What are the career pathways for young people who want to help others? 

We all have seen these young people – they’ve had a tough life, an uneasy childhood, and they want to help – become social workers or teachers. We have also seen young people who would say “I don’t know, people just come to me for advice and to talk to me” when asked which is their greatest strength. And of course, there are those mesmerized by the idea of having a Toby Robbins-like career of a famous coach or personal development guru. Here is where Human Jobs comes in.

Many young people genuinely want to help others, or are passionate about learning more about their inner world and why people behave in certain ways. 

For some of these young people, a career in the humanities is the best option. 

As part of our mission, EduCompass is working to support young people to design the career they love and realize their passion and talents. Our project Human Jobs, co-financed by the Erasmus+ program, focuses on bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world applications, emphasizing the value and versatility of jobs in the humanities.

What are Human Jobs and why do they matter?

Careers in the humanities such as historians, writers, philosophers, and cultural researchers might initially sound dull. 

But stay with me for a moment and picture this –  you visit a ghetto and instead of just seeing “misery,” you see human fates, threads of cultural habits, stereotypes, and discrimination—you see beyond the surface. 

Or, imagine going to a museum where the history unfolds before you—stories of people, vastly different yet similar to you; you understand how we, as humans, can either suffer silently our entire lives or go mad in a single day. 

The professions that delve into our collective history—historians, geographers, researchers—and those that help us make sense of our personal stories—therapists, psychologists—are truly fascinating. They unveil new worlds, emotions, and dynamics.

Jobs in the humanities are roles that involve critical thinking, communication, and understanding human culture. 

Such professions require a deep understanding of human behavior, ethics, and societal trends and as such, they help preserve and interpret human culture and history. 

Successful realization in a humanitarian profession requires critical thinking skills, empathy, and understanding of different perspectives – all skills needed in today’s global society. It’s not enough to see something on social media and form an opinion. You need to ask yourself questions, be able to see another point of view, and check whether everything is as it seems.

These careers play a crucial role in creating informed citizens and maintaining cultural heritage. Otherwise, we would all kill each other and forget – we are not the greatest, but there are magnificent things to be proud of.

Who are Human Jobs for?

These positions are ideal for individuals passionate about arts, culture, history, and human interaction. They suit those who excel in analyzing, interpreting, and communicating complex ideas and those eager to make a difference through education and cultural awareness.

The key skills needed for success in the field include analytical thinking, effective communication, creativity, ethical judgment, and cultural intelligence. The EduCompass team contributes to the project Human Jobs by designing programs to develop these competencies through interactive and engaging educational experiences.

Opportunities and entry to the field

Professionals in the humanities can find opportunities in museums, academic institutions, cultural agencies, and non-profit organizations. As solopreneurs, they might engage in consulting, writing, or creating educational content, leveraging their expertise to build unique career paths.

Starting a career in the humanities typically means obtaining a higher education degree, gaining experience through internships or volunteering, and networking with professionals in the field. EduCompass supports youth in this journey by offering workshops and career guidance services both within and outside the project.

Human Jobs

EduCompass has successfully conducted four workshops involving 180 children, focusing on uncovering skills and passions for humanities professions. Our approach incorporates innovative learning solutions to make the learning process more engaging and effective, thereby increasing the employability of participants.