Turning a Humanities and Social Sciences Education into a Rewarding Career

"What can I do with this?" is a common question students ask when considering a college degree program. It can be a tough question to answer, especially when it concerns areas of study in the humanities and social sciences, which provide a vast range of critical skills that can be applied to many diverse and challenging career pathways. Here are a few ways students of the humanities and social sciences can turn their education into a career.

Pursuing Passions

The humanities and social sciences encompass several interdisciplinary subjects, from literature, languages, communication, and the arts, to anthropology, economics, sociology, and history. Because there are so many avenues of study to pursue, it's important for students to select courses that satisfy their curiosities and enrich their passions. It's also helpful for students to study subjects that will contribute to their future educational and professional goals, whether it's pursuing an advanced degree or starting a new career path.

Many Paths to Explore

Graduates complete humanities and social sciences degrees having developed highly adaptable and flexible skills, including the ability to think critically, write and speak effectively, solve problems, and collaborate. These and other so-called "soft skills" are valuable in many professional settings, which means that humanities and social science graduates frequently pursue careers in law, business, education, the arts, social work, government, marketing, and nonprofit management. Current and prospective students in the humanities and social sciences should consider taking steps to explore their options while still in school, whether through internships, jobs, or mentorships.

Finding Mentors

Many successful people first find their passion for a career through a mentor, someone to follow and learn from who shares similar professional interests and responsibilities. Mentors may be bosses, colleagues, professors, or friends, and they could even be someone a student or recent graduate has never met. Even people whose work is not particularly inspiring or admirable can be mentors—all students and graduates are unique and will value mentorships according to their own interests and goals.

An education in the humanities and social sciences can give you the flexible and in-demand skills you need to pursue a wide variety of career paths. At Tulane School of Professional Advancement, we offer a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, and a Master of Liberal Arts, all with diverse course options. Request information to learn more about our programs today.