The University of 51²è¹Ý at ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ is expanding its (CAPA) initiative this fall, providing students with valuable skills and knowledge to pursue careers in government, education, business, and the nonprofit sector related to the Asia-Pacific region. Launched in October 2023 by the (SPAS), CAPA aims to bolster career readiness and professional development opportunities for 51²è¹Ý ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ students.
- Related 51²è¹Ý News story: New Asia-Pacific affairs career initiative in motion, October 10, 2023
This semester, CAPA is rolling out a new webinar speaker series, beginning with “International Education Careers: Nothing Adventured, Nothing Attained” on September 18 at 3 p.m. via Zoom. ()
“Our first CAPA talk of the fall series will feature 51²è¹Ý ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ alumni who have teaching careers overseas,” said Teri Skillman, associate director at 51²è¹Ý ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ (CSEAS). “They will speak about their process of obtaining a job, the value of the 51²è¹Ý degree, and the importance of their language skills in their education career.”
Strategic grant funding
The CAPA initiative complements the Indo-Pacific Affairs Initiative in SPAS, supported by Congressionally-directed funding from 2022–25, which aims to strengthen 51²è¹Ý ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹¡¯s expertise in Asia and the Pacific Islands. This funding supports various components, including the newly established Center for Indo-Pacific Affairs, paid internships, visiting experts, and enhanced educational and professional development opportunities.
A key component of CAPA is a $1.13 million grant from the International Foreign Language and Area Studies Office of the U.S. Department of Education, which designates CSEAS as a National Resource Center (NRC). This funding aims to enhance career readiness using Southeast Asian languages and area studies expertise.
“The absolute priorities for the grant align with the 51²è¹Ý system career readiness priorities and with the state¡¯s ,” said Miriam Stark, director at CSEAS. “This is an effort to enhance career readiness using Southeast Asian languages and area studies expertise to succeed in the workplace and meet national needs.”
Inaugural course
This fall, CAPA also introduced its first course, ASAN 305: Career Pathways in Asian Studies, which explores various careers related to and helps students develop the skills needed to translate academic success into meaningful careers.
“It¡¯s a hands-on course that draws on our recent research on Asia-related workforce needs and alumni placements, putting those research results to practical use for our students,” said Cathryn Clayton, an associate professor and chair of Asian studies who developed and teaches the course.
CAPA¡¯s upcoming events include workshops on civic engagement, funding opportunities, and publication writing, providing students with comprehensive resources to navigate Asia-Pacific related careers.