Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a Bachelor of Arts degree?
There are so many things you can do with Bachelor of Arts degree. A B.A does not lead to just one job title at the end of it as some profession programs do; instead, it has many job titles that are possible. Initially you may feel that this is an obstacle but in actuality, it can be an advantage. It means you can adapt to today’s rapidly changing job market. The job titles available when you enter and when you complete your degree program are often different these days and the skills you acquire throughout your program prepare you for many career opportunities.
What job titles will I be qualified for?
A Bachelor of Arts degree qualifies you for more jobs than you realize. To get you started on titles that your particular degree program might lead to, take a look at the career possibilities associated with majors and minors or book an appointment with the HSS Career Development Coordinator. Another useful resource is Career Cruising which can help you link your areas of interest to job titles. Please email the Career Development Coordinator for the username and password. There are also opportunities for current students to try the Strong Inventory Assessment to help them see what their interests point to in terms of career options; students can drop by UC- 4002 to see the schedule and sign up to do the assessment and then a week later come back to go through their results.
Where can I find summer employment opportunities?
There are lots of options for student employment in the summer. Canada Summer Jobs and other programs such as community SWASP positions are available for students returning to school in the fall. Summer is a great opportunity to build work experience and find internships in your field as well. See our listing of summer job opportunities.
Where can I look for work off campus?
You can start in your My MUNlife in the CAREER section with the Job Postings where off-campus employment opportunities are listed for both current students and recent graduates. Public job search sites such as www.careerbeacon.com are also useful but this is just the beginning. You should also be investing time in researching organizations that connect to your areas of interest and finding ways to connect with them.
How can I connect with potential employers?
You can connect with employers at employer information sessions, career fairs, networking events and through other community events. Take a look at the Calendar of Events in your My MUNLife CAREER area for career related events on campus. You can also approach organizations and people in your field and ask them for advice.
How useful are career fairs?
Career fairs can be very useful, but you need to be strategic. If you show up on the day of and you have done nothing to prepare, they will most likely be overwhelming and unproductive; so if you intend to go, have a look at the list of employers who will be there, decide who you want to speak to and get prepared. When you go to the fair, find those employers and speak to them. CDEL offers workshops on how to prepare for career fairs. Our annual career fair in September at Field House has approximately 100 employers registered and some graduate schools as well and although some of them are focused on engineering and business students, every year there are approximately 20 or more employers who are focused on arts students.
I am applying for lots of jobs but I am not getting called for interviews. I don’t understand. What am I doing wrong?
You may not be doing anything wrong; there may simply be other applicants who have more relevant skills and background. There are however things you can do to make sure you are presenting yourself in the strongest ways possible in the application process. Making sure your cover letter and resume are targeted to each job opportunity is a first step.
How can I improve my resume?
If you would like to have your resume critiqued by our staff, you can forward your resume along with you MUN student number to cdel@mun.ca and if you would like further advice, you can always book an appointment for a humanities and social sciences resume consult through your My MUNLife.
Is a cover letter necessary?
You should always include a cover letter and tailor it for that specific opportunity. Some employers focus solely on cover letters to narrow down the candidates. If you have no cover letter or it is not focused on this opportunity, you may be ruled out quickly.
I have had several interviews but I still haven’t gotten a position. I don’t understand. What am I doing wrong?
You may not be doing anything wrong; there may simply be someone else who is more suited for that particular job. It is also possible that you may not have invested enough time in adequately preparing for the interview stage. There are many things we can do to prepare for interviews, take a look at our interview tips and you can always schedule a mock interview with the humanities and social sciences career development coordinator for practice and feedback by booking an appointment the guide.
Are there any career services specifically for HSS students on campus?
The Faculty of HSS has a career advisor for students and alumni. Currently, that person is Andrea Keating and she is located in The Arts and Administration Building, A-2070. You can book an appointment with her through the Guide to talk about any of your career concerns. MUN's Career Center also offers regular programs, workshops, networking events and fairs for students and alum and there is the ArtsWorks program specifically for students in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
What is the ArtsWorks program?
ArtsWorks is an 8 week career exploration program offered exclusively to students in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Its purpose is to guide students in narrowing their career focus so they will have a clearer plan on how to identify and prepare for a career while completing their degree.
Throughout the program, students explore interests and skills, identify potential careers, learn to research the labor market and are introduced to opportunities to explore and acquire skills related to their career interests. They leave the program with a plan outlining the next steps to get the career they want.
How do I book an appointment with the HSS career advisor?
You can make an appointment with the Humanities and Social Sciences career advisor through through the Guide (a free mobile app). Be sure to select Career Advising – Arts as the appointment type. Appointments take place in A-2070 and are completely confidential. If for any reason, you are having difficulty with the system or with finding a time to suit your schedule, you can always email her at avkeating@mun.ca.