The experience of a Humanities degree is the preparation for life’s skills and opportunities.

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

The Humanities program at McMaster was so fulfilling and enriching. Aside from the amazing friends and colleagues that I met, the faculty and staff were excellent and approachable. Humanities students are one of the most easy-going and open-minded groups of students on campus, which is why, I feel, that Humanities students are often the most successful after graduation, because they can apply what they learned most readily to any post-graduation experience.

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

A Humanities degree isn’t one of those where you enter and get processed and then are spit out as a widget ready to go. It is a constant exercise of learning and application. The experience of a Humanities degree is the preparation for life’s skills and opportunities. By the time you graduate, you should be able to read people; communicate in a variety of ways that suits the audience, market and purpose; and, be able to critically analyze any situation. In that way, this is one of the most adaptable and transferrable academic degrees available. This can be leveraged to market yourself in any undertaking.

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

Someone who has earned a Humanities degree has also examined the human condition in a variety of ways. History is the examination of lessons from the past. Philosophy is the examination of reason and inquiry. Literature is the examination of communication and inspiration with words. This is just the beginning. Humanities graduates can understand what is not being said, how to analyze critically any situation and communicate a rational explanation to any audience. You can be the smartest person in the world but without a means to communicate that wisdom, it is all for naught.

The scope of what I learned in the Humanities went beyond fitting into a set mold.

What inspired you to select your program or area of study in Humanities at McMaster?

The desire for personal growth.

How do you feel that your program shaped your personal and professional development?

Immensely! It helped me to embrace creative ways to imagine a fulfilling career.

What experience(s) were most impactful during your time at McMaster?

Discussion groups, mentoring new students and volunteering in a variety of interests.

How has the versatility of a Humanities degree enabled you to succeed?

The scope of what I learned in the Humanities went beyond fitting into a set mold – it prepared me to create my own opportunities to help others.

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.