Career Preparation

ASP Pathways Series

The ASP Pathways series is focused on providing undergraduate and graduate students career-focused mentoring, networking, and professionalization experiences. Events range from tailored advising for African Studies students, workshopping of various skills, bringing in guest speakers from a range of professions -including IU alumni, discussing internship opportunities, arranging sessions led by the Walter Center for Career Achievement, Peace Corp Prep, and more. We regularly seek feedback from student participants to make sure Pathways is relevant and timely, meeting student needs. Look for “ASP Pathways” in your emails and under our events!

Develop the skills for your future

Rooted in a liberal arts education, our students receive foundational skills that prepare them for work and life. Our students question critically, think logically, communicate clearly, act creatively, and live ethically. These skills are prized by employers of all kinds and are vital to a 21st century career.

Our students go on to work in a wide variety of fields in the business, government, academic, and non-profit sectors. A degree in African Studies opens doors in the U.S., Africa, and other parts of the world. Our advisors can help you locate internships and prepare to enter the job market.

The Walter Center for Career Achievement

The Walter Center for Career Achievement offers resources and advising for students in the College of Arts and Sciences, of which the Hamilton Lugar School (HLS) is a part, enabling you to engage with employers, industry experts, and alumni, moving from your undergraduate years into a successful and rewarding career. HLS has a dedicated career advisor there for its undergraduates.

Peace Corp Prep Program

Are you wanting to put your skills and knowledge to work making a positive impact through service, before starting a full-time job or graduate school? IU Peace Corp Prep program may be just what you are looking for! Open to any undergraduate pursuing any major at IU, the program makes you more competitive when you apply to be in the Peace Corps or to work with other international organizations.

Learn more about Peace Corp Prep Program

A global network

The Hamilton Lugar School has also partnered with Ascend Indiana to connect students with Indiana employers in the global marketplace. Members of the Ascend team are on campus every week to meet with HLS/African Studies students are encouraged to participate.

Visit the Walter Center website Visit the HLS career preparation page

I plan to go to Rwanda with the Peace Corps after graduation and my knowledge of African Studies will greatly benefit the contributions I am able to make to the communities I will be serving in. Having cultural competence and awareness in the area you are working in is extremely important, and I feel that the African Studies Program has greatly prepared me for that.

Macy Richardson, Biology major; African Studies certificate; African Languages minor in Swahili; International Studies minor; studied abroad in Tanzania; wants to do Peace Corps