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?

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.

Many humanities graduates become professional chameleons of sorts. We leave university with these highly developed critical thinking and communication skills ...

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!

I believe that Humanities degrees help empower people who want to make a difference in this world.

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

The professors and teaching assistants in the Humanities are excellent educators. The class sizes were relatively small which created a more personal learning environment. I am very pleased with my experience at McMaster University!

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

The Humanities programs I completed at McMaster University provided me with many valuable learning experiences which have shaped my personal and professional development.

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.

Humanities programs help build many of the “soft skills” that employers are looking for like leadership, creativity, and problem solving.

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

McMaster provided me with many valuable and impactful experiences. I loved going to lectures! The professors in the Humanities Faculty are exceptional speakers and teachers! Moreover, they are very congenial and approachable, which made my educational experience at McMaster enjoyable and engaging.

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

I think a Humanities degree is very versatile and valuable. Humanities programs create critical thinkers and problem solvers. In a world where we have many social issues, we need creative people who can think “outside-the-box.” We need individuals who can analyze situations and come up with ethical solutions.

Employers value employees who can communicate and collaborate with others effectively. I believe that Humanities degrees help empower people who want to make a difference in this world. I am very pleased that I completed my undergraduate education in the English and History programs, and a MA in the Department of History at McMaster University.