College of Humanities: Careers
A Statistical Project 2007

Career Advice and Statistics from College of Humanities Graduates and Alumni

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College of Humanities
Asian and Near Eastern Languages
English
French and Italian
Germanic and Russian
Humanities, Classics, and Comparative Literature
Linguistics and English Language
Philosophy
Spanish and Portuguese
Importance of a Minor
Internships
General Advice
Liberal Arts
Motherhood
Helpful Websites

Forward

One of the best ways for students currently majoring in the College of Humanities to begin thinking about the range of career options they have is to read through the advice and information of those who have gone before. The following career advice and statistical information was compiled from a survey taken of College of Humanities graduates and alumni. We hope you find the varied and poignant responses both inspiring and informative. From the importance of adding a minor, to pursuing a major you are passionate about former students and alumni share their insights and recommendations for making career choices.

Seeking career clarity is a valuable course of action. The plight of many liberal arts graduates is not (as so many students, parents and well meaning advisors think) that employers do not hire liberal arts job-seekers. It is that liberal arts graduates tend to be less willing and less able to articulate career goals, thus resulting in a more difficult and unsuccessful job search. As one alumni stated: “A bachelor's degree with a Humanities-related major opens up a world of opportunities, both in further education and eventual career. With the broad reach of a truly liberal education, the graduate is better prepared to make his or her way in the world.”

Many helpful career websites are located below.

College of Humanities Statistics & Charts

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Asian and Near Eastern Languages

Sample Careers

Operations Officer
Tech Writer
Marketing Manager
Software Engineer
Freelance Translator
Director of Finance
Mortgage Loan Officer
Investor Relations
Business Analyst
Consultant
Portfolio Manager
Financial Advisor
Attorney
Product Manager
Supply Chain Manager
Language Analyst

Career Advice

Capitalize on the insights you have gained through your studies by applying your knowledge to the practical problems faced by your potential employers. My Humanities degree gave me critical insights that helped me through law school and in my legal career.
D. Mantle—1998, Chinese

Follow your heart. Business is over-rated, unless of course you are keenly interested in it. Most often we're forced to choose between what we are interested in and what we think will make us a lot of money. I chose to follow my interests (Chinese literature) and haven't regretted a moment since. Nor have I encountered serious employment problems as a result.
T. McKay—2001, Chinese

Don't feel like you have to have a particular degree to land the perfect job you are looking for. I had a degree in Mandarin, and I've been working as a marketing/business development professional since I graduated - and I haven't used my Mandarin yet. (‘Yet’, being the key word.) Don't think that a particular major will pigeon-hole you into a particular career or field. Enjoy your Humanities major and know that the sky is the limit should you choose a path that doesn't "directly" relate to your major.
R. Neumann—2001, Chinese

Study something you love and, you will be able to find a career that will satisfy you. If you do something you love you will find a way to succeed at it. If you do something you don't love, it won't matter what forms of monetary gain you have; you won't feel successful.
K. Besaw—2001, Chinese

A degree in Humanities is a great route for those interested in pursuing a degree in the medical field. It has helped me maintain balance during my undergraduate science courses and helps me remember human compassion and sympathy while pursuing my MD degree.

Take a few analytical classes to enhance job opportunities: Computer Science, Accounting etc.
J. Pearson—2005, Japanese

The opportunities are available to those who are willing to follow them. I left BYU with a student pilot slot for the US Air Force and have had many varied careers since then, most of them based on my ability to speak Japanese. I later pursued an MBA which improved my marketability after gaining some work experience. Employers are searching for people with language skills, including the ability to write and speak effectively in English. A Liberal Arts degree tells a prospective employer that you have these abilities and know how to use them.
R. Greenwood—1981, Japanese

More and more companies today are looking for BA degree graduates. Many companies value a different type of thinker/evaluator/idea-generator. There are too many business majored graduates that are very ‘cookie cutter’ to the way they approach business.
C. Johnson—1997, Korean

Go to the Humanities Career Fair! I assumed it would be useless for a long time, but when I went, I learned all kinds of stuff. I wish I'd known sooner.
K. Driggs—2005, Japanese

English

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Sample Careers

Librarian
Tech Writer
Proofreader
Research Director
HR Generalist
Consultant
Account Manager
Financial Consultant
Index Auditor
IT Manager
Freelance Editor
Attorney
Product Manager
Staff Writer
QA Manager
Marketing Manager

Career Advice

I took Editing for Publication during my last semester at BYU and that made all the difference in my ability to find a good job after I graduated. I ended up being an editor for ten years following my graduation, and I loved it. The key is to figure out what you might like to do and take some courses that will provide you with the skills to do it. Knowing how to use some desktop publishing software is pretty valuable as well.
L. Tarbox—1994, English

Be flexible. Learn how to learn and market yourself as someone who is willing to learn whatever is needed to get the job done well. Be open to whatever opportunities come your way, whether paid or unpaid, because any experience may open doors you hadn't foreseen.
T. Shoemaker—1994, English

Look at your skills more than your major. You can't get out of a Humanities major without knowing how to gather and synthesize information. That makes you a great candidate for a lot of communications jobs. I have worked in magazine publishing and in public relations, and I was also a freelance writer, editor and translator for several years while I was at home with my kids. Throughout my career, so far I have made great use of the skills I learned as an English major. (Don't skip those tech writing, editing for publications, and design classes, though. Very helpful!)
A. Shaw—1996 English

There was not a lot of real-world computer training in my English major. I knew how to use the basic functions of Word and Excel, but I didn't have any advanced or in depth training in the Microsoft Suite including Power Point, which I use extensively at work today. My computer skills were good when I graduated, but I should have spent more time learning advanced functions of typical software used in the business world. Also, I would recommend having a direct goal after you graduate. I didn't, and I floated for a few months until I got my first Technical Writing job. I wish I had known exactly what field I wanted to get into before graduating. I knew I enjoyed writing, and had an automotive and aerospace background, so Technical Writing was a good fit for me. I have now been in the aerospace industry for about four years and I love it. The pay is pretty good and the projects that I get to work on are very cool. Additionally, don't underestimate the value of a Humanities degree, especially English. My experience was such that I didn't think I would be very valuable in the business world because of a boring English degree, but what I learned while studying my major was how to analyze something and pick something apart. That is what I do all day in my job now and trace my success back to being able to take a step back, think something through, analyze it and then make a decision or opinion.
J. Knapp—1997, English

Humanities students should do lots of internships and get a lot of career skills. My English major is very broad and I would never trade it because of the flexibility of mind that it afforded me. In my post-college employment, there is a definite difference in the way that I think versus my colleagues because I can see so many viewpoints and read/comprehend so many different types of texts. However, I also needed to do some editing internships, some newspaper reporting, and some volunteer work in publishing so that I could put some experience in a definite career path on my resume. Later, I decided that I wanted to teach, but I like it so much better because I have some experiences in other areas. I chose to teach because I think it's fun, and I am good at it. I didn't have to teach because I didn't know what else to do.
M. Rice—2003, English

As a humanities student you think about some of the highest and noblest ideas our world has produced. Having those in mind will not only make you a better thinker but, more importantly, a more well-rounded, thoughtful and kind person. Career-wise, it's the well-rounded, thoughtful and kind people that others want to deal with.
J. Blair—1995, English

French and Italian

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Sample Careers

Entrepreneur
Foreign Service Officer
Consultant
Currency Trader
Software Engineer
Teacher
Editor
Attorney
Sales Account Manager
Computer Technician
Graphic Designer
FBI Agent

Career Advice

I really enjoyed my major. I formed my own corporation, so I am not using my degree except from the stand point that it taught me how to learn which has been extremely helpful in business.
M. Capell—2002, French

A liberal arts degree has immediate relevance in many -- even the most technical -- fields. The ability to express one's ideas in a clear, cogent, and persuasive fashion is valuable currency in every business, academic, and government enterprise. Also not to be discounted is the fact that a solid grounding in language, literature, logic, and history gives one an uncommon breadth of knowledge, fosters an ability to think and reason, and not least, provides a firm foundation for the constant assimilation of new knowledge. These things all feed creativity, integrity, and the development of expertise highly valued in every domain.
M. Farnsworth—1989, French

The knowledge you obtain will help you in whatever career you choose. Truly, many people have the jobs they have because of what qualities they have developed in themselves rather than specific skills. Humanities opens your mind to diversity and helps you relate to and work with other people. Essential to management!
P. Winn—2006, French

Work hard, don't close any doors, and enjoy your major. You are learning to learn and to think critically. You will likely end up in a career that doesn't necessarily involve your particular major, but your ability to think, learn and analyze will be invaluable to you and to your employer.
M. Brousseau—1997, French

I really enjoyed studying Italian, and it was a much needed break away from the typical pre-med/science courses (which I also enjoyed). If you are pursuing a career in medicine, a degree in Humanities helps you be more well-rounded.
A. Kamauu—2001, Italian

Start a company instead of studying how people start companies. Write a book instead of only studying authors. Publish some poetry instead of only reading the great poets. Never, under any circumstances, go to law school.
W. Booke—1995, Italian

Just finish your degree, then figure out what you want to do for a career. I ended up in IT, for example. I'm a desktop computer tech, and I quite enjoy it. I knew I probably wouldn't be working with Italian much (although it has come up a few times in various jobs). Just having a bachelors degree has been very helpful in looking for jobs.
M. Montgomery—1995, Italian

If you plan on going into academics, take some English classes on Literary Criticism. It can only help. If you can already predict your future interests, then try and pick a minor that could potentially compliment your chosen area. For instance, I now know that I want to study Italian Literature and how visual arts mixes with literature. If I had known that back then, I would have minored in Art History. Now I want to take graduate level art history classes, but I'm lacking the basics.
C. Shorter—2003, Italian

A liberal arts degree has immediate relevance in many -- even the most technical -- fields. The ability to express one's ideas in a clear, cogent, and persuasive fashion is valuable currency in every business, academic, and government enterprise. Also, not to be discounted is the fact that a solid grounding in language, literature, logic, and history gives one an uncommon breadth of knowledge, fosters an ability to think and reason, and not least, provides a firm foundation for the constant assimilation of new knowledge. These things all feed creativity, integrity, and the development of expertise highly valued in every domain.
M. Farnsworth—1989, French

Germanic and Russian

chart

Sample Careers

Finance Manager
Insurance Agent
Analyst
Product Manager
Marketing Manager
Instructional Designer
Consultant
Entrepreneur

Career Advice

If you choose to major in a language, consider minoring in another language that is related, preferably a less frequently studied language. You are much more versatile and marketable to an employer. Further, consider taking international finance, business, or policy courses which will flesh out your ability to work in your language over a broad spectrum of topics.
A. Kearns—2001, Russian

You need more than just a liberal arts degree to get a real job. Definitely minor in something more practical or do a double major. An internship during your undergrad in a more practical business is incredibly helpful. I interned at a Tech Company in Orem during my senior year. The internship was incredibly valuable in landing a job. You may also want to plan on furthering your education with a graduate degree. I got an MBA from BYU in 2004, which has been very valuable. I did enjoy my Russian courses and was exposed to things (literature, writing, etc) that I never would have learned to appreciate otherwise. I do not regret the liberal arts degree, but it is not the most practical when it comes to finding a job. You need to augment the degree with practical experience/coursework.
J. Wester—2000, Russian

Study what you love. When you are passionate about what you study and then what you do, opportunities arise for you to succeed.
A. Hachtman—2004, German

A BYU Humanities degree is excellent preparation for the world of work. The attention to reading and comprehension skills, critical thinking, exposure to new and complex ideas and the continual need to form opinions based on fact and reason will sharpen one's thinking. It is this education in the humanities that has given me an edge in my work and enhanced my ability to perform tasks that require written or verbal communication. After graduation, one may, based on career choice, have less time than one would like to spend reading or learning about literature, poetry, philosophy and ideas. For this reason, the brief time spent studying humanities will be seen as well-spent. Moreover, a humanities background is a good foundation of real education, not just training. It helps one become a more well-rounded and aware individual. In short, my advice would be to enjoy your time studying humanities and then focus on a career doing what you enjoy and are passionate about, either within the field or without. Either way, your humanities education will serve you well.
S. Fraiser—1993 German

Decide early, pray often.
J. Wheeler—1996, German

You should feel passionate about your major. Choose one that you will love. If you are concerned about how that major will be able to support a family, consider ways to combine your passion with a trade that you can learn in graduate school. Graduate programs seek people who know what they like and pursue their passion. In my capacity as a bank CFO and Compliance Officer, I am amazed at how frequently I am able to draw on my experiences in the College of Humanities: I approach business terms and concepts as if learning a language, I draw inspiration from the life lessons I learned from great literature, and I use what I learned about effective writing as I draft bank memos and policies. It also strengthen my approach to solving problems. Most of my banking colleagues majored in a discipline that was directly related to their current trade - and I have observed that in many cases, they are the poorer for it.
West—1995, Russian

Humanities, Classics, and Comparative Literature

chart

Sample Careers

Professor
Attorney
Project Manager
Software Engineer
Sales Account Manager
Operations Manager
Business Consultant
Marketing Manager
Travel Coordinator
Tech Writer
Freelance Writer
Publisher/Editor

Career Advice

The world needs people who see its beauty through art, literature, architecture, music and philosophy. You have a tremendous impact on the lives of others when you pass this knowledge onto them. You have the ability to make others see the world in a new, different and positive way.
E. Griggs—2000, Humanities

Exposure to the humanities can bless many lives, and the skills gained through the majors in the College of Humanities are applicable to many fields. I have used these skills quite often as a special education teacher. Your writing skills can come in especially useful, as well as the critical thinking/analytical skills you develop. You never know which skill you list on your resume is going to get you the job.
J. Figueira—2004, Humanities

Be creative. There are millions of things to do with your degree! One of the best aspects of a Humanities degree is who it helps you to become. I have used my degree to obtain a job teaching English in Asia. I am now a student at the University of Leicester in England, obtaining a Masters degree in Victorian Studies. My degree in Humanities has opened incredible doors of opportunity for me, doors that would otherwise have remained closed. My career advice to students would be to choose a degree which will help you become the person you want to become. Follow what you love. The rest will fall into place.
B. Chapman—2004, Humanities

My liberal arts major has helped me with two lifetime careers: a labor union advocate in Los Angeles and, now, a drama teacher in Georgia. I have traveled around the world and my humanities degree has helped me to understand and appreciate the history and art I have seen first hand.
S. Dorsett—1992, Humanities

Take elective/additional classes outside of the College of Humanities to create a well-rounded foundation for any future career choices. With studies in the humanities, you can then go into any field of choice. You will need to do additional studies after your humanities degree, specific to the direction you choose: business, law, healthcare, etc.
B. Hulse—2002, Humanities

My choice to major in Humanities was not largely focused on a career path. My hope was primarily to receive an education that would benefit my family and make me a better person. The education I received fulfilled me emotionally. I think it made me better fit as a person to function effectively in society. I took an office job upon graduating which required me to interact and correspond with people on a daily basis, both verbally and in written form. I believe my degree made me better apt to do this. Since becoming a full time mother, my education in the Humanities has allowed me to enrich my children's lives as well as the life of my husband. He is the science guy and I am the artsy gal. It's a good mix. I think a study of the Humanities gives a person a broader perspective on life which will contribute to any career choice. It is a communications-focused major. This applies to just about any field. The options are limitless...of course, that is often the most frustrating part of the major, as far as job placement goes.
E. Abrams—2202, Humanities

Study a modern language as much as possible, whether as a major or at least in conjunction with your major. Usable language skills are a selling point in more instances than you might think, both in the private sector as well as in government employment. Non Indo-European languages, especially from Asia and the Middle East, are much more useful than European languages for landing a good-paying career.
J. Roberts—1997, Classics

Linguistics and English Language

Sample Careers

Retail Buyer
ASL Interpreter
Speech Pathologist
Teacher
Professor
Data Analyst
Tech Support Specialist
Attorney
Instructional Designer
ISP Coordinator
QA Specialist
Sales Executive

Career Advice

Study what interests you and if you can make a career out of it that's great. Even if you can't make a career of it, continue to study what interests you. I joined the military so that I could continue to study languages, but now I get paid to do it. There are ways to create a career for yourself and study whatever you want.
B. Stanford—2001, Linguistics

I went to work for a while after graduating but ended up getting a master's degree in business. Even though the study of humanities seemed unrelated to my MBA or my business career, I gained tremendous knowledge and skills in solving many difficult problems that some of the students who only had a business background could not solve. I cultivated greater sensitivity toward people and understanding of different cultures. That became my foundation in the way I handle many complex business issues.
T. Wada—1990, Linguistics

A university education is not mere career training. If all you want is job skills, go to ITT Technical or somewhere. Getting a proper, broad liberal-arts education will enhance your ability to understand and communicate, increase your depth of insight, and help you experience the richness of any activity more deeply. Those are goods of first intent: earning power is a good of second intent.
N. Rasmussen—2005, Linguistics

Be flexible and don't be surprised if you end up in a completely different career field than what you planned. If you have a specific career goal in mind, don't ever give up trying for it, but don't be afraid to do other things until you can achieve that goal.
A. Pett—2000, Linguistics

A bachelor's degree with a Humanities-related major opens up a world of opportunities, both in further education and eventual career. With the broad reach of a truly liberal education, the graduate is better prepared to make his or her way in the world.
J. Hogge—1984, Linguistics

Try lots of things while you are in college and try to get an idea of what you might want to do for a career. Once you're in the workforce you can change jobs, but it is more difficult than when you are in college. Avoid too much debt, though if you take on debt for a useful purpose like an internship or a good study abroad, don't worry about it. Find and develop a niche, some sort of skill that provides something that employers want.

Bishop—1998, Linguistics

It is your responsibility to make sure you have some practical skills as well as your academic credentials. A humanities major makes a great base for practically any field, but it is NOT a technical degree and does not prepare you for immediate entry into a specific field. That being said, it is also much more flexible than a technical degree. Become goal-oriented. Decide what you would like to do in a career and mold your extracurricular activities, jobs, etc, around that goal. Without a goal, it is only a happy accident that you don't become an Amway salesman. So, to sum it up; follow your interests and dreams but be practical. And pray. The Lord will guide you and open doors for you in directions that you would never have turned on your own.
K. Kristen—2000, Linguistics

Find some type of technical skill to complement your major. You need to have a marketable skill beyond the learning in liberal arts. I took grammar and editing courses to work as an editor. It is important to look at what your long-term educational and career goals are and make sure that a liberal arts major will be a productive step in reaching your goal. I majored in Linguistics knowing that I wanted to continue my education with an MBA.
J. Kellis—2004, Linguistics

Philosophy

Sample Careers

Physician
Dentist
Attorney
Investment Coach
Mortgage Banker
Consultant
Software Engineer
Professor
Instructional Designer
Sales Manager

Career Advice

I got into medical school on my first try with a philosophy major and love the feeling of balance it has brought in this scientific field/society. I knew it would be a pre-professional degree for me, and I truly loved the educational experience. Strong thoughts and beautiful words find their way to inspire any workplace, as long as you find a direction in which to employ them.
E. Garber—2002, Philosophy

You can do whatever you want. Love your undergrad education. Prepare for more training in graduate school of some kind. Learn to write, read, study, and communicate and you will do well in anything.
D. Peck—2002, Philosophy

Every career will offer its own specific benefits that are unique from all others. I knew I wanted to do business, but didn't want to start in my Junior year getting into the business major, so I chose philosophy with its deep thinking and trying to make sense of arguments which make no sense. Many people upon hearing that I studied philosophy kind of chuckle and think I'm joking. While I laugh along with them, I'm always quick to add that while on the surface it seems useless career wise without a graduate or law degree to follow it up, I have seen a lot of value in the stand alone degree. Philosophy by its nature encourages analytical thinking and a rising of thought level above the norm. It encourages one to consider all arguments before actually taking a stance and when taking a stance, to understand the opponents arguments better than they do. I own a real estate investment company which is rapidly expanding. My philosophy degree has been indispensable in that it has helped me to step back, look at all points of the investment and to proceed based on rational and logical decision making rather than letting emotions enter and sway the thought process.
M. Bitton—2001, Philosophy

Study what you love and let that passion drive you to work and study hard. If you do that, things like career will fall in place as they should. Don't freak out about the career thing too much, you can worry about it later. When business majors or people like that give you a hard time with the "What can you do with that?" question related to what you're studying, you can tell them that you can do pretty much anything. The truth is that the world needs more Liberal Arts types who are cultured and have critical skills, eg. reasoning, analytical, writing, research, etc., that can help them succeed in whatever field they choose to pursue.
K. Norman—1996, Philosophy

Approach learning with a sense of wonder and humility. Assume that virtually everyone can teach you something. Synthesize all of the lofty ideals that you encounter in your education and blend those ideals with your own life experiences. Take all of your new-found wisdom and identify where your talents and the world's needs intersect. Proceed to fulfill your vocational calling with honor. Proceed with the assurance that every career will provide you with opportunity to serve.
D. Desmarais—1984, Philosophy

Humanities is an excellent education option for any career goal because it teaches you how to read critically and write effectively. Prior to committing to graduate school, especially right out of undergraduate study, I would recommend working for at least two years to get a feel for what you would really like to pursue with a graduate degree.
S. Barr—1991, Philosophy

By studying humanities, you will learn skills essential to success in any professional endeavor: reading comprehension, reasoning, writing, and critical thinking.
J. Blakesley—2000, Philosophy

Spanish and Portuguese

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Sample Careers

FBI Agents
HR Coordinator
Customer Service Tech
Account Manager
Pilot
ESL Teacher
Investment Advisor
Director of Communications
Teacher
Physician

Career Advice

Research five different careers that interest you whether or not they are related to your majors/minors, then pray and ask for guidance--ask God what He wants you to do and which career will be best for you and your family. Do more research if necessary. Don't be in a hurry, but don't waste too much time either.
P. Gurr—2005, Spanish

Be creative. Look for jobs in government. Language skills, at a high level, are at a premium right now, particularly in federal law enforcement. Certain languages (Chinese, Urdu , Arabic, etc) demand very high salaries and benefits. Also, look to combine your undergrad humanities education with a graduate degree in something "solid" like business, law, dentistry, etc. The combination allows for a variety of interesting fields of study and job possibilities.
M. Eckel—1994, Spanish Translation

Do not listen to your counselor. There are TONS of language jobs out there if you get the necessary skills. And don't think that the only thing a language major can do is teach -- one can also translate (as a freelancer, at a translation agency, in house at a major corporation, as a government language analyst, etc.), interpret, become a bilingual tour guide, etc. The list is LONG. Just talk to teachers at the Monterey Institute of International Studies Graduate School of Translation and Interpretation, where they have a very successful job fair every February.
S. Jones—2000, Spanish

Apply for whatever position you would like to do. Don't be embarrassed by your degree. A degree in anything is much better than no degree at all, which will get you looked at more often. In interviewing, use your life skills to answer the questions they pose at you. Use your mission experiences. Make sure they understand that by having a degree, you can learn quickly and adapt to changes.
T. Hatch—1996, Spanish

Your college degree is important. IBM did a study a number of years ago showing they enjoyed hiring Liberal Arts majors because they actually knew how to think. They also liked hiring someone they could train that did not feel like they already knew everything. Many times working at a real company is different than classroom scenarios. The most important thing you can learn is how to think. Train your mind to be effective in this process. Get a well rounded education and enjoy your time at the University.
B. Curtis—1991, Spanish

In my case, I had always planned on obtaining a graduate degree (MBA) and entered my undergrad degree with the attitude that I wanted to major in something that was appealing to me and would allow me to enjoy my undergrad experience. As the corporate world changes, more often than not, companies are looking for employees with a diverse background. They do not always require that the individual has a degree in business. I would suggest that students try to clearly define what they want their career path to be before making a decision on their major, then evaluate what role a degree from the College of Humanities will play in that career path. I strongly believe that in our studies we need to focus on what we enjoy and excel in that; and as we do so, we will be presented opportunities.
L. Warner—2002, Portuguese

A liberal arts degree is a great foundation for a career or graduate work. Studying people, cultures, and history will give you insight and sophistication that you will find is lacking in the workforce. Employers many times are looking for someone who learns quickly and is adaptable to change. Sometimes a college degree is only important to the potential employer because it shows a level of commitment and perseverance that will be valuable in the workplace.
B. McAvoy—1999, Portuguese

Importance of a Minor

I would advise students to develop practical computer skills. I actually have made more money from my minor than my major.
A. Evans—2000, Humanities (CHUM minor)

Study what you want--but choose a minor that has direct application to the working world. I found a great job after only a month and a half--ONLY because I had an editing minor. Editing wasn't the MOST fun part of my college experience--but in many ways it was the most valuable.
M. Taylor—2005, Humanities

Complete a double major or minor in a field that is more career specific. In my case I wasn't sure what I wanted to be when I grew up so it took a while to find a job. Eventually via various experiences I decided to go back to school and get an MPA. However, my liberal arts education prepared me for the volatile and ever-changing modern work place that requires an ability to be flexible. Also many employers look very highly on individuals who can critically think and write well; a definite positive skill earned from hours of analyzing classic literature and old paintings.
Gehring—1997, Humanities

Use your minor and/or electives to gain skills as a way of "specializing" your major. For instance, if you have Photoshop, Indesign, Quark Xpress, and Illustrator skills, you are qualified for a much broader range of jobs, both technical and creative. Also, just about every career requires writing of proposals, user manuals, handbooks, letters, and memos. Take a technical writing class if possible. Finally, take honors classes to fill general education requirements. Honors classes offer greater variety than the typical required classes.
M. Rice—2002, English

Whatever your major, do really well in it. That way when the time comes for job interviews you can say, "I chose to study XYZ and I got straight A's. I am now choosing XYZ career path and I will apply the same work ethic and focus that I used to get straight A's to excel in this job." More employers than you would think are looking for skills and character traits rather than a specific major. Also, choose a minor that will help you be more 'well rounded' and marketable in the job market.
J. Birchall—1999, Spanish (Management minor)

Do your degree based on your interest and passion. For me a minor in another field was helpful in getting a job in my career (I work as a travel agent, which is my other passion). Many jobs aren't concerned with what degree you get as much as that you have a degree, and if the job happens to fit your humanities degree, that's even better! My English degree has been a huge blessing in my ability to communicate professionally with clients, vendors, co-workers, and management. It has helped me get results and feel confident with my resume and communication skills.
K. Russell—1999, English/Travel and Tourism

Take at least a few computer/technical courses, even if that is not what you want to do in the long-term. Be open-minded. My CHUM minor helped me get a great job at a technology company. Even though it wasn't my dream job, I had a good experience there and was eventually able to do a lot of technical writing and editing as part of my job, which was up my alley because of my English major. Another thing you can do if you don't start out with your dream job is look for freelance work on the side in your chosen field.
J. Thompson—2000, English (CHUM)

Internships

Participate in any kind of internship that is remotely interesting to you. One of the hardest parts about getting a job with a liberal arts degree is knowing the kind of job you want to have or don't want to have, as the case may be. You have to know what you want to do before you can do it. Use your college time wisely in order to help you figure this out. I got my first job because I had internship experience and samples of work I could show.
Cook—2004, English (Editing minor)

Get an internship. If possible, take a couple of summers to do internships in various fields. You may well be surprised at how your perspective on your "dream job" changes when you gain a little bit of experience. Moreover, your internships will provide an invaluable stepping-off point for your career while improving your resume.
S. Leavitt—2001, English

Do as many great internships as possible. I think the least employable college grad is the liberal arts major with three summers experience selling pest control.
S. Sheffield—2004, English

Get into your chosen field as early as possible. My greatest advantage in getting a job was the fact that I used my writing and editing skills in jobs and internships at BYU. There are SO many opportunities at BYU to use your skills; don't get stuck in a non-relevant job, use your skills. The experience is guaranteed to pay off.
J. Gibbions—2005, English

Know what you want to do as soon as you possibly can and gear your education toward that goal. Research everything you can about what you want to do. Know what "the top of the ladder" is and all the steps that lead to it. Make a plan to climb those steps. Know the skills that are required for those steps and make sure you have them. Do not leave college without having done at least one or two internships in your field of interest. Internships lead to jobs and they are real-world experience. They are worth whatever expense/travel/time/sacrifice required. When you become an intern, do more than expected.
L. Webster—1996, English

Choose a major that you enjoy. Take advantage of any internship available. The internship usually leads into a job. An internship may help determine if you will enjoy your future career. Inquire about salary, certifications, hours of work, advantages and disadvantages of the profession. Evaluate your options of advancement in a career with your education level. Ask questions such as how many career paths are available with my current degree? For instance is their need for education past a bachelor\'s degree. Most importantly, be true to yourself. Pray about your decision and work hard to achieve your goal.
Reyes—2000, English

Do as many internships as you can. Build a good writing and editing portfolio that will show potential employers that you can write well. Think outside the box as far as a career--look at anything that would require the ability to communicate well (eg. public relations, non-profit organizations, technical writing, sales, etc.). Learn to network. Be well prepared for interviews, but not robotic. Show your personality.
B. Rees—2001, English

General Advice

First, there is an extremely low correlation between eventual career path and undergraduate college degree (except for trade schools). So study something you enjoy and do really well at it. Second, your summer job times are perfect opportunities to break into a couple of potential career paths. Work for free if you have to. Make photocopies and bring coffee, but get into the firm that is the best in whatever industry you are pursuing. Offer to do the job that no one else wants to do, be very self-directed and offer to do it for free. You won't have a better time to get a "brand" on your resume for the smallest commitment possible from you and the employer. Don't pass it up. But it will require focus, persistence and lots of embarrassing phone calls and interviews. Get used to it! I had lots of people ask me what I was going to do with my Comp Lit degree while at BYU . . . be a teacher? My response was always, the degree was for me (something I enjoyed, something that will improve the quality of my life, a real education, not just a learned trade, etc.). I've found that the writing, research, and logical argumentation construction have been critical in my career and applicable in almost every situation. And higher quality social networking discussions have been available to me because I studied and enjoy literature. Art, languages and philosophy have also been equally important. A humanities undergraduate degree is a no-brainer. Why in the world anyone would choose business as an undergraduate degree is truly beyond me. You're going to spend the rest of your life doing that. Take the opportunity now--the only opportunity you may ever have--to study literature, music, art, philosophy, and the classics.
J. Gull—1993, Comparative Literature

I graduated with a degree in English and am working as a commercial real estate appraiser. Every week I write a 100+ page appraisal report. I spend my time doing research, organizing the information I collect, developing an opinion about that information, and then writing up my conclusions in a way that is logical and clear. I didn't know about the commercial appraisal field when I was majoring in English, but it turned out to be a perfect fit for my skill set. We consistently hire new college graduates without any appraisal background and then train them to be appraisers. We can train people on where to look for data and how to present their conclusions, but we can't train people to be good writers, careful editors, or logical thinkers. If people don't come to us with those skills already in place, they don't make it in our business. If YOU have those skills, emphasize them in your resume and consider becoming an appraiser!
H. Huefner—1992, English

The most valuable benefit of my Humanities education was the development of transferable skills, namely analytical, abstract reasoning (establishing connections between outwardly disparate concepts), creative thinking, and verbal and written communication skills. Unlike specific knowledge, these skills can be applied to a number of areas (not just the Humanities) and are largely self-maintaining, therefore allowing the individual who has them to adapt more easily than those who do not. After graduating with a BA in Humanities (English) and a minor in Japanese, I spent five years working in management consulting, so I can tell you from my own experience that these skills are highly valued. My career advice is: 1) realize that through your studies you have developed these skills and they are valuable, 2) if you intend to work outside of academia, educate yourself about areas outside of the Humanities (read publications/books in areas that interest you), 3) pick an area (be it in Humanities or elsewhere) and apply these skills to build proficiency in that area and thereby build career opportunities, and 4) attend the free workshops that the Business School offers every year or semester (they put up fliers--keep your eyes open). Humanities majors are uniquely qualified to live culturally full lives, but the transferable skills developed through a Humanities education also enables them to be very commercially valuable as well.
J. Nakaya—1998, Humanities

I always felt that having a four-year degree was more important than the major the degree was. I currently work as a project manager for an Internet development firm and earn a salary which is more than comfortable for my family. The obvious choice for a major would have been computer science, but I wanted a more well-rounded education. Not having a CS degree has never slowed me down in my career. After graduating, I had to work a little harder (including some evenings) to catch up with the CS majors with whom I worked; but in the long run my liberal arts background with a minor in communications gave me the personal, English, and communication skills I needed to set myself apart from the other programmers and developers. My advice: take a few classes you need to have a marketable skill, then select a Liberal Arts major you will enjoy: Music, English, Humanities, Film, etc. In the long run, it will pay off. The further you progress from gradating, the more your life accomplishments will matter and your college major won’t.
C Crookston—1995, Humanities (Communications minor)

I am currently the Global VP of Marketing for Oracle Retail. I got here by way of strategy consulting (Monitor Group), then Harvard Business School, then a couple of venture-backed start-ups. I love my job, and I believe that my liberal arts background helps me tremendously every day. I am a huge proponent of getting a broad-based and liberal education, no matter what your desired profession (medicine, law, business, academia, etc.). My advice would be as follows: a) use your college time to explore the breadth and depth of what the world has to offer, challenge your own thinking and paradigms, and excel at your coursework. You need good grades. b) If your chosen course is business, work hard to get an out-of-state internship (San Francisco, New York, Boston, London) during one of your summers. You will learn a TON, and you will increase your breadth of exposure and experience, which is even more valuable. c) Leverage people who have gone before. Reach out and have conversations. They will help you.
D. Boyce—1993, German (Philosophy and Business minors)

Look at your passions and balance tham with the need to make a living that will support your family, and take the risk to work in areas that may not be typically associated with someone who has a BA in English. I worked for a computer software magazine for several years and wrote many technical articles. Eventually, that work lead me to software testing and quality assurance. I'm now working as a QA Manager for a small high tech company.
D. Kosorok—1990, English

With such a broad and varied base of study, there are so many options open to you. In the humanities you learn the history of the human race, their cultures, their sciences, their philosophies, their technological strides—you have literally studied something from almost every subject taught at any major university. I chose to take my degree and use it for further study by completing a Juris Doctorate program. I am now an attorney but have never regretted my decision to study in college those things that I loved and felt passionate about.
S. Wiggins—1995, Humanities

I switched from a business managment major to a Humanities major in my junior year, mostly because I thought is was a great undergraduate major for later graduate work (MBA or Law school). I never got to either. However, I have had a great career path in software development. Starting in the DOS years and to Windows and beyond, my Humanities degree has been great in my "Renaissance work" of writing and editing software text, high-level programming, and instructional design. I have worked part-time at home for many years since my children have been born and I love the flexibility.
K. Dayton—1984, Humanities

If you are a Humanities major, you are, by definition, a generalist. Although generalists are well suited for virtually any profession, hiring decisions today for many professions too frequently screen out generalists in favor of those with more specialized education. Be aware of this bias as you choose a career path but don't be discouraged. My experience is that generalists can be the most valuable employee in an organization as they usually have keen critical thinking ability and exhibit more flexibility in the range of duties that can be performed than their specialized colleagues.
S. Konopasek—1983, French

Liberal Arts Education

A liberal arts education is a true education. It will never become obsolete. It is the grace with which you are enabled to move through the world, and is evident each time you speak. You will be enriched by this education in ways impossible to find in other fields. It is a great way to prepare for other areas of study, armed with a knowledge of the cultures of the world, the ability to communicate and the sensitivity to note the finer points of life around you.
B. Benac—1989, Spanish

My advice to any student in the College of Humanities is to explore every possible option. The world needs people who are informed of culture, history and critical thinking in far more categories and occupations than you might anticipate. Also, never listen to anyone who tells you that you are limiting yourself by your choice of study in humanities or its related fields. I loved my English major and would not have traded the experience for the world. My father, a very scientific and engineer type, always felt my focus of study was questionable at best, believing that a liberal arts degree would get me nowhere. Only after attending my convocation ceremony did he finally understand my love of my major and now believes that everyone should have an undergraduate degree in liberal arts and go on to specialize. I am inclined to agree. My English major has proven to be essential in my profession as an attorney. Due to the writing and critical analysis skills I gained in the major, my work product has proven superior and has enabled me to take advantage of many outstanding opportunities that have not been available to many of my colleagues.
K. Hall—1995, English (Latin American Studies minor)

My advice is that one benefits greatly from a Humanities degree because a college education is more than just a vocational education. Sure, college prepares you for a career, but it prepares you by exposing you to ideas, people, history, and different ways of thinking as much as it does by exposing you to a specialized field of study. The humanities provided me with an opportunity to think critically and analytically, and these abilities have proven every bit as valuable in my career as is my education in my technical field.
M. Leavitt—2000, Philosophy

Studying humanities is studying life. As a newspaper editor, I find that reporter applicants who have a broader sense of the world around them – those who take interest in literature, art, politics and similar disciplines – are much better prepared to handle writing as a profession. There is life after humanities, and good writing will always be in demand in journalism as well as in technical fields and many others.
C. Heiser—1989, English

Pursue your interests in college. Get a solid liberal arts education. Then plan to specialize in graduate school. My first job after graduating from BYU was with Bain & Company, a management consulting firm. I then went to Harvard for my MBA and pursued a career as a business consultant and entrepreneur. My humanities background has been extremely useful throughout my career. I would choose the same majors if I could do it over again and would recommend my path as a legitimate alternative to motivated Humanities students.
G. Robinson—1989, English and French

Keep your eyes open to opportunities and choose to be a lifelong learner. The communication and persuasion skills I learned writing in my English classes have served me well. I began my career teaching 6th grade language arts but have found exciting opportunities to expand my skill-set, designing a robotics exploration, teaching math, working with teachers as they learned to integrate technology, and most currently deciding the future of instructional technology --all within the eight years since graduation. The only limit a Liberal Arts degree has is the one you place upon it.
R. Pohl—1999, English Teaching

Motherhood

Helpful Websites

the Experience eRecruiting Network

eRecruiting byu.eRecruiting.com Using eRecruiting, students can search over 10,000 job listings, find internships, apply for jobs, search for company contact information, view event schedules and market themselves to employers.

Alumni Career Placement

Alumni Career Services alumni.byu.edu/placement Employers throughout the country post hundreds of job listings on this sight . An impressive alumni networking list is also available. Students and alumni can register on the alumni job search database. Once on this database, individuals can receive listings of jobs that match their profile.

BYU Career Fairs

Career Fairs careerfair.byu.edu Employers from all over the United States come to BYU’s Career Fairs. See the website for dates, times and places.

Global Careers

Global Career globalcareer.byu.edu Global Career helps alumni and students looking for international job opportunities. Visa information, country specific résumé help, internships, and international job fairs.

Vault Career Library

Vault Online Career Library ccc.byu.edu/clic/vault.php Access to valuable electronic resources including: industry and career guidebooks, industry overviews, occupation profiles, and career advice articles.

JobWeb: helping college students and new college graduates

Job Choices for Liberal Arts Students www.jobweb.com Career development and job-search advice for new college graduates.

CollegeRecruiter.com

College Career Connector collegerecruiter.com Looking for entry level jobs and internships? Collegerecruiter.com is your online resource for the latest job postings, coolest career resources, and most helpful employment information.

USAJOBS - The Federal Government's Official Jobs Site

USA Jobs usajobs.gov This is the official job site of the United States Federal Government. It’s your one-stop source for Federal jobs and employment information.

The Riley Guide: Employment Opportunities and Job Resources

Employment and International Job Opportunities rileyguide.com The Riley Guide introduces you to the online job search, listing many online sites and services that are useful for your job search. The Riley Guide does not post job listings but instead points you to websites and listings that do.

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Career Manual

College of Humanities: Careers A Statistical Project 2007

Career Advice and Statistics from College of Humanities Graduates and Alumni

Table of Contents

Forward

College of Humanities Statistics & Charts

Asian and Near Eastern Languages

Sample Careers

Career Advice

English

Sample Careers

Career Advice

French and Italian

Sample Careers

Career Advice

Germanic and Russian

Sample Careers

Career Advice

Humanities, Classics, and Comparative Literature

Sample Careers

Career Advice

Linguistics and English Language

Sample Careers

Career Advice

Philosophy

Sample Careers

Career Advice

Spanish and Portuguese

Sample Careers

Career Advice

Importance of a Minor

Internships

General Advice

Liberal Arts Education

Motherhood

Helpful Websites

Contact Us

Helpful Career Links

Extra Time?

College of Humanities: Careers
A Statistical Project 2007