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.

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.

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

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.

• Canadian Women’s Studies Association
• National Women’s Studies Association
• The National Council for Research on Women
• National Organization for Women