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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.

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.

With supportive professors, guest speakers and events my time as a student was impacted greatly by the varying perspectives and experiences received.

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

I greatly valued the theoretical applications of learning in the classroom that shaped me into a critical thinker. Although, it’s the wonderful professors and opportunities McMaster provided that bridged theory with hands on experience that made my journey at McMaster so meaningful. With supportive professors, guest speakers and events my time as a student was impacted greatly by the varying perspectives and experiences received.