a career transition
  • Interviewing preparation
  • (LinkedIn) Online profile makeover
Investment: $60

STARTER PACK (3 SESSIONS)

3 x 30-minute sessions include:

  • Identify career types that align with your skills, interests and priorities
  • Research organizations and companies in your sector and region of interest
  • Understand job listings and explore various job search sites
Investment: $150

MENTOR + EXPERT (2 SESSIONS)

Connecting with an Expert includes:

  • Mentor preparation session (30 mins) to identify the right Expert and outline your questions and goals
  • Ilkmade schedules your informational interview
  • Expert session (20 mins) with a Professional in your chosen field
Investment: $150
Book a Session

The Mentorship Advantage

Over 70% of Fortune 500 companies invest in their organization by providing mentors to their employees. In Politics and International Relations, these resources are rarely offered. We want to change that!

Get Insider Knowledge

Have you ever wondered how people got to where they are or what an organization is really looking for in an applicant?

Our industry insiders will make sure that you’re connected and always making informed decisions.

Understand the terrain

Do you envision working in international affairs, but are unsure in what capacity?

We always begin by outlining the evolving landscape of organizations and companies in your industry and region of interest. Once you know the main players in the field, together we explore various paths to craft your dream career.

Decide on a graduate degree

Some careers necessitate an advanced degree, but which one do you choose?

We first discuss the kinds of careers you’re passionate about and then work backwards to discover which degrees or experiences are the best fit.

How It Works

Choose how many Sessions you’d like—as much or as little as you need. Our team is here to help you throughout the whole process.

Step 1

Determine What Is Right For You

Whether you need one or four Mentor Sessions or want to meet with one or multiple Experts, we’ll make it happen. This is your time to explore. Let’s uncover the right path for you.

Step 2

Select Service And Decide On A Time

It’s time to plan your first Ilkmade Session! Our Mentor will reach out to you to schedule. Pick your ideal date and time and get ready for a career upgrade.

Step 3

Connect

Connect via phone or video chat—your choice, we’ll be there. Prepare your materials for review (like a CV) or have your topics and questions ready; but most importantly, bring an open mind. You’ve got this.

Step 4

Reach New Career Heights

Your first Session is complete! Whether you have a revamped resume or game plan for a career transition, you’re one step closer to reaching your career goals. Stay connected with your Mentor and our Experts—we’ll be here for you.

Book a Session

Meet Our

Mentor

Whether you need to discuss something small or work on developing long-term goals and how to reach them, Rebecca will work with you to uncover your strengths, build confidence, grow your network and take control of your professional future. You've got someone in your career corner.

Mentor

Rebecca Chen

Founder at Ilkmade

  • International job markets
  • Multi-platform publishing
  • Career mapping
  • Entrepreneurship

After getting my PhD in Political Science at U.C. Berkeley, I pursued a traditional academic career in Europe but had always wanted to build a company. I love teaching, public speaking, research and managing complex projects. After turning to a career coach who helped hone these skills, I followed my passion and founded Ilkmade. Our discussions and exercises revealed the importance of being more intentional and thoughtful in my career goals.

Common Areas of Requested Support:

  • Job search strategy
  • CV and cover letter
  • Interviewing preparation
  • Graduate school applications
  • Determining the right degree: MA, PhD, Law, MBA
  • Grant and funding applications
  • Job market prep (academia, think tanks and private sector)
  • Non-academic careers after a PhD
  • Networking

Mentor

  • International job markets
  • Multi-platform publishing
  • Career mapping
  • Entrepreneurship

Meet Our

Experts

Informational interviews and networking are critical to increasing your chances of landing the job you want. Our Experts have a variety of different skill sets, backgrounds, and connections so that each Session will tailor to you and your interests.

the professor

  • Academic Job Market
  • Publication strategies
  • Project funding
  • Presenting research

Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Experts. Bring your questions about finishing your PhD, getting a position at a teaching or research university, whether you should get a postdoc, or which conferences to attend.

the innovator

  • Pitching to editors
  • Project Management
  • Freelance consulting
  • Opinion writing

From journalism to public policy, come to these Experts for a creative, out-of-the-box perspective. Explore political writing, policy analysis, consulting, entrepreneurship and more with those who have paved an unconventional path.

the organizer

  • Policy-making
  • Lobbying
  • Fundraising
  • Non- and for-profit roles

Meet Public Policy and Public Affairs analysts to learn how to navigate the world of NGOs, IGOs, and interest groups. Discover which positions suit you best, like statistical analysis to social media monitoring, and how to get there.

the consultant

  • Data synthesis
  • Research methods
  • Non-academic careers
  • Networking

For those pursuing a non-academic career after a doctorate. Meet policy consultants at top think tanks and political science researchers. Discuss topics like what you should consider on this new path, which are the PhD friendly think tanks, and what your transferable skills are.

the insider

  • Government work
  • Policy report writing
  • Diplomacy
  • Foreign Affairs

Compare the traditional and non-traditional steps into high-level government and international government roles. Meet political affairs specialists, foreign service and security workers to discuss what it’s like working in government versus at corporate risk firms and think tanks.

the marketer

  • Public relations
  • Market research
  • Data analysis
  • Business development

Interested in marketing or PR? Whether you’re a politics postgrad or seeking a career change, discuss the ins and outs of the private sector with political consultants, public relations experts, and political science researchers.

the balancer

  • Policy relevance
  • Publishing agendas
  • Collaborative research
  • Consulting

Trying to balance a career in academia and policy? Learn from professors and policy experts on how to work within two worlds. Think: policy-relevant writing for both academic journals and mainstream publications.

the connector

  • Government relations
  • Cultural liaison
  • Risk analysis
  • Regulatory agencies

Connect with Experts who bridge the gap. Hailing from a variety of backgrounds—legal, PhD, and business—gain the perspectives of the culturally aware, business-government specialists to learn how corporations and governments use political research.

Book an Expert

Read Our Reviews

Changing, or even pivoting, careers is challenging, and the eccentricities of the IR/Idev world can make certain aspects of it difficult to navigate without a comprehensive perspective. Ilkmade was extremely helpful in offering me that perspective, which helped me substantially clarify my career goals, and what the next step should be. I'd definitely recommend their consultations to anyone in the IR world who enjoys the work but is perhaps looking for a slightly different outlet, and isn't sure how to get there.

Xander S.
Los Angeles, CA, USA

Having first discovered Ilkmade through LinkedIn, I recently availed of a CV and cover letter clinic. As a Master's student I am always trying to keep one eye on what I will do after graduation. My consultation with Ilkmade provided comprehensive feedback on how to better tailor job applications in terms of content and style.

Peter C.
Beijing, China

Ilkmade Sessions was a huge help when trying to get started in DC. It was wonderful being able to discuss my concerns and get pointed insight tailored specifically to my goals, experience, and unique situation. The sessions definitely helped me understand the ins and outs of the field and DC in general, giving me a huge leg up in a very competitive space. Would recommend!

Gerald B.
Washington DC, USA

FAQ

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What is the difference between an Ilkmade Session Mentor and a Career Coach?

International Relations is a niche field of study and work that requires some insider knowledge on how and where people in the profession interact. While a great career coach can give you general advice on how to tackle tasks more effectively, an Ilkmade Mentor can provide valuable, highly-targeted insights on your chosen career path within the International Relations and Politics space, leveraging their networks to help you succeed.

International Relations is a niche field of study and work that requires some insider knowledge on how and where people in the profession interact. While a great career coach can give you general advice on how to tackle tasks more effectively, an Ilkmade Mentor can provide valuable, highly-targeted insights on your chosen career path within the International Relations and Politics space, leveraging their networks to help you succeed.

International Relations is a niche field of study and work that requires some insider knowledge on how and where people in the profession interact. While a great career coach can give you general advice on how to tackle tasks more effectively, an Ilkmade Mentor can provide valuable, highly-targeted insights on your chosen career path within the International Relations and Politics space, leveraging their networks to help you succeed.

International Relations is a niche field of study and work that requires some insider knowledge on how and where people in the profession interact. While a great career coach can give you general advice on how to tackle tasks more effectively, an Ilkmade Mentor can provide valuable, highly-targeted insights on your chosen career path within the International Relations and Politics space, leveraging their networks to help you succeed.

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