She Strengthens

The Unromantic Truth About Pursuing a Humanities PhD

A Degree of Uncertainty

When it comes to higher education, certain fields like art history are often viewed as luxuries, lacking practical value. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Many students, including myself, have financed their educations through student loans and graduated without a clear career path.

The Allure of Grad School

A Master’s or PhD may seem like the key to securing a job in your dream field, but the reality is that it’s no guarantee. The likelihood of landing a tenure-track professor position is slim, with hundreds of applicants vying for a handful of spots. As a result, many humanities PhDs end up in university staff jobs or non-profits, performing tasks unrelated to their field of study.

Was It Worth It?

Despite the challenges, I believe my PhD was worth it. Here’s why:

Global Opportunities

My research specialization in the Italian Renaissance allowed me to travel to Italy every summer and spend a year in Rome on a fellowship. This experience was invaluable, and I’m not alone – many humanities PhD students have traveled extensively for their research.

Practical Skills

Pursuing a humanities PhD has granted me exceptional critical thinking skills, enabling me to view issues from multiple perspectives. I’ve also developed other practical skills, such as overcoming my fear of public speaking.

Meeting Like-Minded Individuals

Grad school introduced me to thoughtful, interesting people who share my passions for reading, travel, and art. While not everyone will become a close friend, it’s guaranteed that everyone will be interesting.

The Harsh Reality

However, I must caution those considering a humanities PhD:

Financial Risks

Taking on additional student loans for a degree that may not lead to increased job prospects is a significant financial risk. It’s essential to ensure that the school pays for your education through tuition remission, fellowships, or other means.

Stress and Competition

Grad school can be stressful, with uncertain funding, competition for attention and grants, and limited job prospects. It’s crucial to prioritize mental health and take advantage of available resources.

Explaining Your Degree

After graduation, you may need to explain your extra degrees to potential employers, which can be challenging. Very few jobs outside of academia require a PhD, and you may need to convince them that you’re interested in performing tasks unrelated to your field of study.

A Rewarding Experience

Despite the challenges, pursuing a humanities PhD can be incredibly rewarding. It’s essential to view it as an opportunity to focus on a subject you love, travel, meet fascinating people, and gain useful skills. For me, that was enough.