Careers

In an article published on 9th October 2017 in the newspaper "Messaggero Veneto", Giacomina Pellizzari gave voice to the response of the Rectors of the two Universities in Friuli Venezia Giulia, who were quite displeased by the reading given to some OECD data which described Italy as a country with too few (and poorly prepared) graduates. By protesting the inaccuracy of such an interpretation, they stressed proudly that graduates coming from their respective institutions are, on the contrary, highly appreciated both at home and abroad. Therefore, the cause of those unsatisfactory results had to be different – it could be rather linked to the lack of public funding, for example, and, in a sense, to certain social issues. And what issues might those be, specifically? The subtitle of the article clarifies the question pretty sharply: it says Be careful when choosing your course: "Humanists" are not required in the labour market. Humanities would not be able to offer sound employment guarantees, unlike scientific studies. According to this view, unless you feel strongly committed to pursuing a career as a Teacher or as a Researcher, it would be best if you invest your money (and future) in an education more in tune with the needs of the world of work.

But is that really true?

We have asked this question to a hugely diverse group of graduates in humanistic disciplines from the University of Udine (with only one, illustrious exception) – former students with different preferences, experiences and personalities, and just one common trait: their determination to follow an educational path able to exploit first and foremost their personal inclinations. And now, with their diplomas hanging on the wall, what do they do?