Gender and Women's Studies

Have you always been fascinated by the roles and contributions of women in past and contemporary societies? Are you passionate about changing the everyday realities of millions of women facing various challenges around the world? If you want to learn in an interdisciplinary manner and explore different perspective on such issues as race, sexuality, gender and how they affect women, then pursuing Women’s Studies may be the first step to your future.

Career Options in Gender and Women's Studies

This list is not exhaustive but provides an idea of the options graduates have and what they have gone on to do. Some options are more directly associated with a Gender & Women's Studies degree than others.

Activist
Advocate
Artist
Author/Writer
Community Worker
Consumer Advocate
Counsellor
Editor
Entrepreneur
Event Coordinator
Family Therapist
Foreign Correspondent
Fundraiser
Gallery Director
Government Administrator
Health Policy Planner
Historian

Human Rights Advocate
Journalist
Labour Relations Specialist
Lawyer
Legislative Aid
Lobbyist
Media Correspondent
Mediator
NGO Director
Non-profit Administrator
Policy Researcher
Politician
Public Policy Analyst
Speech Writer
Women’s Rights Advocate
Youth Worker

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 Gender and Women's Studies Degree

A background in Gender & Women's Studies ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges.

Core Skills

An appreciation for what obstacles women have overcome throughout modern and ancient history and the significant impact they have had on the development of contemporary realities
An understanding of how questions of gender, equality and sexuality have shaped and continue to shape our society and our understanding of our history and our identity
An ability to approach questions from different angles and use the interdisciplinary nature of your degree to solve professional and personal challenges

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written statements and written opinion pieces
Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
The capacity to critically analyze problems, 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
The capacity to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing 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

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.