How to get a job in international relations: Editor Andrew Dorman

What does a job in international relations look like? How do I excel in interviews? What skills do I need to develop? In this new series of interviews with the?International Affairs?team, you'll find out.

In each interview, a member of the team will share insights into their job, tips for job applications, career trajectories, and important skills to develop for a successful career in an academic journal or a think tank. In the third installment of the series, we’re hearing from Andrew Dorman (He/Him), Editor of International Affairs.

What is your job?

I am the Editor of International Affairs which means I have overall responsibility both to the journal’s Editorial Boards and the Director of Chatham House for all aspects of the journal. In practice, I take the lead on all article submissions deciding which ultimately are accepted post-peer review and which are not. I also look to support the journal’s team in the development of the journal and act as the principal point of contact for our publisher Oxford University Press.

What are the most important skills you use as an Editor?

I think the three most important skills that I need are, firstly, to remember to think ahead and see the big picture. As a journal we produce 6 editions per year so there is a regular two-month churn as a new edition comes out. It is easy to become focused on each edition and to forget that one of my roles is to look ahead to ensure that the journal is headed in the right direction. Secondly, I need to look after the IA team and ensure that everyone is in the best position to deliver their part of the journal. Third, I need to manage the different calls on my time, so prioritization is absolutely key.

What did you do before your job at International Affairs?

I was and still am an academic at King’s College London. I am seconded to IA for 3 days a week and in the other 2 days I continue to do the traditional elements of teaching, administration and research.

I have a background as an academic in international relations which has helped me to understand things from the author’s point of view.

How have previous experiences been useful to you in this job?

I have a background as an academic in international relations which has helped me to understand things from the author’s point of view. I have heard countless horror stories about submitting pieces to journals, and experienced a few myself, which is why as a team we are focusing on making sure our authors to have a really positive experience of publishing with us.

How did you find your job as Editor and what was the application process like?

I found out about the Editor’s role at IA from the previous editor Caroline Soper. I was speaking to her about a piece I was writing for the journal and she mentioned that it was the closing day for the new editor’s position. I spent the afternoon putting a hurried CV and cover letter together. I was then interviewed by the Head of Communications at Chatham House and one of the Editorial Board before a further interview with the Director of Chatham House.

What is your top interview tip?

I would emphasize doing the basics. Research the role you are applying for and the organization - generic CVs and cover letters are not enough to stand out. Think through the obvious questions and how good a fit you are to the role you are applying for.

How do you deal with rejection?

One thing I say to those considering academic or think-tank work is that rejection is something you need to get used. For top journals like IA the rejection rates are really high and this is even more true with job and grant applications. This doesn’t make it any easier but I would emphasize depersonalizing the process. Never respond the same day to a rejection. Take a few days and look at the feedback and learn from it.

Is there anything about being an Editor you found challenging to adapt to?

The biggest challenge I have found, and I think this true for all editors and publishers, is adapting to the changing publishing market. I came to IA looking to publish new and exciting pieces from authors drawn from across the globe. This remains a key part of what we do.

However, the issue of open access and the moves towards ‘Read and Publish’ deals are having a major impact on journal revenue streams. How we as a journal adapt to that is the biggest challenge because there is no roadmap or template, we are going by the best estimates of where we think the journals market is heading.

What has been your favourite thing to work on during your time at International Affairs?

There are two things that stand out. The first is the real excitement and joy of seeing an article from a junior scholar develop through the review phase, be published and cause a stir.

The second is to see the IA team develop over time. There are constants within the team – Heidi and Krisztina have been with the journal for many years and continue to deliver at the highest level – but we have also seen colleagues start with us, grow and move onto bigger things in Chatham House. Our more recent starters Jo, Mariana and Issy are all doing great things and we are looking forward to a new Editorial and Marketing Assistant joining us in the new year.

Maintain a work-life balance, as there is a real danger of burn out.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to become an IR academic and/or work in an environment like a journal or a think tank?

My advice would first be to focus on what you are passionate about. There are conventional routes to develop within academia and think-tanks but I firmly believe that people should look to what excites them. Whenever a potential author asks me what they should write on my answer is on what they care about because that will be their best work. Regularly revisit where you are and what you are doing. Are you headed in the direction you want to be and if not ask yourself: why is this the case? What do I need to change?

Second, maintain a work-life balance, as there is a real danger of burn out. We are all different but make sure you do things outside the work environment. For me that is a mix of family time and running (badly).

My third piece of advice is that there is an assumption in academia that everyone should be excellent in teaching, research and administration. My experience that most of us fall short in at least one of these areas and that is the norm. Recognize where your strengths and weaknesses lie and adapt accordingly. Moreover, as workloads increase we cannot be perfectionists in everything we do.

What do you look for in a job candidate and how can young people develop those qualities?

When we recruit to the IA team I look for three things – skill set, a passion for the subject and the ability to work with the existing team.?

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More support for early career scholars:

For further guidance on publishing and career advice, explore our?Editor’s Desk series?on our blog.??

If you’re an early career researcher (less than 7 years out of your PhD), why not submit to our?Next Gen IR series? The series provides a platform for young scholars to share their research and get publishing experience. If you’re interested please email our Digital Content Editor Jo Hills at?[email protected].?

The?International Affairs?team?is aware that there are structural challenges that disadvantage some scholars in the IR discipline. If you’re an early career scholar under-represented in the field, please consider applying to our?Early Career Diversity Initiative,?which pairs participants with senior scholars to provide mentoring through the publishing process.?

How to get a job in international relations series:

Krisztina Csortea - Managing Editor

Katie McCann - Intern