The small size of the Studio Art program at McMaster helped me to form close collaborative relationships with my professors, which is something that I have always carried with me.

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

The small size of the Studio Art program at McMaster helped me to form close collaborative relationships with my professors, which is something that I have always carried with me. The flexibility of the program allowed me to challenge myself and be curious, which I think is invaluable to a liberal arts education. After graduating from the arts program at McMaster, I started a media arts-oriented collective/space (HAVN) in downtown Hamilton with a number of McMaster alumni from various faculties and disciplines, which would not have been possible otherwise.

What advice would you give to a current student who is thinking about career options?

Do your best to take the leap and engage in community and collaboration!

In your opinion, what is the value of a Humanities degree?

I place a great deal of value on a humanities/liberal arts education for giving a certain breadth of thought and conceptual flexibility that proves important later in life.

The Humanities are versatile. We are masters of communication, analysis and finding the information needle in a haystack.

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

It allowed me to get hands-on experience in my industry. Students often go into post-secondary with a limited idea of what career paths are out there, and having the opportunity to work with professionals in unique roles is invaluable.

What advice would you give to a current student who is thinking about career options?

Your degree is what you make it. Don’t listen to people who say that your degree isn’t going to get you a job. Research potential career paths, take advantage of internships and mentorships. McMaster has so many opportunities for any path.

In your opinion, what is the value of a Humanities degree?

The Humanities are versatile. We are masters of communication, analysis and finding the information needle in a haystack.

Earning a Humanities degree is the strongest step you can take to being well-rounded and in-demand.

What did you find beneficial about your program at McMaster?

My professors and TAs were above and beyond what I expected of them. The class sizes are just the right size that if you were willing to make even the smallest effort, you could easily be known and recognized by your professors. The professors have the right mix of academic and professional experience and are ready and eager to help you. I never doubted that they wanted the best for me. Because I attended office hours or chatted/emailed with my professors and TAs, they knew how far to push me on an idea and encouraged me when I asked for advise on if I should continue to an MA. I credit my positive experience at McMaster to my professors and TAs.

What advice would you give to a current student who is thinking about career options?

Earning a Humanities degree is the strongest step you can take to being well-rounded and in-demand. Even better, your skills only get stronger the more you work with them. When you start looking for a job, see it as a step to a career. Your first job out of university will not be the job, it will be a job, and once you collect and work a few of these positions and you couple your education with these experiences, you will happen upon a career. It might not be exactly what you went to school for. When I graduated from McMaster, I thought I’d be working for an ad agency or a publication or media conglomerate right out the gate. I’ve spent time in the financial industry, in the cannabis industry and now, I work in Nuclear energy! I was fortunate enough to build connections and gain the right experience to let me be selective about where I want to work. I chose Nuclear because it aligns with my dedication to green living and positive environmental action. Once you have a strong tool box of experience, education and connections, you can take your skills and work wherever you want. Humanities is the ticket to what you want.

In your opinion, what is the value of a Humanities degree?

The value in my Humanities degree is versatility. The discipline is so fluid and adaptable and is needed everywhere. You are not limited to one job title or one industry. I can take my skills and work in any industry I want.