A Women’s Studies degree prepares students to be critical thinkers in any career. Skills from liberal arts programs include the ability to write clear, compelling prose under deadlines and in a variety of styles, to work effectively within disparate cultures without loss of personal integrity, to have a sense of personal responsibility for legal and ethical conduct for oneself and others with whom one works, to be able to work and maintain productivity under pressure, to transform abstract instructions and ideas into practical, concrete results. The program’s focus on activism, the application of theory to practice, and on diversity of experiences and backgrounds, will create effective world citizens within the context of the ever-increasing globalization of communication and resources.

What will I learn from Women’s Studies?
Women’s Studies students enhance their ability to think critically, gain a greater understanding of differences and increased tolerance of others, increased self esteem and confidence, greater understanding of women, increased job motivation and greater professional success. Students in Women’s Studies courses also experience a greater sense of community, find the content personally relevant, connect with faculty as mentors and role models, and are more active participants in their learning.

Skills

• Enhancement of communication and analytical skills
  
• Increased knowledge of diversity issues
  
• Knowledge of strategies for change regarding social justice
  
• Preparation for discrimination when encountered and how to handle it
  
• Preparation to work effectively with and for women.

Interests and values

• Equality and social justice
  
• Advocacy and public policy
• Diversity
  
• Human services
  
• Research

Related Student and Professional Organizations

Student

• College Feminists
  
• Multicultural Women’s Association (WMA)
• Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment (PAVE)
• Center for Awareness of Sexual Assault (CASA)

Professional

• American Association of University Women
• National Women’s Studies Association
• Institute for Women’s Policy Research

What Career Fields are Related to a Women’s Studies major?

Women’s Studies majors could find careers in a range of fields, from business and communication to the arts and non-profit community agencies.
The most concentrated jobs for Women’s Studies majors seem to be in the health, social and human service areas, as well as education and law & government. People with Women’s Studies majors may continue with their education and training to have careers as psychotherapists, physicians, community educators, nurses, social workers, advocates, lawyers, law enforcement officers, researchers, public school and college instructors, and librarians.

Potential Job Titles

• Activist
  
• Recreation Specialist
  
• Family Services Specialist
  
• Youth Specialist
  
• Biographer
  
• Child Welfare Worker
  
• Community Affairs Specialist
  
• Planned Parenthood Counselor
  
• Women’s Rights Advocate
  
• Case Worker

What are some entry-level jobs for Women’s Studies graduates?

• Family shelter case manager
  
• Center for women consultant
  
• American Baby Magazine editor
  
• Community corrections counsel monitor
  
• Autistic children’s institute teacher
  
• Women’s Rights Information Center Program Assistant Coordinator
  
• Real Estate coordinator
  
• University research assistant

How can I learn more about women’s studies?

Department

• UW-Eau Claire Dept. of Women’s Studies
• Brewer Hall 55, 836-5717

• Make an appointment with a career advisor
• Take a self-assessment test
• Research careers of interest at the Career Discovery Center
• Ask An Alum & Friends Program, a database of UW-Eau Claire Alumni & others in the community available for informational interviewing

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Women’s Studies at UW-Eau Claire?

• Volunteer at a women’s shelter
  
• Participate in Vagina Monologues
  
• Volunteer with CASA
  
• Get involved in political issues
  
• Search the Internship Series Online for Women’s Rights Internships
• www.internships-usa.com (See Career Services for password)
  
• Get involved with student organizations related to women