-- Overall, How was your experience in the MA program?

My experience in the MA Program was extremely challenging, demanding, and rewarding; I was able to explore issues and interests that I had been unable to focus on in my undergraduate career. I had never before been surrounded by a group of students who had some of the very same interests as me (although because of our mutual interest in Africa, I quickly could identify our differing interests and opinions too!). I could connect with this small cohort on both a personal and intellectual level. The CAS department is extremely small and serves as an amazing academic and social support system when needed.

-- What was most challenging about the MA program?  Most rewarding?

I was not expecting such huge step from undergrad rigor to the difficulty of graduate-level classes. As someone who had worked pretty hard in undergrad, I was surprised at the fact that I worked even harder during the MA program! Two of the highlights for me were AFRICAST 300, a 1-hour class each week where we were given the opportunity to reflect on the experience of being "Africanists," and an experience where I was expected to serve as an African "expert" in a very difficult PoliSci course. Both tested my knowledge, skills, and perceptions.

 

Has the MA program helped you outside of school?

The MA program helped me in very different ways than I had expected. I approached the MA program as a was to hone in on (and demonstrate to future employers) my specific interests in Africa. This was the case, but it also gave me more skills about talking and writing about Africa that were eventually extremely useful to my work with the African Union. I also made some extremely important connections with professors who served as advisors to me. Plus, I was able to get personalized guidance on applying to jobs from the CAS office.

 

Do you have any specific thoughts on the MA program as a co-term?

Yes! Many people think of co-term programs as simply an extension of undergraduate careers, but it should not really be thought of as such -- it is much harder! During my MA year, I was the only member of the cohort who was a co-term student! That being said, on a personal level, I do recommend creating a space separate from the undergrad experience. I moved off-campus and stopped participating in a number of my extra-curricular activities. This helped me to spend time on my studies, and applying for jobs.

What have you been doing since you've graduated?

Last year, I was a Princeton in Africa Fellow and worked in the Local Communities/Refugee Units at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Addis Ababa. Currently, I am working as a consultant at the World Food Programme's Liaison Office to the African Union and ECA. I am currently leading communications efforts and supporting data analysis for a 12-country study on the economic cost of child undernutrition in Africa. I visit Laura at the CAS office every time I am back in the US.

 

-- Do you have any advice for those considering the MA program?

Choosing to do an MA in African Studies should be something you choose because you are interested in deepening both your knowledge and your questions about the continent. The structure of the program is such that you will enroll in courses in a wide variety of subjects, not just the specific sector that you are most interested in; of course, this will further help you to identify your interests, but you should be aware that the scope of subjects is difficult.