Before joining the University of Notre Dame‘s Keough School of Global Affairs, Master of Global Affairs student Omar Cham had already played a role in The Gambia’s restructuring efforts following more than two decades under a dictatorship.
But democracies are fragile, and Cham knew he needed to deepen his understanding of governance structures, international development and conflict resolution, areas he believes are critical to strengthening democratic reforms in The Gambia and beyond. “[These are] critical areas that will enhance my ability to contribute meaningfully to democratic reforms in The Gambia and beyond,” he says.
Cham is in the right school. Keough School alumni have a strong record of driving meaningful change in nonprofits, governments, private and public organisations such as the International Rescue Committee, Oxfam International, UNICEF, the World Bank, Boston Consulting Group and Deloitte.
Keough School addresses some of the world’s most pressing, and complex challenges. Source: University of Notre Dame
Putting theory into practice
Much of that impact can be traced to the Keough School’s distinctive approach to learning, which integrates theory with practice. Whether engaging with partners in Washington D.C., collaborating through the Integration Lab (i-Lab), taking part in a peace studies internship or participating in international summer programmes, Keough School students gain hands-on insight into global challenges and develop the creativity, empathy and practical skills to address them.
Cham is doing just that as a research assistant at the Keough School’s Pulte Institute for Global Development. “I apply my experience to initiatives addressing global poverty and inequality,” he says. “Collaborating with scholars, policymakers and practitioners has broadened my perspective on governance challenges and solutions worldwide.”
A vibrant community committed to serving human dignity
An education at the Keough School is defined by its people. Mentorship is personalised, classes are small, and faculty ensure every student is known and supported. These relationships extend far beyond graduation.
“One of the things I value most about the Keough School is the access to Notre Dame’s incredible alumni network,” says Cham. “I’ve had opportunities to meet with distinguished leaders, including U.S. senators and representatives, as well as participate in career chats with alumni from around the world. These connections have opened doors and inspired me to think bigger about the impact I can have after graduation.”
As a Keough School graduate, you’ll join a network of ethically minded leaders working for the common good across sectors and continents.
International Peace Studies alumna Megan Reamy, for example, is the research lead and project manager for the Women’s Circle Project, an initiative that advocates for better working conditions for female migrant domestic workers in Kuwait.
“The education and training I have received have made me confident in the critical importance of data-centred, community-led programme design and sharpened the skills I need to analyse problems and help communities create sustainable solutions,” she says.
For all she’s accomplished, Reamy has never forgotten Keough School’s support for professional growth, which she describes as “amazing.”
“During my time in the programme, I felt encouraged to explore both internal and external opportunities that provided me with hands-on experience and opportunities for networking —all of which have been instrumental in my career,” she says. “With the generous support of the Hesburgh Global Fellowship, I am now building on what I learned as a student and continuing to expand my skills as a researcher, project manager, and peacebuilder with my incredible team at en.v in Kuwait.”
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