ASU Capital Scholars Program sparks future endeavors for rising senior

Jameel Subhan was inspired to come to Arizona State University following the footsteps of his older sister after hearing about the opportunities the university provided her with.

Now, a rising senior studying political science, Subhan is prepping for his final year with the School of Politics and Global Studies. 

“I chose political science because I have always been interested in further understanding the interactions between people, politics and everything in between,” he said. 

Furthering his passion, Subhan had the experience to participate in the Capital Scholars Program this past summer in Washington, D.C., alongside his peers. 

During his time in D.C., Subhan worked 40 hours a week for a nonprofit organization called the Muslim Public Affairs Council, where he would attend meetings, watch congressional hearings and write memos. 

Subhan feels that the Capital Scholars Program broadened his perspective of the political world and the work life found in D.C. 

“Even if you are not working on the Hill, you definitely get a better understanding of how the U.S. political system works,” Subhan said. “Through different networking events, I was able to gain insight from mentors and find out what worked for them and what life as a political science major looks like after undergrad.” 

Taking the lessons he learned this summer and applying them to the fall semester, Subhan plans to appreciate the present. 

“Seeing what my life might look like after I graduate was very exciting, but at the same time, I realized that everything is temporary and to really bask in the moment and enjoy it,” he said. 

Subhan looks forward to his research fellowship this year with ASU’s Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict, where he will work on a project about the city of Manbij, Syria, alongside the distinguished Anand Gopal, an assistant research professor within the School of Politics and Global Studies, the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict and the Center on the Future of War. 

As Subhan enjoys his senior year, he can see himself as a postgraduate working for a think-tank organization or a nonprofit in D.C. all while considering adding a master’s degree in political science or international affairs. 

Subhan advises his fellow political science majors to always be open to new opportunities and “know that there are stable careers that do not require a law degree.”