The concept of peace as a profession is a broad and multifaceted subject, however it is clear that it is a possibility. Peace is a complex subject in itself, yet its importance is increasingly relevant within our society, indicating the need for individuals who are interested in pursuing careers that relate to its implementation and preservation. Throughout my time as a Peace Studies student, I have learned about many ways that peace may be incorporated into our career paths. Initially, I assumed that all careers within this discipline would include some form of diplomacy or political work, and I was concerned about whether my interests would be compatible with my passion for this field. However, I have come to understand that this is not the case. Careers that are centered around or that interact with peace can take on a wide variety of forms, and while many of these career paths may be challenging, they are highly valuable as well. 

Peace as a profession can have direct manifestations within various career paths. The most predominant fields that I have learned about include those that uphold, promote, and protect human rights and combat injustice. This may be done through working with the law, with governments or non-governmental organizations, and with non-profits. Throughout my time as an undergrad, I have learned about these fields in my classes and through conversations with a variety of esteemed and accomplished experts. I have learned that law can be central to peace due to its role in upholding justice and protecting human rights and liberties. In particular, I have learned about the work of the ICC and the ad hoc tribunals, including the ICTY and the ICTR, which have actively contributed to addressing violence and promoting justice within national and international systems. Working with the government, the UN, or other non-governmental organizations can also be effective pathways to getting involved in this field. Some notable organizations I have learned about include Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. Additionally, it is clear that the work of nonprofits, both big and small, is highly valuable in promoting peace and justice. One example of a nonprofit that has made significant contributions to this field within the U.S. is the ACLU. In this sense, there are many ways that peace can become a profession through engaging in work that protects and promotes human rights and justice. 

However, I have also learned that many of these career paths can be difficult. In a recent interview with Dr. John Hall from Chapman’s Fowler School of Law, he emphasized the financial burdens and high cost of entry as prominent obstacles to working in these fields. It is also clear that many of these careers can be taxing on your personal life and mental health. That being said, many of the experts I have heard from have also placed a strong emphasis on the value of this work and its importance to local, national, and international communities. 

Cat Bolten teaches for the Kroc Institute
Photo by Matt Cashore/University of Notre Dame

It is also important to note that not everyone is interested in these kinds of career paths and that peace-related work can be incorporated into many other professions. This discipline is very broad, and efforts to uphold the values of peace and justice are crucial, no matter how big or small. One example of a possible incorporation of peace into other professions is through using teaching as an outlet to educate others on the importance of these fields. One can also incorporate peace into their profession by working for an organization that does not engage directly with this field yet upholds the same values, or through engaging in volunteer work within their community.  

In short, professions in peace can take many forms, and all are relevant and valuable to this discipline. Although careers that work directly in upholding peace and justice at national and international levels may be challenging, they are also rewarding and highly important professions. However, one should not limit their understanding of careers in peace and justice to those professions. Individuals can engage with and promote peace and justice through a wide variety of career paths, and each one is uniquely important. In this sense, peace, which is a broad and multifaceted concept in itself, can foster many potential professions for those who are interested.