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.

The humanities teach a breadth of soft skills that graduates need to succeed in the job market.

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

I had a wonderfully supportive committee and colleagues in the program.

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

Think about the skills, not the disciplinary knowledge, that you have. Explore career options through volunteering opportunities and informational interviews with alumni or people you find through LinkedIn or other channels. Asking strangers for interviews may sound incredibly awkward but it works! It’s a great opportunity to learn about career path options and develop a network of contacts and mentors.

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

The humanities teach a breadth of soft skills that graduates need to succeed in the job market: intellectual curiosity and critical thinking, persuasive communication, the ability to think and work independently, etc. The challenge for many grads is to think beyond the disciplinary knowledge to learn to identify their skill set and communicate it to prospective employers in “resumes.”

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?

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 I have learned is that there are no limits as to how a person can use their Humanities degree.

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

I was always interested in the study of history and felt that McMaster offered the best program.

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

I have grown as an individual and as a professional because of the knowledge and skills I attained by completing the Honours B.A. in History program at McMaster University

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

Even after many years after completing my program, I can recall many of the discussions and I feel fulfilled in that I had gained the extent of knowledge that I had. These experiences have allowed me to grow as an individual and as a professional and have opened many doors since graduation.

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

I have been able to apply for careers in a wide range of fields, not just here at home but internationally. I was able to gain employment in Ghana, West Africa, and also find work in Canada, and what I have learned is that there are no limits as to how a person can use their Humanities degree because it does cover a wide range of disciplines and the knowledge gained by completing a Humanities degree opens many, many doors, and offers opportunities that many thought were impossible to even consider going after.

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.

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.

The most impactful experiences were the interactions with the professors from whom I had the privilege to learn and to attend McMaster as a student.

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

The most impactful experiences were the interactions with the professors from whom I had the privilege to learn and to attend McMaster as a student. I was encouraged to ask questions and not be afraid to participate in discussions and express my thoughts.

To attend McMaster, was an honour and I looked forward every day to coming on campus to attend class. McMaster has enriched my life through learning, I never thought I would ever appreciate.

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.