Professional identity formation of future IR specialists: investigating students’ views

Abstract

Introduction. The relevance of the paper is determined by the search of new approaches for the most effective professional training of future IR specialists during their university years, professional identity formation and its correction during the process of learning. The purpose of the research is to reveal IR students’ motives for professional determination, to find out IR students’ plans for future job perspectives in the field of international relations. Materials and methods. The research applies theoretical analysis and generalization of literature on the issues of professional training of university students. Empirical research methods include online questionnaire of IR students via cloud technologies (Google Forms), participant observation, interpretation of data, method of presenting data through graphical information organizers (diagrams, tables). The research involved 105 students of the educational program 41.03.05 International Relations at Ryazan State University named for S. Yesenin. Research results and discussion. We have received facts about IR-students’ motives in professional determination: 64,76% of the respondents expressed their desire to become an IR-specialist, 37,14% – possibility to defend national interests, 26,67% – material position, and 31,43% – high prestige of the profession. We also revealed a variety of views on their future jobs: 53,33 % of the respondents were interested in international marketing business, 23,8 % – in gas and oil business, which showed the interest for entrepreneurship, 55,23 % – a translator/interpreter of an international company, 38,09 % – staff of the Ministry of International Affairs, 19,05 % – specialist in international law, 20,95 % – an administrator of international events, 8,57% – a specialist in sports diplomacy,14,28 % – staff of the IR university. The variety of the IR-students’ professional interests demand more attention to individual professional training of future IR-specialists. Conclusion. The results of the research can be used in the university training and in future investigating entrepreneurs’ skills and individualized training of IR students.