What is African Studies?
African Studies is one of the Humanities which explores African history, culture, economies, political systems and artistic expression. The program focuses on:
- Interconnections with Europe, Asia and the Americas
- Africa’s central role in world history and processes of globalization
- Recent developments in our understanding of African civilizations
- African, Caribbean and African-American cultural and artistic responses to modernity, racism, and liberation
Skills of African Studies Grads
- Understand connections between Africa’s past and present
- Critically engage with African cultures and values
- Examine selected issues in African ethnography
- Gather, review, evaluate and interpret information
- Present information and ideas clearly
- Develop interdisciplinary analytical skills
- Develop the ability to utilize scholarly and cultural materials
- Understand the limits of and barriers to knowledge
- Think innovatively about Africa’s place in the world
Entry-Level Jobs for Bachelor Grads
Common employment destinations include:
- Community Centre Manager in Non-Profits
- Public Relations Consultant in Corporations
- International Trade Policy Officer in Government
- Human Resources Associate in Recruiting
- Underwriter in Insurance
- Social Policy Researcher in Think-Thanks
- Reporter/Broadcaster/Journalist in Media
- International Development Researcher in NGOs
- Foreign Service Officer in Federal Government
- Research Associate in Marketing Agencies
African Studies Grads from UTSC have gone on to:
- United Way (Resource Development)
- Free the Children (Program Coordinator)
- Boys &Girls Club (Activity Leader)
UofT African Studies graduates are working in Education, Program Management, and Research.
Graduate & Professional Studies
Popular further education opportunities include:
- Literature – Master of Arts
- History – Master of Arts
- Education – Bachelor or Master
- International Development – Master of Arts
- Political Science – Master of Arts
- Law School – JD (Juris Doctor)
- Paralegal Studies – Diploma
- Journalism – Master or Post-Diploma
- Public Relations – Post-Graduate Certificate
Examples of Fields that ‘Fit’ the Skills of African Studies Grads
- Education
- Community and Social Services
- Journalism and Reporting
- Non Profit Causes and Social Advocacy Groups
- Newspaper/Book Publishers
- Government (Federal, Provincial, Regional, Municipal)
- Consulting Firms
- Law / Legal Services
Your 4-Year Career Exploration Action Plan
1. Do Your Research
The databases below provide you with details about job prospects, nature of work, educational requirements, working conditions, pay and related career paths:
- Career Cruising: Log into cln.utoronto.ca, click on Resources, and click on Career Cruising to be logged in automatically
- O*Net: online.onetcenter.org (U.S. site)
Attend our workshop Discover Your Skills and Career Options, meet with a Career Counsellor, and use our resources to get to know your skills, values, personality and interests.
Use the advice on our tip sheets for gathering information:
- Information Interviews
- Working On-Campus
- Internships
- Volunteering
2. Explore Career Options & Get Experience
Gain exposure to your options in the world of work and make connections while you’re a student via campus events and programs listed on cln.utoronto.ca and ccr.utoronto.ca:
- Extern Job Shadowing
- In the Field
- Explore It! (course-based)
- Partners in Leadership (4th year students)
- iLead, uLead, weLead (Department of Student Life)
- Employer Information Sessions
- Career & Volunteer Fairs
- Departmental Student Association Events
Apply for Work Study jobs in CLN in Fall and Spring! You might also find work via the SCSU.
Find networking opportunities, internship programs and entry-level jobs via websites like TalentEgg and Charity Village.
As an upper year student (14+ credits), attend UTSC’s Get Hired conference and participate in Jobs for Grads.
As a graduate, explore internships and other trainee programs like Career Edge.
3. Build Your Network
Explore professional associations and get involved! Volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest. These are your future mentors, supervisors and colleagues!
- African Studies Association
- Association of the Worldwide African Diaspora
- Arts Council of the African Studies Association
- Association for the Development of Education in Africa
Other associations and websites for finding networking opportunities and experience include:
Please note: This information is a starting point for your further research into career options in this field of study. For more information on this program and course requirements, please visit the Department of Historical and Cultural Studies website.