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Humanities - Careers? Really need some opinions...
#2
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Posted 15 August 2007 - 06:03 PM
The term "humanities" is really broad and can basically indicate anything - from literature to art to music to philosophy, etc.
As for jobs in humanities - I've noticed that many of my friends majoring in English or philosophy want to be lawyers. (Of course, you can major in pretty much anything to be a lawyer, but philosophy/English seems to stimulate critical thinking skills early on). Those interested in art, music, history tend to go for PhDs, and want to be professors.
Humanities may have a wider range of jobs, but I don't think you can do much with a B.A. degree in English or history. You might want to pursue a higher degree for a more competitive career - especially since alot of people can be good writers and historians. Frankly, those are not difficult subjects - so you really have to stand out/be brilliant at both. If you're going in that direction, I recommend a law degree.
I don't know what specific classes they offer at your school that fit in that category, but I would imagine anything other than the natural sciences (chemistry, physics, biology, etc.) would be acceptable. Really, high school just exposes you to several different options - college admissions teams care more about how you do overall on your classes and standardized tests than they do about the particular classes you took.
You should focus more on extracurriculars in English/history than class just selection. Join a journalism team, work in the school newspaper, start a writing club or a history club.
Just a warning: Most humanities college professors tend to be very liberal. Their political viewpoints are often reflected in their lectures and the grades they give out.
As for jobs in humanities - I've noticed that many of my friends majoring in English or philosophy want to be lawyers. (Of course, you can major in pretty much anything to be a lawyer, but philosophy/English seems to stimulate critical thinking skills early on). Those interested in art, music, history tend to go for PhDs, and want to be professors.
Humanities may have a wider range of jobs, but I don't think you can do much with a B.A. degree in English or history. You might want to pursue a higher degree for a more competitive career - especially since alot of people can be good writers and historians. Frankly, those are not difficult subjects - so you really have to stand out/be brilliant at both. If you're going in that direction, I recommend a law degree.
I don't know what specific classes they offer at your school that fit in that category, but I would imagine anything other than the natural sciences (chemistry, physics, biology, etc.) would be acceptable. Really, high school just exposes you to several different options - college admissions teams care more about how you do overall on your classes and standardized tests than they do about the particular classes you took.
You should focus more on extracurriculars in English/history than class just selection. Join a journalism team, work in the school newspaper, start a writing club or a history club.
Just a warning: Most humanities college professors tend to be very liberal. Their political viewpoints are often reflected in their lectures and the grades they give out.
#3
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Posted 17 August 2007 - 10:33 AM
Hi,
I concur with the above post. A degree in Humanities, depending on the courses you select, will instruct you on how to think critically and communicate your thoughts effectively (both of which become very marketable attributes when applying for any job). As far as particulars, a quick search on Google will probably give you some idea. However from personal experience, some of my classmates who have opted to go the Humanities route have gone to teach overseas, a few have gone onto professional studies that included law and medical school, and I know of others that have gone on to do higher-degrees (masters, PhDs).
I suspect, on the grounds that you did not mention it on your post, that you do not have a particular vocation in mind. This is where the academic advisors/councilors and career centres at your chosen insitution become a god-send. Speak with them candidly about what career paths their Humanities alumni have taken and what courses would be most beneficial to enroll in. More than likely the school's Calendar will have specific information on degree requirements, so i'd look into at that as well.
Do not worry too much, though! Provided that you are motivated to do well, those Universities you mentioned will have resources for you to use when choosing a career with whatever degree you select. Also bear in mind that University is very different from highschool in terms of the scope of material covered AND the amount of independant learning involved. By in large, University programs will require a certain number of electives (that is, you can take courses outside the Faculty of Humanties) to give you a more well-rounded education. Use this to your advantage! Who knows, in your first year you may find that you are more interested in a subject offered by another Faculty and find yourself switching to pursue an entirely different major.
As far as admitting averages - check out their websites and/or give their Prospective Students office a call. I'm certain they'd be more than willing to help provide you with that sort of information!
Best of luck!
I concur with the above post. A degree in Humanities, depending on the courses you select, will instruct you on how to think critically and communicate your thoughts effectively (both of which become very marketable attributes when applying for any job). As far as particulars, a quick search on Google will probably give you some idea. However from personal experience, some of my classmates who have opted to go the Humanities route have gone to teach overseas, a few have gone onto professional studies that included law and medical school, and I know of others that have gone on to do higher-degrees (masters, PhDs).
I suspect, on the grounds that you did not mention it on your post, that you do not have a particular vocation in mind. This is where the academic advisors/councilors and career centres at your chosen insitution become a god-send. Speak with them candidly about what career paths their Humanities alumni have taken and what courses would be most beneficial to enroll in. More than likely the school's Calendar will have specific information on degree requirements, so i'd look into at that as well.
Do not worry too much, though! Provided that you are motivated to do well, those Universities you mentioned will have resources for you to use when choosing a career with whatever degree you select. Also bear in mind that University is very different from highschool in terms of the scope of material covered AND the amount of independant learning involved. By in large, University programs will require a certain number of electives (that is, you can take courses outside the Faculty of Humanties) to give you a more well-rounded education. Use this to your advantage! Who knows, in your first year you may find that you are more interested in a subject offered by another Faculty and find yourself switching to pursue an entirely different major.
As far as admitting averages - check out their websites and/or give their Prospective Students office a call. I'm certain they'd be more than willing to help provide you with that sort of information!
Best of luck!
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