Top Humanities Career Options With Scope and Job Opportunities

The humanities is one of the most undervalued academic fields. A common misconception widely exists in Indian society is that students who are "not smart enough" for Science or Commerce should pursue the Arts/Humanities disciplines. 

All of these remarks are frequently spoken in our country, but we tend to forget that Arts is the mother of all subjects. It influenced fields like logic, math, languages, the natural sciences, the human sciences, and other fields by giving rise to ideas, concepts, and philosophy to explain the world. The Arts and Humanities have a unique place in our lives, and it's all about creativity. With all of our knowledge, the arts complete us.

 

What is Humanities Exactly?

Humanities is an academic discipline that uses analytical, critical, or speculative methods for studying the "Human Condition."

Humanities themes include history, languages, literature, law, philosophy, religion, performing arts, anthropology, communication, sociology, psychology, and a wide range of other fields.

This stream is for students who are interested in mass media, journalism, history, geography, and other liberal arts subjects. The topics are diverse, giving pupils an understanding of human cultures, customs, evolution, and so on.

 

What you will study in the Humanities?

• Fine Arts
• English
• French
• Sociology
• Journalism
• Law
• Archaeology
• Politics
• Linguistics
• Education
• Anthropology
• Drama
• Literature
• Religious studies

 

Importance of Humanities /Skills you gain by studying Humanities:

Many reasons are why the humanities are significant, from intellectual curiosity and personal development to preparation for fulfilling humanities careers—as well as careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and the social sciences.

Think creatively and critically

By majoring in humanities at university, you will develop your creative and critical thinking skills. You will engage in discussions and debates, where you will learn to present your own arguments carefully and analyse those of others.

Develops communication skills

Students enrolled in humanities courses are also equipped with the skills necessary to effectively convey complicated concepts in writing and speech to a variety of academic and non-academic audiences. Students' communication abilities improve when they learn how to make convincing arguments that can influence audiences and organise their thoughts in a clear, organised manner.

Gain empathy

Although you might not immediately perceive the value of your degree in developing empathy studying the humanities can actually help you develop this valuable skill. As the humanities are fundamentally the study of humanity, you will begin to understand and share the experiences of other people. This will benefit you as well as the people around you, fostering a society that is more harmonious and kind.

Understand the world

The humanities help us improve our understanding of the world, whether by clarifying the creative process, tracking the course of human evolution, or describing the linguistic evolution of diverse languages. This information might motivate you to make new friends, see the world, or study more about a subject that truly fascinates you.

Promote social justice and equality

The humanities protect against misconceptions, fear, and ignorance—all of which may lead to hatred and a feeling of isolation. Studying different people and cultures is an important step to creating equality and social justice. For this reason, graduates in the humanities are particularly well-suited for positions in the public sector, nonprofit organisations, media, teaching, and so forth.

Deeper Appreciation for Culture, Art and Language 

Humanities courses frequently examine language, art, and culture from throughout the globe and in several languages. Students are exposed to a variety of ideas through the study of literature, music, art, and other means of expression. The humanities can enhance students' appreciation of the richness and complexity of human culture by assisting them in understanding and appreciating the diversity of human expression.
 

How to choose a Humanities degree

Before you begin looking for a program, take some time to reflect on your personal goals and priorities. Once you know what kind of program to study and where to study, you'll be able to choose a degree more readily, whether it's an online program, a graduate program in your own country or an undergraduate programme abroad.

• How much time and money can I devote to a program?
• What kind of certification or degree do I want to receive?
• Do I need to travel or relocate to study a program?
• Am I willing to read and write intensively during the program?
• Would I like to specialise in a particular area?
• What is the employability rate for graduates in my chosen field?
• How does my chosen degree relate to the industry I want to work in?
• What skills do I hope to gain from a program?
• Do I have a strong interest enough in subjective argumentation?

 

Eligibility Criteria for Choosing Humanities

The table below will give you a detailed idea of the Eligibility Criteria for Humanities
 

 

Common Syllabus for Humanities:

Below are some of the common subjects in the humanities. The syllabus may vary according to specialisation and Institutes.

• History
• Political Science
• Sociology
• Geography
• Psychology
• Economics

 

Careers in Humanities/ Humanities courses after 12th

Psychology

The field of psychology is broad and covers a variety of subjects, such as the structure of the brain, how memories are stored, and social dynamics. Students of psychology can select from a variety of specialisations after completing the foundational courses, including clinical psychology, industrial/organisational psychology, forensic psychology, behavioural neuroscience, counselling psychology, sports psychology, etc.

Opportunities - Graduates from this field most commonly go on to become Counsellors, Clinical Psychologists, Lecturers/Professors, Research Analysts, Child Psychologists, Human Resource Specialists, Career Counsellors,, Life Coaches, Substance Abuse Counsellors, Family Therapists, Forensic Psychologists and so on.

 

Law

Lawyers are another in-demand humanities profession. They are knowledgeable about a nation's legal system and can counsel clients on a range of legal issues, whether they are personal or business-related. Every legal matter you handle demands in-depth investigation, and you must be able to present compelling arguments in support of your findings. As a lawyer, you will be able to advise people, businesses, governments, non-governmental organisations, etc., on legal matters and prevent them from getting into legal trouble.

Opportunities - In addition, you can work as a lecturer at law schools, in legal publishing and media, or in law companies. Many recent law graduates also select their field of interest or specialisation from a variety of alternatives, including criminal law, civil law, international human rights, tax law, and intellectual property rights.

 

History

Historians analyse historical data from various sources, including documents, artefacts, and other items from various eras. Based on their thorough examination and analysis, historians create interpretations and conclusions.

Opportunities - After earning your degree in history, you can look at a variety of employment choices, such as becoming an analyst, lobbyist, lecturer, or archivist. Historians conduct research in a variety of fields, including politics, culture, mythology, dynasties, and civilisations. Historians can also be editors or columnists for a variety of publishing companies.

 

Archaeology

The study of archaeology allows one to look at and understand ancient cultures directly through artefacts, inscriptions, and other traces. By discovering artefacts from the earth and attempting to arrange them in a way that suggests a possible sequence of events, archaeologists get this information.

Opportunities - With a degree in archaeology, you can work as an archivist (preserving information through appropriate documentation of evidence), numismatist (studying old currency), epigraphist (studying inscriptions or manuscripts), museologist (studying museums), or assist in the preservation of historical sites and monuments. 

 

Political Science & International Relations

 Studying a nation's political systems and history is a part of political science. On the other hand, studying international relations entails examining how one's own nation interacts with those of other nations. Both of these topics shed light on and attempt to address problems such as global peace, economic crises, poverty, unemployment, hunger, and malnutrition.

Opportunities - You can choose from various options like becoming a Lobbyist, Political Analyst or Research Assistant. You can also get an opportunity to represent your country as a Diplomat or intelligence Specialist or work with different world organisations like the World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations, etc.

 

Hotel Management

Knowing and handling hotel operations, from the front desk to food, catering, and housekeeping, is necessary for a career in hotel management. In addition, you will work on the management of many departments, including financial analysis, hotel operations, marketing strategy, and technology.

Opportunities - When it comes to the hospitality domain, you can work in hotels, airlines, cruise ships, restaurants, railways, resorts, etc. 

 

Mass Communication & Journalism

Mass communication includes delivering relevant knowledge to a large audience via a variety of media, including radio, television, newspapers, journals, magazines, and now social media. As a subcategory of mass communication, journalism entails the collection, evaluation, creation, and public presentation of news, facts, and information.

Opportunities - A degree in mass communication can lead to many career paths, including public relations, journalism, content writing and editing, event management, advertising, broadcasting and production, copywriting, and more. 

 

Economics

Economists examine how society allocates its resources—land, labour, raw materials, and equipment—to generate different commodities and services. In order to do this, they carry out studies, gather and examine data, keep an eye on market patterns, and create predictions about a broad range of topics, including interest rates, energy prices, inflation, exchange rates, business cycles, taxes, employment levels, etc.

Opportunities - After completing your education in this domain, you can work with Banking Firms, Government Ministries or Insurance, Financial Consultancies, Research Firms, and Accountancy Firms as a Policy Maker,  Risk Advisory Associate, Research Assistant, Analyst, etc.

 

Design

Design is a very broad field and includes different specialisations like Graphic Design, Textiles, Interior Design, Jewelry Design, Fashion Design, Animation, Product Design, Furniture Design, etc.

Opportunities - You can also explore opportunities in Interior design, leather design, jewellery design, UI/UX design, graphic design, cartoon design, product design, etc.

 

Event Management

People engaged in this sector are responsible for arranging the greatest events for their clients and collaborating with vendors, caterers, decorators, budgets, and timetables. Event management comprises much more than just organising concerts and weddings; it also covers organising business gatherings, conclaves, sporting events, birthday celebrations, reunions, festivals, and more.

Opportunities - You can work with different Event Management Companies, Non-Governmental Organizations, PR firms, Hotels/Resorts, etc.

 

Civil Services

Almost every student dreams of participating in the governance and policy-making process of their country, which is why it is one of the most desired occupations. It bestows upon you the legitimacy and capability to ensure the efficient governance of the nation. A degree in any discipline is the initial requirement for pursuing a career as a civil servant. You then have to clear the UPSC examination. It is one of the high-salary courses after the 12th.

Opportunities - Several government jobs are awarded to candidates based on their UPSC exam scores. Indian Administrative Services, Indian Police Services, Indian Postal Services, Indian Foreign Services, Indian Revenue Services, etc., are a few of them.

 

Social Services/Social Work

For those who have made the decision to dedicate their lives to bettering society, this is the ideal profession. It involves offering a helping hand to people who are part of the most marginalised groups in society and require assistance with things like standing up for their rights, handling abuse, getting access to sanitary facilities, etc. 

Opportunities - You have the opportunity to work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that cater to diverse groups of people, the corporate sector in the field of corporate social responsibility (CSR), the healthcare sector (rehabilitation centres), or the government on a range of projects like raising public awareness of health and safety issues, fundamental rights of the people, and combating discrimination and social injustice.

 

Writing (Content/ Blogging/ Creative)

You can write material for various businesses (content writing) or use blog posts to share your thoughts on various subjects. Other traditional methods include creative writing for books, magazines, novels, and anthologies, among others. You can write in Urdu, Hindi, or even English, depending on the language you want to use! The best thing about writing is that it doesn't always require a degree in a certain field—all you need is an unwavering love of words.

Opportunities - You can explore career opportunities as a content writer by working with different companies, blog portals, online websites, NGOs, etc. You can also become a novelist, editor, blogger, columnist in newspapers, etc.

 

Sociology

Sociologists analyse and develop conclusions on a wide range of themes, including racial and gender identity, religious faith, family problems, crime and law, poverty, population growth and migration, war and peace, and so on.

Opportunities - Since Sociology is the study of individuals and society, a Sociologist can work as a Guidance Counselor in the field of family disputes or as a Policy Analyst for the government. You can also work as a consultant in the human resources departments of corporate or public enterprises. Sociology majors can also pursue careers in market research, public relations, and media strategy.

 

Humanities Top Recruiters

Humanities candidates can apply for jobs in the government, including banks, ministries, law firms, and political analysts. Applicants who complete the course can be considered professionals because it prepares them for a good career and talents. Below are some top-notch companies that recruit candidates from Humanities professionals:

• Chandigarh University
• Abbott
• K.L Textiles
• Lucknow University
• Adani Agro
• Sun Pharmaceutical
• NDTV
• Ministry of AYUSH
• Ranbaxy

 

FAQ’s

1. Are Humanities subjects more theoretical or practical?

In the Humanities, there are more theoretical aspects that need to be learned and analysed.

2. What can you do after a bachelor’s course in the humanities?

 Here’s what you can do after a bachelor’s course in the humanities -

• Mass Communication
• Journalism
• Freelance writing
• Marketing etc.

3. What are the best universities abroad for humanities?

The best universities abroad for humanities include – 

• Oxford University, UK
• Harvard University, USA
• University of Cambridge, UK
• Stanford University, USA
• Yale University, USA
• Princeton University, USA

4. What is the difference between Humanities and Social Sciences?

 The social sciences take a scientific approach that necessitates research in subjects such as history, philosophy, anthropology, and political science. Humanities is the critical and analytical study of human culture, values, legacy, art, literature, and philosophy. 

5. What are the areas of Humanities?

 Humanities focuses on five areas - Arts, Literature, Religion, Philosophy, and History. The humanities are the critical examination of the human world and civilisation. Popular majors in this discipline include English, History, and Philosophy.