Humanities Graduates Fare Better Than Science Graduates in The Job Market

The idea that humanities graduates fare better than science graduates in the job market is a complex and nuanced issue. While there is some evidence to affirm this, it is critical to note that many factors can influence a person’s success in the job market, including their individual skills, experiences, and career goals.

A recent study conducted by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) in the UK concluded that graduates from the humanities had a high chance of finding employment and earn higher salaries than graduates from science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Data from the study showed that 88.7% of graduates from the humanities secured employment within six months of graduating. Comparatively, only 83.5% of STEM graduates had the same date. Furthermore, the average salary for humanities graduates was £22,340 ($39,391) compared to £21,969 ($38,736) earned by graduates from the STEM fields.

Several reasons explain why humanities graduates may have an advantage over STEM graduates in the job market. One of the main factors is the versatility of their skills. Graduates from the humanities often have excellent communication skills, strong critical thinking capacity and refined problem-solving skills. Luckily, employers in a wide range of fields highly value these qualities. Furthermore, the graduates have a broader range of knowledge and cultural competency, which is beneficial in industries such as education, international business, and the arts.

Another factor is the nature of the job market. While STEM fields may offer more career opportunities, the field is also highly specialised and competitive. As a result, many STEM graduates are limited in job prospects, and it takes a lot to catch the eye of an employer. Humanities graduates, on the other hand, are often better equipped to adapt to a variety of roles and industries. This makes them more attractive to employers, especially in a constantly changing job market.

In a world where innovation and creativity are highly rewarded, graduates in the humanities find it easier to settle in the job market. Most programs in the humanities encourage creativity. As a result, graduates develop into thought leaders and pioneers. Ultimately, their career progression is smooth, and most graduates climb up the job market in a short time. 

However, it is essential to note that the popularity of humanities graduates in the job market is not universal. There are many successful science graduates in the job market, and certain industries specifically require graduates in the STEM fields. In some cases, science graduates may have more technical expertise or specialised knowledge that certain employers highly value. Additionally, certain STEM fields, such as engineering and computer science, are known to have good career progression and high salaries. 

Ultimately, the decision to pursue a degree in humanities or science should be based on a person’s individual interests, skills, and career goals. Both fields offer unique opportunities and challenges and can lead to rewarding and fulfilling careers in a variety of industries. Nonetheless, it’s imperative to keep up with the new trends to make an informed decision.