5 Things You Can Do With A Degree in African Studies

While the name itself makes it clear that the focus of the study is Africa, there is so much more than this. African Studies includes the study of history, languages, politics, economy, and religion. African Studies aim to sensitize the world about the continent. Those who engage in such studies are often called ‘Africanists’ and include many notable personalities such as Chinua Achebe, a Professor; Albert Adu Boahen, an Academician; Gwendolen M. Carter, a political scientist; and Stephen Ellis, a historian.

But, studying is one thing, and making a career out of it is another. The question is what one can do with a degree in African Studies. What kind of options available to degree holders is a fundamental question, and I think I might have a few options to suggest.

Here, you will find 5 things which you can do with your degree.

1. Academician
   Universities all over the world want to educate their students about Africa and its many aspects. However, there aren’t many academicians who specialize in African Studies. The demand is high but the takers are few. Scholarship has begun stressing on the need to introduce African studies in courses, and anyone with a degree in the same can exploit the developing situation. A good university will pay good remuneration to those with degrees like these. Hence, you will be able to educate people about what you know and earn handsomely as well.
2. Journalism
   News agencies across the world are looking for individuals who are willing to be correspondents in Africa. Journalism, therefore, could be a great option for those with a degree in African Studies. Your degree will assist you in understanding local conditions better and help you communicate full-fledged, well-thought-out information to the world. A person sitting in America would not know enough to make out what exactly is happening in a particular African country. But, you will. I would say, there is a degree of exclusivity which you will enjoy because of the particular degree you hold. So, consider getting a degree in journalism to add brownie points to your fantastic degree in African Studies.
3. Policymaking
   You do not have to be in Africa to become a participant in your country’s policymaking. All over the world, there has been an increased demand for people who have studied the multi-faceted African continent to contribute to policymaking. Governmental departments often roll out advertisements for special vacancies. Use your education to your advantage and utilize the felt necessity in the policymaking of your country. Moreover, those involved in these areas are often handed over handsome remunerations. So, it is a perfect career path to choose, if you would ask me.
4. Writing Books
   Unfortunately, the world is still egregiously ignorant about Africa. Much of the world’s understanding is mired by short-sightedness and stereotypes. We deserve to know the truth about Africa. Ignorance needs to be dispelled and information should be spread about what Africa was and what it has become. For that, we need writers. With your knowledge, you can offer the world an opportunity to dive deeper into the real world of Africa. As a writer, you will be bridging the gap between Africa and the world—and that, in itself, is a commendable thing to do. Of course, you will also have to work on your writing skills extensively in order to generate readable and engaging content. That, too, shall develop with time and a lot of patience.
5. Legal Services
   People from all over the world have begun entering into legal relationships with African persons. Naturally, there are also many implications of the same. People who specialize in African affairs are not many but the matters related to the same have increased dramatically. Consider getting a law degree. Once you are qualified, you should combine your legal knowledge and practical skills with your knowledge in African affairs. Trust me, Africans are among one of the largest communities who enter into all sorts of legal relationship with the world. This is, especially, true for part-time work relationships. People need professionals who can assist them in solving matters arising out of such relationships.