Gagan Vaseer, B.A. 2013

2013 Major: International Comparative Studies and Political Science

How has being an ICS graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?

"Studying ICS provided me with the freedom and flexibility to pursue a myriad of career options, from education to tech to consulting to international affairs. Given the major's strong focus on developing critical thinkers, problem solvers, and effective communicators, the degree enabled me to make seamless transitions across industries. As the major allowed me to take an eclectic array of classes, I came out of Duke confident that I had the diverse skillset that could be molded into any career pathway. Thus far, I have been able to easily show the value of my ICS degree to employers, and thoughtfully make career pivots between the public and private sectors without any difficulties."

What advice would you give students in Duke's International Comparative Studies programs? 

"Embrace the diversity and ambiguity that can come from the International Comparative Studies program, and study whatever areas spark your interests. Be sure to take courses beyond the core, engage in research opportunities, and make meaningful connections with professors. And, regardless of what path you take, be confident that you are learning the core skills that will benefit you in the long term."