Navigating “What to Major in” During Times of Great Uncertainty

WHAT

Recently, I stumbled upon an intriguing episode of "The Stream" on Al Jazeera that posed a thought-provoking question: "Is this the death of the English major?" The show highlighted a striking trend—a drastic 50% decline in Humanities enrollments at universities in both the UK and US. The panel, representing diverse viewpoints, unanimously agreed that this significant drop is primarily driven by the ever-evolving job landscape and the uncertainty that looms over the future of work.

It's not just the panelists who are pondering this. TikTok feeds buzzing with similar queries urge students to ask: "What job awaits an English Literature graduate? Teaching? Writing? Is it even worth pursuing?"

As is my annual ritual for over 2 decades now, I delved into McKinsey's wrap-up of the January World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos. This year's theme— "Collaboration in the Intelligent Age" —prompted a nervous chuckle when described as a "Rorschach test of the world’s hopes and concerns."

During this weeklong gathering, global leaders tackled pressing issues head-on. Despite the looming tensions from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, alongside hurdles like demographic shifts and delayed energy transitions, the atmosphere was surprisingly optimistic. Attendees were invigorated by potential conflict resolutions and groundbreaking ideas centered around growth, health, and sustainability.

Yet, what truly matters is distilling those high-level discussions into actionable strategies. The challenge lies in enhancing productivity, fostering growth, and building resilience - for people and organizations - in an unpredictable world.

Especially as the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 offers a glimpse into the dynamic evolution of global labor markets. By 2030, it anticipates a displacement of 92 million jobs, while also creating 170 million new positions. This results in a net employment increase of 78 million jobs. See details here https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/. 

SO WHAT 

Okay, there’s a lot of good news there! A net increase of 78 million jobs!  But here’s the rub - not all of us can be nor want to be Big Data Specialists, FinTech Engineers, AI/ML Learning Experts or software app developers! 

Sure, high-demand jobs offer higher salaries, quicker advancement opportunities, less competition for available positions and some level of job security due to the projected growth. Also agree that automation, as predicted, will impact at least 400 million jobs by 2030, making it beneficial to transition into high-growth and in-demand careers.

I am a boomer and come from a distant era that is so different from that my 3 adult children (1 GenX and 2 Gen Z) had to adapt to. 

The preparation for careers and expectations from the workforce have evolved dramatically across our generations.  Dramatic shifts in the socio-economic and geopolitical landscapes, conflict, climate crises, and health contagions are a realities we face in a globalized world.

So, what does all this mean for choosing a major? It emphasizes the importance of adaptability and foresight. While Humanities may face enrollment challenges, they still offer invaluable skills in critical thinking, communication, and empathy—all crucial for navigating an uncertain future. Exploring interdisciplinary paths or pairing Humanities with tech-savvy minors could widen career opportunities.

NOW WHAT 

In this era of rapid change, selecting a major isn't just about answering "What job will I get?" It's about preparing oneself for a future that values creativity, collaboration, and adaptability. By embracing uncertainty and honing diverse skills, students can not only survive but thrive and flourish amid the unpredictability of the modern world.

For those hesitant about adapting to high-demand fields like Big Data or AI, focusing on skills that complement technology rather than compete with it is wise. Consider roles that emphasize human creativity, critical thinking, empathy, and problem-solving—areas where machines are less likely to replace humans.

- Lifelong Learning: It's never too late to learn new skills, whether it's digital literacy, communication techniques, or leadership strategies.

- Intergenerational Learning: Embrace both the wisdom from older generations and the tech-savvy tendencies of younger ones. Sharing insights fosters mutual growth.

- Explore Interests: Even if you're not delving into SEO or data analytics, explore hobbies or interests that might align with new tech, like creative digital arts, entrepreneurship, or community projects.

Each generation adapts to the unique socio-economic pressures and technological advancements of their formative years, influencing their career preparation and expectations in distinct ways. But the new workforce-in-the-making must be awake, aware and attentive to the realities of the times. Parents, teachers, employers, students, and the future workers from all sectors must compel a collaborative approach to shaping the future with voices from different levels and sectors given equal opportunity to be heard. 

What to me was most heartening from monitoring the WEF dialogues in Davos  is what I sense are new forms of collaboration and new smart solutions to the world’s enduring problems. Hence, the “going on the offense” amongst the world’s leaders and company CEOs. Let the shaping of lives, work, jobs, and careers be a priority even as exploring a new Earth in outer space continues. 

Educational institutions must explore changes that will enhance the relevance of humanities courses in a digital world driven by GenAI. How? 

1. Interdisciplinary Integration: Develop and offer courses that merge humanities with technology and sciences. Programs like digital humanities or ethical AI studies can provide a blend of technical and humanistic perspectives, making these fields more pertinent and engaging for students interested in both areas.

2. Modern and Relevant Curriculum : Update humanities courses to include contemporary issues like digital culture, global challenges, and the societal impact of technology. This can make humanities education more applicable by addressing real-world and current digital phenomena.

3. Collaborative Opportunities : Create opportunities for humanities students to work alongside tech students on interdisciplinary projects, focusing on issues such as technology ethics or digital media. These collaborations can illustrate the practical applications of humanities skills and create a more comprehensive learning experience.

Net-net, as the job landscape changes, each generation has unique strengths they can bring to the table. Adaptability, a willingness to learn, and an openness to new experiences will be key in navigating the future of work.

Now, perhaps to share this link with Aljazeera’s “The Stream” and creating a short TikTok vid.

-Susan Grace Rivera

Date Posted: Feb. 19, 2025