“What are you going to do with that?” is always the first question someone asks when I tell them I’m majoring in Art History and History. I found it affirming to listen to the podcast episode titled “Climb the Non-Corporate Ladder”. In this episode, Brendalee Brown discusses how she shopped around for a major for a little while before she found her interest in History. This felt very similar to my college experience. I came to Emory with the intention of declaring a biology major with an interest in medical research. After my first biology class, I realized that I had absolutely no passion for the subject. The next few semesters, I decided to explore a bunch of different classes. The most impactful classes were those about art history and visual culture. Growing up, I had always had a strong interest in history and art, but I was always told that these fields would NOT be good for finding a job. Smart people are supposed to become a doctor or a lawyer, not whatever art historians do. Listening to the podcast, I found it reassuring to learn that there are tons of avenues that someone with a history degree can pursue. Even within the singular institution of a museum, there are a variety of positions one can occupy. While a history degree may not have a set path in the same way a pre-med degree might, there are still plenty of opportunities for employment. What matters are the skills that I am learning in my history and art history courses. A lot of my time is spent analyzing arguments by other scholars, formulating my own arguments, and communicating my arguments in a multitude of formats to varied audiences. My time in humanities courses has made me a stronger communicator and thinker. I have to think critically about what I am encountering rather than simply accept it as fact. The skills that I am learning in my humanities courses are making me a stronger candidate for whatever career path I decide to pursue. Communication and critical thinking skills will always be valued.
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