Career Compass: Classics

The Department of Classics is devoted to the study of the ancient Mediterranean civilizations of Greece and Rome. Classics programs focus on the languages, literature and material cultures of these civilizations, which are considered for their formative role at the beginnings of the whole of Western civilization and for their continuing influence on the modern world. The scope of Classical studies is broad and overlaps with several disciplines in the Humanities and Social Sciences such as History, Literature, Anthropology, Philosophy, Politics and Religion. This means that a wide variety of subjects and methods of investigation come within the experience of students who pursue the study of the Classical world.

If you are considering Classics, the department offers Major and Minor programs in Classical Studies, Greek, and Latin.

Program options

B.A. Advanced: 4 years
B.A. General: 3 years

Skills you will gain by studying CLASSICS

• The ability to identify, analyze and solve problems
• The ability to interpret information critically and imaginatively and to focus on essential details
• The ability to integrate knowledge gained from a variety of sources
• The ability to present arguments clearly and persuasively in writing and orally
• The ability to work independently and under pressure

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Classical Studies: CLAS 1270 and CLAS 1280
It is recommended that you take Greek or Latin minors with a Classical Studies major. These are also available as majors but require a meeting with the department advisor.

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor 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. Attend department of classics events and programming.
4. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
5. Register for the Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including the University of Manitoba Classics Students’ Collective, Arts Student Body Council, UMSU or a language club.
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers or Student Leadership Development Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the Language Centre and check out the International Centre website to learn more international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik or the International Centre for Students, take part in the Intercultural Retreat, join community associations including Association of Manitoba Museums, or the Arts and Cultural Industry Association Youth Mentorship program or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Refer to the Academic Calendar for a complete list of program requirements.

To do this year:

1. Should you follow a 3-or-4 year plan? Meet with an academic advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
2. When choosing a minor, take courses that will open opportunities.
3. Consider taking Greek and Latin language courses.
4. Be aware that Classics courses rotate.

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 Archaeological Institute of America and the Classical Association of Canada.
4. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

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 postions.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out the Manitoba Museum, Canadian Museums Association, Association of Manitoba Museums, Winnipeg Arts Council and Charity Village.

Get excavation experience: Take a field course or volunteer on a dig.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Become a Faculty of Arts Student Ambassador or apply to be a board member through Volunteer Manitoba.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange, internship with the Canadian Institute in Greece or join the International Council of Museums, a service-learning program, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

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

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Refer to the Academic Calendar for a complete list of program requirements.

To do this year:

1. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).
2. Interested in graduate work? Consider studying modern languages.

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: Canadian Heritage Information Network, Young Canada Works internships and summer jobs, Lower Fort Garry, Riel House, and Manitoba Museum.

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 Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Refer to the Academic Calendar for a complete list of program requirements.

To do this year:

1. 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 your cross-cultural intelligence.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Antique Appraiser/Dealer
• Archaeological Field Technician
• Archivist Assistant
• Author
• Citizenship/Immigration Officer
• Conservation Technician
• Cultural Resource Manager
• Curatorial Assistant
• Documentary Filmmaker
• Editor / Digital Editor
• Foreign Service Officer
• Game Writer
• Heritage/Historic Interpreter
• Historic Preservation Specialist
• Immigrant Settlement Worker
• Intelligence Officer (CSIS)
• Insurance Adjuster
• International Aid Worker
• Museum Technician
• Municipal Heritage Consultant
• Program Analyst
• Tourism Development Officer

Options requiring other education

• Archaeologist
• Archivist
• Art Conservator
• Curator
• Ethicist
• Lawyer
• Librarian
• Policy Analyst
• Public Relations Specialist
• Religious Leader
• Teacher
• University Professor
• Urban and Regional Planner

Industries such as arts and culture, community development, education, government, information science and tourism would value a classics major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

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

Attain skills through your classroom education and take advantage of experiential education opportunities.

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