How Can Humanities Studies Impact Finance Professionals?

Many job seekers want to enter the finance industry after graduating from college, and they are interested in knowing how humanities studies, which include subjects in the liberal arts and social sciences, can benefit their career prospects. The liberal arts cover a wide range of subjects from English literature and philosophy to women’s studies and critical race theory. These subjects have traditionally been used to give college students an in-depth understanding of ideas and their impact on society and culture, in contrast to business and physical science disciplines, which have primarily contributed to materialist goals such as technology and the economy. By studying the ideas that are central to human flourishing, finance majors can bring a more ethical and conscientious worldview to an important sector of the economy.

Understanding Qualitative Analysis

While financial majors have traditionally learned how to perform quantitative analysis on business and economic metrics, English and philosophy majors have learned how to qualitatively analyze ideas to evaluate their meaning. The meaning of ideas is a subject of study that requires a broad knowledge of the history of human consciousness and philosophy. While scientific disciplines have become highly specialized and emphasized in an era of industrial and digital progress, a growing number of observers agree that human beings are undergoing a crisis of meaning that is creating social ills such as opioid dependency and authoritarian political movements. Financial professionals who understand idealistic philosophy, literary analysis, cultural studies and critical theories of traditional western society can bring a more holistic approach to the work they do and play a part in restoring meaning to the culture.

The financial world is often portrayed as destructive and uncaring in popular media, but many financial professionals are actively involved in creating a more ethical financial system that serves society rather than exploiting innocent people. While human idealism may seem incongruent with materialist economic concerns, each side can complement the other by providing meaning and purpose. Liberal arts disciplines in college can give financial majors the perspective they need to become leaders of the organizations they join after graduation.

Job Prospects

The financial industry is very competitive, and many college graduates have difficulty breaking into this highly lucrative field. Getting a second or third interview with a top company can be difficult for an applicant with an imperfect college record, multiple changes of major or few outstanding qualifications. A minor or double-major in liberal arts or social sciences can make a big difference, according to the New York Times.

Employers value applicants who diversify their educational curriculum and branch out into unconventional ways of thinking. Employers in the financial sector understand the benefits of hiring applicants with training in psychology, sociology, philosophy, political science and history. Liberal arts students are highly motivated to participate in projects that have the potential to disrupt the status quo, and financial investors are always looking for new and innovative ways to make money. As the public becomes more conscious of psychological meaning and social health, more employers at top organizations will be hiring people with training in these areas.

Choosing the best college degree plan can be a challenge, especially for students who aren’t sure about the type of work they’ll pursue after graduation. Anyone who is thinking of entering the finance industry after college should strongly consider minoring or double-majoring in one of the humanities disciplines.