Humanities | Career Centre

Have you always been interested in what differentiates human groups and the complex cultures that people develop? Do you find the concept and the study of culture fascinating and something that you would like to be part of your life once outside of the classroom? Studying Humanities will help you grasp the social, moral and aesthetic values that define diverse human cultures. Drawing in part from a background of history, literature, culture, art, religion and philosophy, the Humanities major exposes you to an interdisciplinary approach to learning in an attempt to probe the complexities and variance of the human experience.

Career Options in Humanities

Below is a sample list of some future choices to explore following studies in Humanities. This list is not exhaustive but it provides a solid idea of what fellow graduates have gone on to do and what potential careers a degree can offer. Some options are more directly associated with specific areas of Humanities than others.

Actor
Archivist
Art Dealer
Author
Brand Strategist
Career Advisor
Canadian History Professor
Children’s Rights Activist
Communications Consultant
Cultural Consultant
Cultural Program Director
Education Policy Consultant
Diplomat
Entrepreneur
Ethics Board Director
Event Planner
Financial Advisor
Fundraising Coordinator
Gerontologist
Historian
Immigration Office
Journalist

Lawyer
Legislative Aide
Librarian
Lobbyist
Market Analyst
Marketing Director
Media Correspondent
Mediator
Museum Curator
Non-Profit Organization Director
Political Advisor/Consultant
Public Relations Representative
Public Policy Researcher
Publisher
Psychologist
Retail Strategist
Social Service Worker
Song Writer
Speech Writer
Teacher
Television Producer
Translator
UN Representative

Some of these career choices may require additional education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential education or professional formative courses and exams. For a more in-depth description of some of the careers mentioned above visit Career Cruising (login information can be found on the home page of the Career Centre's online system) or the National Occupational Classification website.

Skills Developed through a Humanities Degree

A background in Humanities ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges. Here are just a few of the skills a Humanities degree can help you develop:

Core Humanities Skills

The capacity to identify and question the principles, ideas, and values of texts and of the cultures from which they come.
An ability to appreciate cultural diversity by emphasizing the values that support the dignity and integrity of all human beings.
In light of the above, the ability to function effectively in a knowledge economy and globalized workplace.

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
The ability to evaluate and integrate new information and apply this to professional demands
The capacity to analyze problems critically, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas
The skills to collect various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields, put them into writing and efficiently convey your message and the goal of your work

Management and Teamwork

The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project’s intended and successful end result
Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partake in decision-making, lead and contribute in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems
The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field. The following is a selection of organizations related to the field of Humanities that you may want to visit as you research career options for Humanities graduates.

Humanities Education and Research Association