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.

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

Compared to four years ago when I first entered the program, I am now much more of a critical thinker. Our professors were always pushing us to “think outside the box” and to never accept an answer without analyzing it first. Cog Sci was a fairly small program, so it really allowed us students and professors to get to know each other. Everybody is there for one another which fosters an amazing sense of community. I miss it already!
What advice would you give to a current student who is thinking about career options?

Experience! Try to get as much experience as possible, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be paid. Volunteering in the community, at faculty events or volunteering in a lab will allow you to truly understand what you find interesting. You may even come across career paths that you didn’t know existed! Don’t be afraid to send someone an email asking if there are any volunteer/shadowing opportunities available. There is really nothing to lose.
Additionally, it’s never too early to start getting experience. I personally started volunteering at an audiology clinic in first year, realized I wanted to pursue something else and eventually moved on to other positions. This is a time for you to figure yourself out!
In your opinion, what is the value of a Humanities degree?

A Humanities degree really helps you develop a more flexible view of the world. We are able to take courses in everything from History and Linguistics to more “science-y” subjects such as Anatomy and Psychology. Our courses are so hands-on and application based that you end up developing a unique and valuable skillset, which ends up leading into a variety of career paths that would otherwise have been difficult to grow accustomed to.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

I would say for me it was the quality of the professors. It was incredible that in my program we had professors who were at the top of their respective fields. They were all so passionate about what they taught and that passion became contagious. I loved that they sort of untaught within some lessons, they made you question sources. They made you question what you have taken as sort of as gospel and unpack that, like the historiography of it. And that, for me, was fascinating because it was like being a detective.

What advice would you give a current student who is looking into their career options?

Keep doing the thing that you're doing for love because you never know what set of eyeballs it will reach. You’ll start meeting people through these experiences and opportunities who share your interests and can aid you along the way.

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

The best thing is just being able to walk away and having a general understanding or a general timeline of history (not just to win Trivial Pursuit games!) but you know it does factor into so much understanding. Knowing that the Italian Renaissance happened after the Roman Empire or, to take it out of the West, that when the Europe was in a so-called Dark Age, China was having it’s own renaissance of sorts with the Tang dynasty. Just having that general understanding of things may sound like small potatoes, but if the Humanities were lost, there would be a huge knowledge gap. Jessica Allen ‘98 Art History BA

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

I found the passion amongst individual professors for their discipline/area of study the most beneficial to me. Professors like Dr. Sheng, who took an interest in my personal academic interests, helped me hone my skills and become more comfortable expressing myself in written work.

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

When it comes to choosing a career after university, I would suggest pursuing more advanced degrees after your initial bachelor's degree. I supplemented my combined BA with a specialized degree from George Brown College in Advanced Gemology; afterwards, I ventured to the University of Milan to complete a Masters in Museology. These advanced degrees enabled me to work in varying fields and diversified my resume for prospective employers.

In your opinion, what is the value of a Humanities degree? It is a pervasive idea that studying the Humanities is a waste of time, yet you should distrust the philistine in yourself who thinks this way!

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

The small size of the Studio Art program at McMaster helped me to form close collaborative relationships with my professors, which is something that I have always carried with me. The flexibility of the program allowed me to challenge myself and be curious, which I think is invaluable to a liberal arts education. After graduating from the arts program at McMaster, I started a media arts-oriented collective/space (HAVN) in downtown Hamilton with a number of McMaster alumni from various faculties and disciplines, which would not have been possible otherwise.

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

Do your best to take the leap and engage in community and collaboration!

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

I place a great deal of value on a humanities/liberal arts education for giving a certain breadth of thought and conceptual flexibility that proves important later in life.

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

My program at McMaster taught me a breadth of skills beyond what you see on the surface from a history degree. Yes, there was critical thinking, reading, writing, and learning historical events. But behind those activities I learned advanced writing skills, in particular how to synthesize complex ideas and events into digestible arguments. Probably most importantly however was learning critical analysis skills like considering a source or argument from every angle and to take into consideration who is writing the stories we learn and internalize both in history and elsewhere in society.

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

My advice would be to keep your options, and mindset, open. The skills you learn with your degree are applicable to so many professions. The area of work I ended up in wasn’t something I knew existed when I was doing my degree however the skills I learned at McMaster and my studies beyond perfectly prepared me for it.

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

A degree in humanities gives you a vast amount of transferable skills that are useful in many areas of life and in countless careers. The value in learning how to think critically, analyze and synthesize information, and effectively communicate are crucial to success in nearly every situation.

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

I was enrolled in the English and History programs during my undergraduate years at McMaster University. I also had the privilege of being a part of the MA graduate History program in 2012. McMaster provided me with many valuable learning experiences. The professors in the Humanities Faculty are exceptional lecturers! Moreover, they are very congenial and approachable which made my educational experience at McMaster enjoyable and engaging. The weekly tutorials led by passionate Teaching Assistants provided an avenue to discuss interesting subject matter with likeminded individuals. These tutorials, as well as the seminars that I took with professors in my senior years, provided opportunities to hone my communication skills, collaborate with others, and express my opinions. The Humanities Faculty at McMaster teaches you how to think critically about the world we live in; these critical thinking skills have allowed me to effectively identify and address social issues within my local community. I learned how to view texts, media, people, and the world more through various lenses, which has led me to be a more empathetic and caring educator. I also made lifelong friendships with amazing people! The comradery and social network within the History and English departments is excellent! Overall, I met wonderful people and gained important skills that have led me to be successful on my career path.

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

I would highly recommend students to obtain a degree in a Humanities program at McMaster University. Humanities programs help build many of the “soft skills” that employers are look for like communication, collaboration, leadership, creativity, and critical thinking. I have had multiple supervisory positions in the non-profit social-service sector; the ability to analyze situations and societal problems through various lenses has helped me come up with ingenuitive, creative solutions. Currently, I am employed as a teacher. I have been able to foster critical thinking skills in my students. Many of my close friends who obtained a degree from the Humanities Faculty at McMaster have been successful in a variety of fields: teaching, law, social-services, banking, business, medical management, human resources, and editing.

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

I think a Humanities degree is very valuable. Humanities programs create critical thinkers and problem solvers. In a world where we have many social issues plaguing society, we need creative people who can think “outside-the-box.” We need people who can analyze situations and come up with multiple ethical solutions. Humanities programs foster the skills needed to succeed in all employment sectors. Employers value employees who can communicate and collaborate with others effectively. I learned how to collaborate during my university years at McMaster; I have taken this skill and used it to help bring community groups and the education sector in Hamilton together to benefit many young people, giving them access to resources and supports that they may not otherwise have had. Being able to effectively argue your point of view and write succinctly are also two very important skills that you learn from a Humanities degree that you can use in many career fields. Lastly, I believe that Humanities degrees help empower people who want to make a difference in this world. I am very pleased that I completed an arts degree in the English and History departments at McMaster University.

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.

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.

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.

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

Aside from the critical thinking, writing, analysis, research, and diplomacy skills, the most significant benefit gained from studying the humanities at McMaster is undoubtedly the people. The history department in particular has some of the most passionate, kind, and dedicated faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students. While I certainly learned a lot academically from them, I learned so much more personally. Some of the best parts of my time at McMaster have very little bearing on my day to day job but everything to do with who I am while I do it.

What advice would you give to a current student who is thinking about career options? Approach every aspect of your university experience as an opportunity for growth. The skills and experiences you gain will make you an asset to any business or government agency, even if they aren’t obvious to future employers. Practice explaining why critical thinking, writing, analysis, research, and diplomacy skills are vital to the success of any business. Practice explaining how participating in or facilitating seminars taught you about public speaking. In my experience, working with people and working with the public is more or less a combination of critical thinking, public speaking, and education.

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

Learning for the sake of learning is a beautiful, wonderful thing. For most of us, however, our degrees are a very expensive investment that we need to see concrete returns on, and the value of a degree in the humanities is not always apparent. I think this is in part because folks tend to think of the discipline you study as “what you do” since they often think of the popular professions you intentionally study. For example, you study to become a lawyer and you practice law. You train to become to become a welder and you weld. Humanities degrees aren’t always that linear. Many humanities graduates become professional chameleons of sorts. We leave university with these highly developed critical thinking and communication skills and can apply them to any number of industries. Never underestimate the value of the writing, analysis, research, and diplomacy skills that a degree in the humanities gives you. You have a holistic view on things that others with highly specialized degrees may not have. Because I work with engineers, I see the value of my humanities degree every day. My colleagues provide their highly technical knowledge and I provide my communications expertise. Together, we develop reports, proposals, and other documents that are accessible to both technical and non-technical folks. We make a great team!

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

I chose my major firstly based on topics I was passionate about. What ended up being beneficial in my journey was so much more than that. My degree led me down a path that was multi-disciplinary and gave me breadth and perspective. In my degree, not only did I take courses specifically relevant to Peace Studies and Women’s Studies but I also dove into Philosophy, History, Sociology, Psychology, etc. I owe my sense of perspective and thoughtfulness to my degree.

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

What you choose to take in university isn’t the only thing that defines your career. If you look at your learning as an on-going life journey (which it is), then university is your foundation. On that foundation, you can keep adding building blocks of knowledge to it —and the more diverse the better.

I also wish someone had told me that it’s OK to change your mind and change your path. I used to have this rigid and narrow idea of the type of organization and type of career someone with my degree should have. In hindsight, it’s clear that it was one of many potential paths. Explore your options, talk to people who have non-linear career paths or those who have changed industries.

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

Breadth of knowledge. A Humanities degree’s value is in its multi-disciplinary approach. It opens your eyes to perspectives beyond your immediate field and challenges you to think critically. Those are incredibly valuable skills in today’s dynamic job market.

I really loved my time at McMaster and I will always cherish the people I learned from there. It really was an excellent program and I truly felt cared for and supported. I've worked with people and taught students who have gone to Ivy League schools and I quickly noticed that they were not as well prepared for academia as I was. There was always a link to the "real" world in the courses I took and I think that grounded my work and made social/cultural awareness and activism a serious part of my vision. There is something special about the program and I really think it has to do with some of the professors there who put their hearts into teaching and mentoring students.

As a transfer student in the ECS program, I felt nervous that I wouldn't be able to make connections, starting at Mac in my second year. Instead, I now cite connections and support as two of the strongsuits of this program, where my peers and professors both helped me grow as a thinker and writer. If you're looking for a program that gives you flexibility to think with both literature and culture while growing your close reading skills, this might be the one for you!

I feel immensely grateful to have achieved my BA and MA in the Department of English and Cultural Studies at McMaster. The network of friends, peers, and instructors established there have been formative to both my education in cultural critique and literary analysis as well as my growth as a thinker and leader. The critical skills honed in English and Cultural Studies classrooms, I can now confidently say, are ones I reach for most often.

McMaster's English MA program was an absolute treat. Since I came in as an international student, my skill set and knowledge base was somewhat different from my domestic peers. The English & Cultural Studies department helped me to hone the skills that I already had (in my case, a more traditional "literary" and immersed in South Asia type of training) and acquire new ones, especially since we are a Cultural Studies department too. Because of the research skills I acquired from this very unique MA, I was immediately hired by one of the top Public Health institutes in Bangladesh. This only proves how versatile and beneficial the degree was for my career.

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.

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

My program at McMaster taught me essential critical thinking and literacy skills. I was introduced to controversial topics in a sensitive way that allowed me to build my understanding rather than feel inadequate. I was taught about Indigenous and post-colonial issues which I am now able to share with students. Further, the professors promoted a lifelong love of learning and I find myself coming back to my university learning all the time.

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

Humanities is just the beginning! To think critically about the world is a skill far more valued in the workplace than you can imagine. Follow your passion and keep learning.

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

The Humanities degree is valuable because it offers students a connection to the world. Students learn critical thinking skills and become more aware of world issues. With this, students become better global citizens.

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

It allowed me to get hands-on experience in my industry. Students often go into post-secondary with a limited idea of what career paths are out there, and having the opportunity to work with professionals in unique roles is invaluable.

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

Your degree is what you make it. Don’t listen to people who say that your degree isn’t going to get you a job. Research potential career paths, take advantage of internships and mentorships. McMaster has so many opportunities for any path.

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

The Humanities are versatile. We are masters of communication, analysis and finding the information needle in a haystack.

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.

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

The key benefit I took away from the Humanities program was that it demonstrated how one can be an agent of change and make an impact upon the world around them. My courses motivated me to grapple with major political, social and economic issues of the past, present and future. Learning not just facts and figures, but also what motivates people helped me start to think strategically about what an organization aims to achieve and how I could help meet those objectives. In other words, it gave me a strong foundation be able to develop and articulate persuasive thoughts and strategies, a skill I use everyday in my current role.

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

A robust network is one the strongest assets that you can build. If you’re not already networking, start today by getting to know people in your program. Learn what motivates them, what inspires them and what they want to accomplish. Relationship building doesn’t come naturally to many, it certainly wasn’t something I was good at right away! But over time, it will become a valuable resource that can help unlock career opportunities that otherwise may be unknown or may not even exist yet.

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

A Humanities degree shows that you have the critical thinking skills needed today to address the challenges of tomorrow. It empowers people to think big, reason well and make an impact on any issue. I strongly believe that a foundation in the Humanities helps develop the strong leaders, thinkers, and doers we need in the future.

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.