Classics is one of the oldest subjects taught at university. Graduates with this degree may be surprised how many skills they have picked up developing an understanding of classical civilizations which are highly valued by graduate recruiters.
What can Classics Graduates do?
For graduates with a degree in Classics or Classical Civilisation, it may seem at first that the only career options available are working in a museum or going into teaching. These roles, however, would require further study, and they are just a few of the opportunities open to graduates from this discipline.
Much like degrees in Humanities and English, Classics graduates need to be aware of the skills they possess which are highly sought after in the graduate employment market. Written and oral communication, analytical skills and research skills form the backbone of a Classics graduates skill set.
Classics graduates often find themselves entering the business world. Their mastery of languages, alongside good research and strong analytic skills, endear graduates to lucrative fields such as Consultancy, Management, Finance and even Accountancy.
Classics graduates can also consider roles in fields such as Advertising and PR or Marketing, where their strong communication skills, bright ideas and well researched plans are highly valued.
Taking Stock of Skills
With a degree in a discipline like Classics or Classical Civilisations, graduates need to be aware of the skills they have earned which employers are looking for.
Analysis - By the time they have finished their degree, Classics graduates possess analytical skills as strong as any other discipline. The years spent pouring over classical literature and ancient documents provide graduates with the ability to quickly and efficiently isolate and analyse relevant material.
Comprehension - Comprehension skills are essential to many fields, and Classics graduates have learned the ability to decipher meaning and relevance in dense texts of often complex language and origin.
Creativity - Classics students receive a broad education in style and subject, reading often complex and stylistically influential texts. Graduates have learned to bring imagination to tasks and projects and take a creative approach to problems and setbacks.
Historical understanding - While not the only contribution a Classics graduate can make, an in-depth historical understanding does often bring rich and valuable insight to projects and companies. This is a unique skill which Classics graduates can offer employers.
Languages - Working through three years or more of Classical study gives graduates a fair amount of Latin or Greek. While not always relevant to their modern day equivalents, this skill with understanding and acquiring new languages can be extremely advantageous in many fields.
Research skills - Whether it is looking over sales figures or finance predictions, Classics graduates have the research skills required to accurately pull together information and present findings effectively.
