ASU alum works toward equitable society following recent master's degree

The School of Politics and Global Studies is laying the foundation for success in graduate school by creating access to opportunities that spark interest and passion, benefiting students well beyond college years. 

Arizona State University political science alum Kayla Green recently graduated from American University School of International Service with a Master of Arts in international affairs. 

Green self-designed the regional and thematic concentrations of her degree in order to become a well-informed expert in her area of study. 

“My MA gave me a greater comprehension of Africa’s colonial history, comparative political economy, economic development, peace building and so much more,” Green said. 

Her time at ASU studying at the School of Politics and Global Studies gave Green a strong foundation that allowed her to transition into the international affairs realm. 

Through ASU’s Global Education Office, Green was able to complete three study abroad programs, each with an internship component. 

“I used these work experiences on my resume to make myself a stronger candidate for graduate programs and other job opportunities,” Green said. 

During her time abroad, Green had the opportunity to study in Ghana, Italy and in Washington, D.C., through the ASU Capital Scholars Program. It was abroad where she developed her passion for African affairs and gained life changing experiences that helped shape her academic journey. 

Green recommends that all ASU students complete at least one study abroad trip to enhance their passions and gain hands-on experience in the workforce. Although she needed to take out student loans to help fund these opportunities, the programs she completed have helped cultivate her academic and professional experience. 

“These experiences certainly set me up for success, but I also needed to take out student loans to fund these experiences that I am still paying off; that’s not a reality I want to shy away from,” Green said. 

Green is currently positioned as an Africa Program Fellow in the Business Council for International Understanding, an organization that offers commercial diplomacy services to leading organizations and governments around the world to help promote the expansion and understanding of global trade and commerce. 

In her position, Green works closely with the Africa unit, where she conducts research, manages correspondence and assists with program writing. 

Green hopes to eventually become a development practitioner in Sub-Saharan Africa, where she can help countries with fast-growing populations expand the capacity of their institutions to better provide resources and opportunities for their citizens. 

Green’s wish is that everyone lives in an equitable society with “autonomy over their own lives,” in which success is not restricted based on where you were born or what your socioeconomic situation is.

“Everyone deserves the right to self-actualization, and if I can in some way expand access to this in the development sector, that would be a dream come true,” she said.