What Can You Do with a Degree in Women’s Studies?

Introduction

Women’s Studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the experiences, perspectives, and contributions of women throughout history and across cultures. A degree in Women’s Studies provides students with a comprehensive understanding of gender and its intersections with race, class, sexuality, and other social factors. Graduates with this degree are well-equipped for careers in a wide range of fields that address gender-related issues.

Career Options

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there are over 350 different career paths available to graduates with a degree in Women’s Studies. Some of the most popular career options include:

Table 1: Popular Career Options for Women’s Studies Graduates

Government and Non-Profit

• Policy Analyst
• Program Director
• Advocate
• Researcher
• Grant Writer

Education

• Teacher
• Professor
• Counselor
• Curriculum Developer
• Librarian

Healthcare

• Social Worker
• Nurse
• Counselor
• Health Educator
• Researcher

Business and Industry

• Human Resources Manager
• Diversity and Inclusion Officer
• Marketing Specialist
• Public Relations Specialist
• Consultant

Research and Academia

• Researcher
• Professor
• Policy Analyst
• Writer
• Editor

Skills and Abilities

Graduates with a degree in Women’s Studies develop a wide range of skills and abilities that are highly valued in the workplace, including:

• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Cultural competency and sensitivity
• Research and writing skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Advocacy and leadership skills

Career Advancement and Salary

The career advancement opportunities for graduates with a degree in Women’s Studies are strong. According to a study by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), women with a bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies earn 10% more than women with a bachelor’s degree in other fields. They are also more likely to be employed in occupations that are in high demand.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes that graduates with a degree in Women’s Studies should avoid when seeking employment:

• Not Utilizing Your Skills: Graduates should highlight their skills and abilities in their resumes and cover letters. They should also be prepared to talk about how these skills can be applied to the jobs they are applying for.
• Limiting Your Job Search: Graduates should not limit their job search to traditional “women’s fields.” There are many opportunities for graduates with a degree in Women’s Studies in a wide range of industries.
• Not Networking: Graduates should build relationships with professionals in their field. Networking can help them learn about job opportunities and get their foot in the door.

Conclusion

A degree in Women’s Studies provides graduates with a unique and valuable skill set that can be applied to a wide range of careers. Graduates with this degree are well-equipped to make a difference in the world by addressing gender-related issues and promoting gender equality.

Additional Resources

• National Center for Education Statistics
• American Association of University Women
• Women’s Studies Quarterly

Table 2: Employment Outlook for Women’s Studies Graduates

Table 3: Salaries for Women’s Studies Graduates by Industry

Table 4: Top Employers for Women’s Studies Graduates