Devanshi Srivastava, a 25-year-old journalist, is currently pursuing the Mindfulness-based Counselling: Listening With Embodied Presence course from Just Being Centre, Pune. She says while the two fields may seem completely apart from each other, they are more related than one can imagine. She says they are both about listening to people. “Much of journalism is about listening to people. But I would like to be able to listen to people with more presence, more consciousness, and mindfulness, a way which is not merely extractive”, she says.
She is studying the course because it is a great value addition to her already existing career in Journalism and it can also open up possibilities of doing this as a side gig. There are many humanities students like her who pursue interdisciplinary courses that broaden or completely reshape their career prospects.
For decades, Indian students often avoided humanities, influenced by societal pressures favoring medicine, engineering, or management. However, shifting societal needs and job market trends have fueled renewed interest in liberal arts. Humanities students now find opportunities across diverse fields, leveraging skills such as communication, critical thinking, creativity, and ethics.
The Hindu recently conducted a webinar titled New Career Pathways for Humanities StudentsDuring the webinar, experts highlighted the evolving opportunities for humanities students, challenging long-standing misconceptions about limited career prospects. It explored how liberal arts education, interdisciplinarity, and applied studies are reshaping career trajectories. Panelists Rajita Rasiwasia, a consultant, and Priyanka Chandhok of Ashoka University emphasized that humanities students are uniquely equipped to tackle complex problems, bringing in interdisciplinary approaches that combine creativity with analytical thinking.
Education and Career Pathways
Ms. Rasiwasia highlighted the concept of “new-age humanities,” which incorporates digital tools and applied studies to make education more practical and relevant. She pointed to the emergence of programs like digital humanities and applied psychology as examples of interdisciplinary innovation. She noted that humanities students excel in roles demanding cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and research, opening avenues in international relations, digital marketing, behavioral economics, and corporate sectors. “Combining humanities with technology has opened up avenues in research, analytics, and product development,” she said, noting that universities like Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University in Gujarat and Mahindra University in Hyderabad are leading the charge with courses tailored to modern industry needs.
Ms. Chandhok explained how Ashoka University's model exemplifies the transformative potential of liberal arts education. At Ashoka, students do not have to declare a major in their first year. Instead, they take foundation courses across diverse disciplines, from economics to philosophy, to broaden their intellectual horizons. This approach enables students to combine interests—like psychology with computer science or music with philosophy—thereby enhancing their adaptability in a rapidly changing job market. “The interdisciplinary nature of liberal arts prepares students not just for their first job but for a lifetime of career evolution,” Mw. Chandhok remarked.
Ms. Chandhok shared alumni success stories, such as a student named, Dhruv Dalia, a Rhodes Scholar blending economics and political philosophy. Another student, Shreya, an artist and actor, further transitioned to the University of Michigan after her liberal arts education.
Bridging Humanities and Technology
The digital age has created unconventional roles for humanities graduates. Whether digitizing historical texts or integrating ethics into AI development, students combining technical proficiency with humanities are thriving. The webinar fleshed out examples such as how digital tools enhance psychological research and human-centered product design, merging computer science and psychology.
Digital Marketing and Branding: Humanities graduates, with their storytelling and communication skills, excel in crafting campaigns and content strategies for social media and digital platforms.
Behavioral Economics and User Experience (UX): Combining psychology with data analytics can lead to roles in behavioral insights or UX design, where understanding consumer behavior is paramount.
Art and Music Therapy: Interdisciplinary studies in psychology and art/music are paving the way for careers in therapeutic practices, which are growing in demand post-pandemic.
Ethical Technology Development: In emerging fields like AI and biotech, humanities graduates are needed to navigate ethical implications, ensuring that technological advancements align with societal values.
Paychecks and placement trends
A significant shift in employer attitudes is driving this change. Chandhok observed that top companies are increasingly valuing the analytical and creative thinking that humanities graduates bring. “Employers are no longer fixated on STEM degrees. They are seeking skills like adaptability, critical reasoning, and the ability to see the big picture—all of which humanities students excel at,” she said.
Both panelists emphasized the need for students to go beyond academic qualifications. “Employers prioritize skills like analytical thinking, communication, and leadership,” noted Chandhok. Rasiwasia added that students should adapt to emerging fields such as AI, digital humanities, and environmental studies by acquiring practical skills relevant to industry demands.
Addressing concerns about salaries, Ms. Chandhok shared that many humanities graduates secure high-paying roles in consulting, FMCGs, and startups. “It's not about degrees. It's about demonstrating your value through skills,” Ms. Rasiwasia reiterated.
The panelists encouraged students to adopt a forward-looking approach to their education. “Think about the societal problems you want to solve,” advised Ms. Rasiwasiya. “For instance, with rising environmental concerns, students with a background in geography and economics can play a crucial role in shaping sustainable policies.”
Ms. Chandhok added that students should focus on developing a portfolio of hard and soft skills. Beyond technical knowledge, she emphasized the importance of leadership, ethical reasoning, and social influence as key differentiators in the workplace.
Published – December 07, 2024 10:01 pm IST