Club Career

Harkes would sign a homegrown contract with MLS team DC United after wrapping up his college soccer career with Wake Forest. He went on to make his professional debut for the capital team in March 2017 against New York City FC.

The first goal for the midfielder would come in June 2017 against amateur team Christos FC in the U.S. Open Cup. That would be followed later when he scored his first MLS goal in a game against FC Dallas.

Harkes would find opportunities to break into the lineup harder in his second season with United as the team brought in more reinforcements for the midfield. At the end of the 2018 season, DC United decided to release Harkes, making him a free agent.

In January 2019, it was announced that Harkes signed a two-year contract with Dundee United in the Scottish Championship.

During the 2019-2020 season, he would play an integral role in the Tangerines' run to the top of the standings. With the season ended abruptly by the Covid-19 pandemic, Harkes and Dundee United were awarded the Scottish Championship title and promotion to the Premier League.

International Career

The grandson of a Scottish immigrant and son of former U.S. national team captain John Harkes, Ian is eligible to represent either Scotland or the United States.

Harkes has been called up to the United States Under-20 national team in past years.

He received a call up to the senior team in January 2018 for their friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina.