Africana Studies
The Africana Studies major addresses itself to the experience of people of African descent on the continent of Africa and in the Western Hemisphere, including the United States. It provides coherent focus on the history, economy, politics, religion, culture, social conditions and health of black people throughout the world and their interaction with the rest of humankind.
Sample Occupations
- Law & Politics
- Lawyer
- Lobbyist
- Elected Official
- Campaign Manager
- Advocacy
- Program Administrator
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Grant Writer
- Fundraiser
- Human & Health Services
- Case Manager
- Counselor
- Community Outreach
- Culture and Arts
- Cultural administrator
- Researcher
- Curator
- Education
- Teaching
- Professor
- Dean of Students
- Multicultural Programmer
- Library Scientist
- Business & Industry
- Human Resources
- Marketing Manager
- Advertising Executive
- Labor Relations
- Communications
- Editor
- Writer
- Community Relations
- International Relations
Types of Employers
- Civil Rights Nonprofits
- Nonprofits with International Focus
- Colleges/Universities
- Government Agencies with International Focus
- Staffing Agencies
- Museums & Galleries
- Law Firms
- Publishers
- Dept. of Human Services
- Banking Industry
Preparing for your career in
Human Services: Volunteer for a nonprofit organization addressing African-American issues, develop competence in working with diverse groups, obtain a graduate degree in psychology or counseling, obtain knowledge of resources for those in need
Communications: Develop writing skills with publications targeting diversity issues, intern with publishers, become familiar with the freelance writing process, write for campus publications.
Law/Politics: Obtain a J.D. for attorney positions or advanced degree in political science or public administration for government or elected positions, develop strong debate and public speaking skills, consider studying abroad
Business: Double major or minor in business, learn to sell your Africana Studies major to employers valuing cultural diversity and international focus, be willing to start in a management-trainee program, seek leadership positions on campus
Foreign Service: Take electives in geography, US history, US political systems, western civilization, African history, Caribbean history, economics, English composition, and international trade & affairs to prepare for the mandatory foreign service examination (exam is offered only once a year, so preparation requires advanced planning), keep abreast of foreign policy issues and current events by reading newspapers and news magazines; consider volunteering with an international organization or business
How do I know if its right for me?
ASSESS: Take a career assessment, such as PathwayU, to see how your interests, values, and personality fit with majors and careers.
RESEARCH: Research the careers on this WCIDWAMI and thousands of other careers using O*Net Online, The Occupational Outlook Handbook or FirstHand.
EXPLORE: Learn more about a career field of interest by job shadowing, attending a career panel, or participating in a Career Trek. Further your exploration while gaining valuable skills by completing an internship, co-op, volunteer, or research experience.