posted on March 19: Shattering myths about humanities students, careers

One of the enduring myths that permeates many university campuses revolves around the success students in various areas of study achieve in making rapid career transitions following graduation.

Received wisdom would have it that students completing programs in disciplines such as commerce, engineering and nursing find it easiest to obtain employment.

Not necessarily so.

Humanities students will have an opportunity today (March 19) to participate in a forum that will help them appreciate the value employers put on their education.

Representatives from various sectors will share their perspectives on the many transferable skills humanities students bring to the workplace and discuss how the current employment environment is evolving to the advantage of humanities graduates.

The forum takes place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in Togo Salmon Hall, Room 719.

Representatives who will speak include David Wesley, president of Red Canoe Productions, Carolyn Reid, manager, City of Hamilton small business program and Lisa Kutcy, division leader, Primerica Financial Group.

An August 2001 report reviewing the employment outcomes of university graduates shows that humanities students are among the most successful groups in finding work.

The employment rates for humanities graduates six months after graduation (97.2 per cent) exceed those of all grads except those in medicine, rehabilitation sciences and education. Two years following graduation humanities graduates remain among the most employed.

This event is co-sponsored by the McMaster Humanities Society, the Faculty of Humanities and the Career Planning and Employment Centre.