Is a literature degree a wise choice?
Dear Career Advisor,
Good day, I’ve read your responses to the questions asked by uncertain people in the Jamaica Observer and I’m impressed with your work. However, I have questions and doubts myself which I’d love for you to address.
As a graduate of sixth form moving on to university in August, I’ve already been accepted to the University of the West Indies to do a pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Literatures in English and Psychology. I applied for these along with Journalism, but unfortunately, I didn’t get through with that.
Still, because of my undying love for English and my dreams of becoming a writer of fiction and poetry, and editing, I believe the BA in Literatures in English would be a ticket to accomplishing my dreams.
The thing is: I love doing research, and so, to my utter dismay, I’ve come across articles on the Internet that claim that a humanities degree, especially in English, is a major waste of time as it will never take one out of poverty or land a job in this labour market. It’s disheartening and, as the time goes on, I’m having serious doubts as to whether I should choose psychology as a better option despite my love and dreams.
Please give me an insight
TC
Dear TC:
Thank you for your kind words, and congratulations on your successful completion of sixth form and your acceptance to university.
To address your concern, I dare say no degree in and of itself will take you out of poverty. Success in any trade, profession or occupation comes through hard work and motivation. You already have a very good idea of what your interests are and of your career aspirations. Do not be swayed by opinions that might be unfounded. To quote successful businessman, motivational speaker and author D A Tony Williamson, whose undergraduate degree was in Spanish, “The real benefit of a degree is that it teaches you how to think and inquire”. That now takes us to exploring the potential career pathways that could be pursued with a degree in Literatures in English and Psychology.
Unlike a degree in nursing or Information Technology, which would prepare you with specific skills, a degree in English, Literatures in English or Psychology would lend to greater career flexibility once you are someone whose performance is characterised by excellence. Internationally, current research indicates that a significant number of advertised jobs are not degree specific, as employers recognise transferrable skills and are placing a higher value on job readiness and employability skills. For example, your proposed degree should set you a cut above the rest with excellence in written and spoken communication skills which are highly valued employability skills.
Let’s take a brief look at just a few of the career possibilities that exist in addition to the ones you have in mind:
* Media — journalism, publishing, radio & television broadcasting, copywriting, content writing
* Persuading & Influencing — public relations, advertising, animation, public speaking, speech writing, teaching, marketing, sales
* Information Sector — archivist, book sales, administration, librarian
* Other professions — banking, insurance, law, administration, government and the public sector
Note too, that media houses often do engage persons with remarkable talent, with or without a degree. I would however advise you to begin writing and getting your work published from now to establish your brand and profile.
Be a possibility thinker, court a positive attitude, and continue fuelling the passion for your craft. The world awaits its next Charles Dickens and Jane Austen.
All the best,
Career Advisor
Carolyn Marie Smith is director of Career & Employment Services at Northern Caribbean University. Submit your questions to her at careeradvisor@ncu.edu.jm