The programs I chose and the opportunities that came with them fuelled my curiosity, sharpened my critical thinking skills, and broadened my worldview.

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

The flexibility of both the Communication Studies and Theatre and Film Studies programs allowed me to combine hands-on learning with lectures and tutorials. I had the opportunity to practice and apply communication theories and principles in internships, research projects, and teaching positions. It’s also wonderful to be able to marry what I learned in Communications Studies with theatre and stage management; I loved seeing the work behind the scenes come to life on stage. The programs I chose and the opportunities that came with them fuelled my curiosity, sharpened my critical thinking skills, and broadened my worldview.

What advice would you give to a current student who is thinking about career options?

Forget “finding your passion.” Instead, be curious and have a fearless desire to learn. In the beginning of your career post graduation, you will likely find yourself competing hard for job opportunities. This feeling of “starting from scratch” is stressful. Acknowledge your uncertainties and focus your attention to what you can do to accelerate your learning as an early-career professional. This may mean doing freelance work, seeking out volunteer opportunities, or taking on select internships to hone a specific skill in your industry. Though you are starting at square one fresh out of university, there is really nowhere to go but up. With perseverance and focused learning, you will get through this initial hump and be considered for opportunities.

In your opinion, what is the value of a Humanities degree?

Graduating with a Humanities degree means that you’re equipped with the essential skills needed to thrive in any workplace or new environment: critical thinking, listening, good communication, negotiation, empathy, analysis, and strategic thinking. There is nothing “soft” about these skills. The long-form essays you wrote, literature you read, and debates you engaged in are all necessary means to sharpen those essential skills; they are needed in a world of increased complexity with interwoven issues and impacts. Humanities grads, take pride in knowing that you’re armed with these important skills as soon as you step foot outside of the university.

My program at McMaster provided me with the opportunity to commune with students and professors who encouraged interdisciplinary approaches to creating knowledge.

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

My program at McMaster provided me with the opportunity to commune with students and professors who encouraged interdisciplinary approaches to creating knowledge. I was exposed to a blend of both kinesthetic and text based learning, which helped me to grow a deeper intimacy with course material.

What advice would you give to a current student who is thinking about career options?

My advice to a current student would be to focus on getting the most out of each class you’re enrolled in. Having an idea of what career you’d like to pursue is important, but this should not be at the expense of developing a broad range of knowledge that will help expand the skills you bring to whatever career you end up in.

In your opinion, what is the value of a Humanities degree?

A Humanities degree promotes creativity and critical thinking. Right now, the pursuit of social justice in our contemporary moment demands an examination of the historical and geo-political conditions that undergird our social relations. The Humanities provides students with an opportunity to interrogate privilege and structural inequality. By doing so, imagining and creating a more just world becomes possible.

The benefit of a Humanities degree is that it truly prepares you for the working world

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

I really enjoyed how complementary my double major was, it almost felt like I graduated with both a Degree and a Diploma. The Communications program was research based, required critical thinking and analysis, and taught us to dive deep into current affairs – all paired with the Multimedia program that was application based, involving hands-on media production and experimenting with creative programs.

What advice would you give to a current student who is thinking about career options?

Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to find the perfect job right out of university – it is very likely that it won’t be your last one! Every job provides you with experience, and it is experience that lands you the next job. It’s important to just get started in the working world, see what you like and don’t like, and then adjust your career path accordingly.

In your opinion, what is the value of a Humanities degree?

The benefit of a Humanities degree is that it truly prepares you for the working world. Regardless of your department of study, Humanities graduates learn and develop the fundamental skills employers require for nearly every job – critical thinking, communications, working independently, and time management. It might sound overly simple, but these skills are invaluable and they truly go a long way.

The “soft skills” we learn from a Humanities degree are incredibly versatile, and while we may not be specialized in one domain, we can adapt our knowledge to the job market.

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

Most of my studies before I joined McMaster were in France, and I was happily surprised to discover a new way of teaching and learning, that completely enhanced my educational experience. I loved the small cohort, the openness and creativity we get from sitting at a round table with our professor gently leading our seminars but encouraging us to discuss and learn from each other, rather than telling us what and how to think. I felt encouraged, heard, valued. And the environment – wow. I fell in love with McMaster’s campus and even looked at job opportunities there at the end of the school year because I didn’t want to leave!

What advice would you give to a current student who is thinking about career options?

Network, network, network. I know it can sound like a scary word when you’re not an extrovert or someone at ease in crowds, but there are different ways to meet people, not just show up at a conference and cruise your way through cocktails and introductions. While writing my major research paper (MRP), I got to chat with fascinating individuals, first because I wanted to interview them in relation to my topic, but then branching out to discussing what they did and how they got there. I would read alumni profiles and see where they’re at today, to inspire me and see all the options out there (and we all have such diverse paths, this is one of the great aspects of a multidisciplinary degree). I would message people on LinkedIn whose career I was interested in and politely ask if they’d have a couple of minutes to chat, over Zoom or coffee. I can tell you, most people love being the center of attention and if they are not too busy, they will more often than not say yes.

In your opinion, what is the value of a Humanities degree?

Our generation will often hold several jobs throughout their careers, and sometimes, several careers. The “soft skills” we learn from a Humanities degree are incredibly versatile, and while we may not be specialized in one domain, we can adapt our knowledge to the job market. I value my communications, research and critical skills that have helped me nail interviews, organize projects and teams, learn new roles without much supervision, assess when to ask questions and when to dig for information on my own – even though it didn’t “get me” the job, my degree has been and will continue to be useful in many aspects of my life.

Through my Multimedia major, I learned technical skills that have made me invaluable in the workplace.

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

I chose to double major in Communication Studies and Multimedia, and doing both taught me extremely valuable skills that I practice on a daily basis. Through my Multimedia major, I learned technical skills that have made me invaluable in the workplace. Getting exposed to and learning the ins and outs of softwares, such as Photoshop and Premiere Pro, have been so beneficial in the PR and Marketing world. On the Communications side, the connections I created with my professors and the critical analysis taught in the unique course curricula have greatly advanced my years post-McMaster.

What advice would you give to a current student who is thinking about career options?

Get involved, try new things, and network. University is a time to explore and discover what you like and what you don’t like. A Humanities degree allows you so many options to academically learn about different worlds and industries, but there are so many volunteer opportunities or clubs on campus that will help you explore every career option imaginable.

In your opinion, what is the value of a Humanities degree?

From Art to Social Justice to Gender Studies, a Humanities degree allows students a unique interdisciplinary experience. They are taught holistic perspectives, which in turn, advances critical-thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and oral and written communication skills. Those are highly marketable skills that any employer will value.

I was well-positioned to begin my career upon graduating from my program.

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

My program at McMaster equipped me with an academic toolkit of critical thinking, analysis and strong communication skills, which I furthered through extracurricular opportunities within the faculty and university writ-large. My professors and academic advisors were knowledgeable, engaging and invested in their students’ success. I benefited from their support and guidance throughout my academic journey. I was well-positioned to begin my career upon graduating from my program.

What advice would you give to a current student who is thinking about career options?

In today’s world, one’s career trajectory is often non-linear, and in many cases, untraditional. As a result of a strong academic foundation, Humanities student can pursue a plethora of career opportunities. The options are endless, so I would encourage current students and recent grads to explore their curiosity and embrace uncertainty. In order to determine where to begin and which paths are most suitable, it is important for students to be confident in their skill sets and remain open to new experiences, to get involved in communities and to engage with peers, professors, and industry professionals, in order to build a professional network. During this “exploration” and “experiential” phase of a student’s search, they will become more attune with their interests, will learn about the types of environments which spark their curiosity and provide them with opportunities for professional and personal growth. Students will learn about the types of leaders they want to work for and work with. Albeit challenging and intimidating, the exploration phase is critical. So students should take time to explore and learn from others!

In your opinion, what is the value of a Humanities degree?

In my opinion, a Humanities degree: Equips students with technical and transferrable skills which are incredibly sought after by employers; Prepares students to be effective communicators, analytical problem solvers and agile team members; and Fosters self-aware, empathetic global citizens. Humanities students can conduct excellent research, write persuasively, and quickly assimilate and synthesize new information. From an employers point of view, these skills are invaluable in today’s knowledge economy.

Humanities degrees allow you maximum flexibility in your potential career options

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

What I found beneficial about my programs at McMaster were both the hard and soft skills acquired through my degrees. The tangible, hard skills, such as public relation practices, crisis communications strategies, and research skills, were critical to the early success of my career and landing my first job opportunities. The soft skills that were repeatedly built on and honed throughout my education, such as writing and communicating effectively, have been most beneficial in the growth of my career and its accelerated trajectory.

What advice would you give to a current student who is thinking about career options?

I would advise current students who are thinking about their career options to keep an open mind. It can be very difficult to land that first position after graduation, but don’t get discouraged. The first job offer may not be the ideal position, but give every opportunity consideration. My first role after graduating was not exactly what I was seeking, but it set me up for further professional and personal growth and the subsequent career opportunities that were more exciting and in the direction that I wanted to go.

In your opinion, what is the value of a Humanities degree?

In my opinion, one of the greatest values of a Humanities degree is the opportunity to develop keen critical thinking skills. I attribute a lot of my career success and growth to date on my ability to assess various situations from multiple points of view and determine a best strategy forward. This is also a skill I look for when hiring for our organization. Additionally, Humanities degrees allow you maximum flexibility in your potential career options as the skills acquired are highly transferable. While I completed degrees in Communications and spent my early career in Communication-specific roles, I have been able to further my career by moving beyond that field. I directly attribute my ability to move into a senior leadership role in operations on the variety of transferable skills that I obtained from a Humanities degree at McMaster.

Earning a Humanities degree is the strongest step you can take to being well-rounded and in-demand.

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

My professors and TAs were above and beyond what I expected of them. The class sizes are just the right size that if you were willing to make even the smallest effort, you could easily be known and recognized by your professors. The professors have the right mix of academic and professional experience and are ready and eager to help you. I never doubted that they wanted the best for me. Because I attended office hours or chatted/emailed with my professors and TAs, they knew how far to push me on an idea and encouraged me when I asked for advise on if I should continue to an MA. I credit my positive experience at McMaster to my professors and TAs.

What advice would you give to a current student who is thinking about career options?

Earning a Humanities degree is the strongest step you can take to being well-rounded and in-demand. Even better, your skills only get stronger the more you work with them. When you start looking for a job, see it as a step to a career. Your first job out of university will not be the job, it will be a job, and once you collect and work a few of these positions and you couple your education with these experiences, you will happen upon a career. It might not be exactly what you went to school for. When I graduated from McMaster, I thought I’d be working for an ad agency or a publication or media conglomerate right out the gate. I’ve spent time in the financial industry, in the cannabis industry and now, I work in Nuclear energy! I was fortunate enough to build connections and gain the right experience to let me be selective about where I want to work. I chose Nuclear because it aligns with my dedication to green living and positive environmental action. Once you have a strong tool box of experience, education and connections, you can take your skills and work wherever you want. Humanities is the ticket to what you want.

In your opinion, what is the value of a Humanities degree?

The value in my Humanities degree is versatility. The discipline is so fluid and adaptable and is needed everywhere. You are not limited to one job title or one industry. I can take my skills and work in any industry I want.

The value of a Humanities degree can be transferred to a wide array of career possibilities. So, you can have confidence knowing that it will serve you well, no matter what.

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

I continue to benefit to this day from the knowledge gained, long after my time in the classroom ended. Formulating a clear, well thought-out argument; valuing the power of diverse perspectives; and proposing ideas backed by data and research, are just a handful of the skills I learned. They continue to serve me throughout the progression of my corporate marketing career. I am also beyond grateful for the network I established, not only with fellow classmates, but with the professors and teaching assistants who so kindly took the time to pour encouragement into me and provide guidance as I carved out my professional path. McMaster is just as much a supportive community as it is an excellent educational institution.

What advice would you give to a current student who is thinking about career options?

One of the best decisions I made during my undergrad was paralleling my studies with professional development opportunities outside of the classroom, which McMaster would frequently share with students. This led to invaluable connections in the industries that interested me. I was then able to identify from early on which career paths would not be the best fit for me and quickly course-correct, becoming even clearer on the direction I wanted to head in professionally. So, I encourage you to proactively arrange an informational interview with that professional or professor you look up to, pursue the internships that catch your eye and embrace trying new things. All these experiences will benefit you in the end and you never know what doors may be opened. Lastly: There is absolutely no requirement for your path to be a linear, straightforward progression.

In your opinion, what is the value of a Humanities degree?

The value of a Humanities degree can be transferred to a wide array of career possibilities. So, you can have confidence knowing that it will serve you well, no matter what.

I was greeted with a nurturing love of reading and learning. It was the ability to sit down, focus and construct an argument or opinion. Reading is a superpower.

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

When I first got to McMaster, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I was able to get started in Humanities and set myself up to pursue a multitude of paths. I was taking intro to computer science courses, philosophy, world religions, and communications. The flexibility throughout the program was helpful.

What advice do you have to current students who are looking into their career options?

Go meet other people in other faculties. I expanded who I was chatting to across different disciplines and that helped set me on the career I meant now. I was interested in start-ups and pitch competitions which came from a lot of conversations I was having with students in commerce. While daunting, it was totally worth it. There are so many departments at McMaster, you can go meet nursing students, engineering students or future lawyers, all which might expand your mindset on career options.

In your opinion, what is the value of a humanities degree?

If you want to try to make a career out of something in the arts, universities give you an option to see its application in both an academic setting and professionally. Many professors were practitioners of their craft and performers, maybe on stage or on screen somewhere.