What Can I Do with a Degree in Women's and Gender Studies?
Women's and gender studies graduates at the University of Dayton and elsewhere have always parlayed their integrative perspectives and analytical acumen successfully into a wide range of fields. Many pursue advanced degrees.
The kinds of connected thinking, critical analysis and creative problem-solving that women's and gender studies requires are clearly valuable and readily adaptable skills in today's world.
Employers place primary value on job candidates' communication and critical thinking abilities, and frequently hire applicants with backgrounds in Women's and Gender Studies because of their superior management skills and competence in gracefully handling confrontation and conflict. Companies today look for workers with an interest in examining questions thematically to generate new ideas, methods or solutions.
At UD our curriculum ensures students know how to work collaboratively, as well as develop the adaptability and flexibility most employers deem to be necessary traits. Women's and gender studies graduates report feeling better able to critically evaluate workplace situations.
Employers also appreciate the extensive background in issues of gender, race, class and sexual preference demonstrated by women's and gender studies graduates. Graduates have said that they feel their education provided them with a unique perspective on social and historical issues that many of their colleagues lack. This sensitivity contributes significantly not only to applicants' interpersonal skills, but also to their success in fields that require such awareness (journalism, advocacy, law, social services, policy planning and analysis, etc.).
Expertise in gender issues is increasingly sought by employers. Law schools have expressed an interest in women's and gender studies graduates because of their commitment to social justice. The interdisciplinary nature of the Women's and Gender Studies degree demonstrates to employers that applicants are well-rounded and have studied a variety of topics.
Women's and gender studies graduates also feel better prepared for jobs in the business world. They claim that the degree provided them both with a way in which to view and understand the power dynamics in the workplace and the confidence to assert themselves and gain the respect so often used as currency in business and politics. Beyond simple survival strategies, graduates also feel that they have a better understanding of how to implement positive change within their environments regarding gender relations and corporate hierarchies.
A degree in women's and gender studies is also invaluable to those wishing to work in social services. Graduates working in women's advocacy fields credit their success and passion to their Women's and Gender Studies degree. They feel the program sharpened their perception and provided them with the critical thinking skills necessary to pinpoint problems and inconsistencies in how women are treated within their communities.
Beyond focusing on women's advocacy, graduates feel the major prepared them for various kinds of advocacy work. Studying the history of marginalized groups prepared students well for jobs in health care, environmental activism, human rights organizations and youth outreach.