Humanities majors at The College of Wooster gain more than just in-depth knowledge in their chosen fields; they cultivate invaluable skills crucial for thriving in diverse careers. Recognizing this, history professors Jordan Biro Walters and Katherine Holt spearheaded a workshop focused on providing history, philosophy, and other humanities undergraduates with essential Career Prep Tools For Success. This initiative aims to broaden their career horizons and sharpen their competitive edge in the professional world.
“In my advising sessions, I often encounter students who believe a history degree solely leads to a career as a historian,” Holt explained. “Through this workshop, our goal is to demonstrate how the skills they develop—critical thinking, effective writing, analytical abilities, and teamwork—translate into a wide spectrum of career paths.”
The workshop attracted a diverse group, ranging from undecided sophomores to graduating seniors with defined career goals. Walters and Holt tailored the curriculum to meet students at their respective career stages. Students seeking internships or jobs refined their resumes and cover letters, crucial career prep tools for success in applications. Those aiming for graduate studies honed their statements of purpose. The culminating project involved creating a comprehensive portfolio of polished materials, a vital toolkit for their ongoing career exploration.
Alumni played a significant role, sharing their post-graduation journeys and offering practical career advice. Megan Conklin ’23, now Assistant Director of Annual Giving at Wooster, highlighted how her History degree equipped her with communication and digital skills, making her a desirable candidate. Megan Smeznik ’14, an Educational Technology Designer at Kent State University, underscored the importance of developing interdisciplinary skills for career advancement. Abby Blinka ’19, a doctoral student in social history and policy at Case Western Reserve University, and Theresa Dunne ’17, a community development research analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia with a master’s in urban planning, discussed their graduate school experiences and how their humanities backgrounds paved the way for their achievements.
“We wanted students to witness success at various career stages, particularly early career,” Walters noted. “Students often have unrealistic expectations about entry-level jobs. By inviting recent alumni, we aimed to provide a clearer picture of what constitutes a strong first job after graduation.” These alumni served as invaluable resources, showcasing real-world applications of a humanities education and offering tangible career prep tools for success.
Walters and Holt collaborated with Ashleigh Best, Director for Career Planning, and other staff from APEX, Wooster’s Center for Advising, Planning, and Experiential Learning, to enrich the workshop’s content. APEX staff contributed presentations on leveraging Wooster’s alumni network for networking opportunities and provided academic life coaching. They also curated readings, videos, and other resources, further expanding the career prep tools for success available to students. Ben Byars ’24, a Global and International Studies major, also presented on his APEX Fellowship experience with the World Affairs Council, adding another layer of experiential learning insights.
“The workshop provided dedicated time to define my career goals and values,” shared Mia Mann ’24, double majoring in Anthropology and East Asian History. “A particularly impactful assignment was the career conversations unit, where we connected with Wooster alumni in fields or companies of interest. This project allowed me and my peers to build valuable connections for our future careers.” This direct alumni engagement proved to be one of the most effective career prep tools for success offered by the workshop.
Fridosse Adam Idrissou ’26, a French and History double major, added, “This workshop significantly boosted my confidence in communicating with professionals, whether alumni or individuals in inspiring careers. The concrete plan I developed gives me clear direction. Moreover, the class positively shifted my perspective on issues like burnout and setting professional boundaries.” These are crucial aspects of career preparedness and long-term success.
Walters and Holt are planning to offer the course again in spring 2025. “Depending on student interest, we may expand it further,” Holt mentioned. “We anticipate word-of-mouth to highlight its value. Students are gaining valuable career prep tools for success that will benefit them whether they are pursuing internships or applying to graduate programs.” The workshop’s focus on practical skills and real-world connections positions humanities majors for successful futures.
