Career Compass: Religion

As a religion student in the Faculty of Arts, you will examine the histories and functions of a variety of texts, myths, rituals, symbols, and institutions from around the world. The study of religion, also known as comparative religion, the history of religions, religious studies, or the academic study of religion, is part of the humanities and social sciences. Our program aims to examine the history and contemporary forms taken by religion(s) as well as the study of the history and contemporary implications of using the category religion to name aspects of human interaction.

Skills you will gain by studying RELIGION

• Cultural literacy, the ability to understand the context and idiom of a given culture.
• Competence in reading, writing, and speaking about the academic study of religion.
• The ability to describe, compare, interpret, and explain.
• The ability to think critically and adopt multiple theoretical perspectives and points of view.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
6 credit hours in religion courses

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor in the Faculty of Arts to help you plan your program.
2. If you need academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Register for the Experience Record, official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including the Arts Student Body Council and UMSU.
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience or join the Student Leadership Development Program.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as Community Engaged Learning programs.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the International Centre to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik, the International Centre for Students or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:

General: 6 credit hours of RLGN at or above the 1000 level and 12 credit hours of RLGN at or above the 2000 level

Advanced: 6 credit hours of RLGN at or above the 1000 level and 12 credit hours of RLGN at or above the 2000 level

Honours: 18 credit hours of RLGN at or above the 2000 level

To do this year:

1. Refer to the Academic Calendar for information regarding the Religious Traditions requirement.
2. If you plan to specialize in Catholic studies, contact the department of religion prior to registration in order to select appropriate courses.
3. Consider choosing a second language for your minor to enhance your employability prospects upon graduation.
4. Ensure you are meeting the religious traditions requirements.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Become a student affiliate with the Canadian Society for the Study of Religion.
4. Participate in the Department of Religion Colloquium.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for an Undergraduate Research Award and inquire about research assistant positions.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Folklorama, and local charities.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Become a Faculty of Arts Student Ambassador.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider a summer abroad studying religion through the international student exchange or Travel Study program, an international internship or service-learning program, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out Community Engaged Learning programs. Consider learning a new language and culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:

General: 6 credit hours of RLGN at or above the 3000 level

Advanced: 12 credit hours of RLGN at or above the 2000 level

Honours: 15 credit hours of RLGN at or above the 3000 level

To do this year:

1. Meet with a department advisor for honours program approval.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other academic institutions.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Check out student job opportunities with: Summer camps, Winnipeg Public Library, social service agencies and non-profit organizations. Consider the University of Manitoba TA and GM positions available or become a writing tutor through the Academic Learning Centre.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the International Youth Internship Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program or take part in the Graduation Pow Wow. Attend and network with others through the Prairie Symposium for the Common Good.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Honours: RLGN 4310 and RLGN 4320 and a further 12 credit hours at the 4000 level. 

Advanced: 12 credit hours in RLGN at the 4000 level

To do this year:

1. Meet with a department advisor for honours program approval.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS

Start job search 9 months in advance:
Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school:
Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus. Get access to LinkedIn Learning through the Winnipeg Public Library and take courses to develop you cross-cultural intelligence.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Administrative Officer
• Citizenship/Immigration Officer
• Communications Officer
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Community Support Worker
• Cultural Resource Manager
• Curatorial Assistant
• Economic Development Officer
• Editor / Digital Editor
• Education Program Coordinator
• Foreign Service Officer
• Heritage Interpreter
• Human Rights Officer
• Immigrant Settlement Worker
• Intelligence Officer (CSIS)
• International Aid Worker
• Multicultural Consultant
• NGO Manager
• Tourism Development Officer 
• Youth Worker

Options requiring other education

• Archivist
• Cultural Policy Analyst
• Curator
• Immigration Agent/Consultant
• Journalist
• Lawyer
• Librarian
• Marriage and Family Therapist
• Physician
• Public Relations Specialist
• Social Worker
• Spiritual Care Provider
• Teacher
• University Professor

Industries such as communications, cultural affairs, education, government and law would value a religion major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Oral and written communication
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Information management
• Teamwork
• Digital technology
• Numeracy and data use
• Continuous learning

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.