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.”

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.