Part 2: The Case For The Humanities In A Changing Job Market

March 29, 2026

We look at what life actually looks like after a humanities degree, where the path forward is often unclear and non-linear. For many graduates, the value shows up later, as they move between roles and lean on skills that translate across industries

Guests:

Anna VanWingerden, graduate, Columbia College Chicago, master’s student, education, Loyola University Chicago
Carlo Rotella, professor, English, Boston College, author, What Can I Get Out of This? Teaching and Learning in a Classroom Full of Skeptics

VanWingerden earned her bachelor’s degree in english, along with minors in acting and education. For her, part of the appeal of an english major was that it didn’t box her into one specific career path.

According to The U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, the average American now changes jobs ten to twelve times during their working life. professor Carlo Rotella isn’t surprised by this statistic.