January Makambaentered Saint John's University with an interest in conflict resolution. He feels that his undergraduate studies at CBS/SJU have given him the know-how to prepare him for graduate studies. Particularly, he feels the Peace Studies program and CSB/SJU helped him to develop the ability to effectively analyze conflict situations in our world. While here, January received a prestigious Upper Midwest Human Rights Fellowship, which enabled him to intern with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and to work in Burundian and Congolese refugee camps in Western Tanzania. During his stay in Western Tanzania, January gained first hand experience in the field of conflict resolution. He interviewed refugees, facilitated "peace" meetings between refugees and local populations, and helped to advise the Tanzanian government.
January's success at CSB/SJU led him to pursue graduate studies in the field of conflict analysis and resolution. He will be graduating in 2004 with a Master of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University. Currently, January is applying all over the globe for conflict-related jobs while interning in Washington DC at the Academy for Educational Development where he aids in developing analysis tools for conflict vulnerability.
January is a testament to the fantastic opportunities that await you as a Peace Studies undergraduate at CSB/SJU. January's advice to future peace studies majors is to pursue graduate studies in the field. In order to create true change in policy, peace-minded individuals must be willing to engage in the policy community. Conflict Analysis graduate programs are developing all over the country. January advises to take advantage of these programs in order to help put peace-minded individuals into leadership and policy-making roles in our society.