By Emma Weiss
“How are you going to find a job with a degree in humanities?” Many Edwards College students hear this question as they try to enjoy their time at home over the summer and in casual conversation with family. This comment may express concern about success but instead increases anxiety and doubt on college students navigating their futures passionately and practically.
The public skepticism of the ability of students in the humanities to pursue a successful career is common. However, CCU’s Edwards College prepares students in various ways that ensure success for humanities majors — like networking, analyzing, and critical thinking. Despite the misconceptions around success in humanities, there are many opportunities that students can take advantage of. The problem isn’t that humanities majors can’t be successful with their degrees; the problem is the lack of knowledge on the unexpected power of options that are available with their degrees.
“I think it’s a natural feeling to be apprehensive about what comes after college – but the most important thing to remember is that anxiety disappears with action.”
– Allie Mitchell ’22
According to a study by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, about 87% of workers with a bachelor’s degree in Humanities reported satisfaction — a rate similar or higher than other fields of work. The study also noted that financial comfort levels among Humanities are closely related to engineering and other scientific fields. Statistically speaking, a degree in the Humanities offers financial fulfillment while pursuing creative passion along with distinctive skills that benefit the workforce.
While national data challenges common misconceptions, faculty at Coastal see the skepticism within the Humanities firsthand. Dr. Denise Paster, Associate Chair of English Department, said the flexibility that comes from a degree in the Humanities can be advantageous, but initially unsettling for students preparing to go into the workforce.
“I think there’s more fluidity and flexibility between what you’re studying and what you do” within the humanities, Paster said. “And that provokes anxiety.” The same flexibility that provokes anxiety also offers students a way to adjust their career path as they navigate their future. “Our new workforce is really grounded in flexibility and being able to reimagine yourself,” said Paster. In a job market that demands adaptability, Paster believes that Humanities majors are uniquely positioned to thrive in the workforce.
For Coastal students navigating that flexibility in real time, the tension between passion and practicality can feel personal. Richard Bellamy, senior English major, said that choosing a degree and career should be about pursuing your gifts, not just focusing on stability.
Before Coastal, Richard attended Clemson: “It was mainly about survival instead of purpose,” said Bellamy. “I chose the degree that would most likely give me a good paying job after I graduate. I majored in accounting — it was never about purpose.” After majoring in something that didn’t fulfill Richard’s passions, he learned the importance of pursuing a career that aligns with individual interests instead of solely focusing on a career that obtains financial stability. “If you are not able to use your gifts and talents, it’s not practical,” said Bellamy. In a culture that demands hard work, it’s essential that Edwards College students pursue their passions to enhance their success and satisfaction.
For Coastal alumni who have stepped out into their careers, the results of success in humanities are evident. Allie Mitchell ’22, English major, said that having a degree in the humanities provides a great opportunity for variety in career choices.
“From experience, an English degree is one of the most transferable degrees across career and graduate school,” said Mitchell. “It’s truly the best launch pad.”
Mitchell now works as a pharmaceutical representative. To get to where she is currently, Allie tried many career paths that weren’t limited to English. “I think it’s a natural feeling to be apprehensive about what comes after college – but the most important thing to remember is that anxiety disappears with action.” When navigating humanities degrees and entering the workforce, trying new opportunities through networking can help a student decipher what career path best fits them and their interests.
It’s crucial to be open to the powerful options within the field of humanities. When deciding on a successful degree and career, it’s important to take passions and practicality into account. Although the skepticism around humanities may never decline, many Coastal professors, students, and alumni have found their own version of success by pursuing unexpected opportunities that align with their passions amidst doubt. For students uncertain about their future in humanities — maybe the question isn’t choosing passion over practicality, but instead realizing the power of incorporating both values into a successful career path.
Emma Weiss (erweiss@coastal.edu) is a senior English major with a concentration in English studies.