When you hear “humanities,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
If you’re like most people, it might be something along the lines of “useless” or “a waste of time.”
But that couldn’t be further from the truth!
In reality, studying humanities can have a wealth of benefits, both personal and professional.
Here are just the top ten of them.
1. Understanding of the world
One of the great things about studying humanities is that it gives you a much broader understanding of the world around you.
Through coursework in subjects like history, literature, and philosophy, you’ll learn about different cultures and how they’ve interacted with each other over time.
You’ll also develop critical thinking skills that will help you see the world in new and different ways.
All of this will give you a better appreciation for the world we live in and the people who inhabit it.
2. Communication skills
Another benefit of studying humanities is that it can help improve your communication skills.
That’s because part of being a successful humanist is being able to effectively communicate your ideas to others.
Whether you’re writing a paper or giving a presentation, being able to clearly and concisely articulate your thoughts is an invaluable skill that will serve you well in both your personal and professional life.
3. Employability
Yet another benefit of studying humanities is that it can make you more employable.
While it’s true that not all jobs require an in-depth knowledge of Shakespeare or Kant, employers are increasingly looking for candidates who have strong critical thinking and communication skills—skills that are developed through study in the humanities.
So, if you’re looking to improve your job prospects, studying humanities is a great place to start!
4. Understanding of yourself
In addition to giving you a better understanding of the world around you, studying humanities can also help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself.
Through coursework in subjects like psychology and sociology, you’ll learn about different aspects of human behavior and how they’re influenced by things like culture and family.
This self-knowledge can be invaluable in both your personal and professional life, helping you to relate to others more effectively and make better choices for yourself.
5. Writing skills
One of the most common complaints employers have is that many job candidates lack strong writing skills.
If you want to set yourself apart from the competition, studying humanities is a great way to do it.
Because part of being a successful humanist is being able to communicate your ideas clearly and effectively in writing, you’ll develop strong writing skills that will be invaluable in any profession.
6. Creativity
If you’re looking for a way to stand out from the crowd and get ahead in your career, being creative is essential.
And while not all jobs require creativity, the ability to think outside the box and come up with new and innovative ideas is a valuable skill in any field.
7. Critical thinking skills
In our fast-paced, information-saturated world, it’s more important than ever to be able to think critically about the things you see and hear.
From evaluating news sources to analyzing historical data, being able to think critically will help you make better decisions in both your personal and professional life.
8. Well-rounded education
In today’s job market, employers are increasingly looking for candidates with a broad range of skills and knowledge.
So, if you want your degree to open up more doors for you, studying humanities is a great way to achieve that goal.
9. Cultural literacy
With the increasing globalization of our world, it’s more important than ever to be culturally literate.
If you want to be able to understand and appreciate different cultures, studying humanities is a great way to do it.
Through coursework in subjects like history, sociology, and anthropology, you’ll develop a greater understanding of the world around you and how different cultures interact with each other.
10. A love of learning
Last but not least, one of the best benefits of studying humanities is that it can instill a love of learning in its students.
Are you the type of person who enjoys exploring new ideas and concepts?
Then humanities is the perfect field for you.
Because part of being a successful humanist is being inquisitive and open-minded, you’ll never find yourself bored or without something new to learn.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to improve your career prospects, gain a deeper understanding of the world around you, or simply spark your creativity, studying humanities can be a great way to achieve your goals.
So if you’re considering pursuing a degree in the humanities, keep these benefits in mind.
They just might be the motivation you need to take the plunge.