To think critically about the world is a skill far more valued in the workplace than you can imagine.

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.

My program at McMaster taught me a breadth of skills beyond what you see on the surface from a history degree.

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.

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.