Arts & Culture
Humanities graduates apply human-centered thinking in impactful careers
Across disciplines, they point to critical thinking, ethical reasoning, adaptability, and empathy as core strengths developed through humanities coursework.
Across disciplines, alumni point to critical thinking, ethical reasoning, adaptability, and empathy as core strengths developed through humanities coursework.
From law and medicine to climate innovation and corporate leadership, UC Santa Cruz humanities graduates are applying the skills they gained in the classroom to make a meaningful impact across a wide range of industries.
A new video from the Humanities Division features alumni reflecting on how studying the humanities shaped their careers and how they understand people, systems, and the world around them. Across disciplines, they point to critical thinking, ethical reasoning, adaptability, and empathy as core strengths developed through humanities coursework.
For Akilah Burford (Feminist Studies, ’15), now a palliative care and ethics specialist at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, humanities training sharpened her ability to navigate complex decisions shaped by social systems and human values. “No decisions are made in isolation,” she said, noting that her studies encouraged her to approach cases with humility and curiosity.
Reyna Grande (Literature, Creative Writing concentration, ’99), an award-winning writer, credits her humanities education with helping her tell stories that center emotion, lived experience, and shared humanity. Exposure to diverse literature and perspectives strengthened her craft and empowered her to advocate for her Latino community through storytelling.
“I wanted to expose myself to diverse literature, diverse perspectives, and really hone my skills,” Grande said.
Others emphasized how humanities skills translate seamlessly into professional environments. Rebekah Mojica (Philosophy, ’19), an attorney, said her philosophy major deepened her analytical thinking and prepared her for rigorous debate in the courtroom.
Dillon Auyoung (Linguistics, ’90), head of corporate social responsibility at Comcast NBCUniversal, highlighted how his background in linguistics and humanities enables him to design systems that are human-centered and responsive in an era of rapid technological and social change.
Alumni emphasize the versatility of a humanities education. Whether analyzing literature, history, or philosophy, students learn to interpret complexity, connect past and present, and adapt to new challenges—skills that remain relevant across careers.
Avni Lal (History and Literature, ’20), a senior research advisor for Dharma Karma Foundation, said she brings an anthropological and historical lens to the foundation’s work in advancing innovative solutions to global crises including climate change.
“Studying humanities,” Lal said, “provides you with a lens that can take you anywhere.”