Skills you’ll develop
During your United States Studies degree, you’ll develop important skills while gaining an in-depth understanding of American politics, economics, and history.
These skills may include:
- Applying problem-solving to examine issues relevant to American-Canadian relations and policies
- Critically thinking about and analyzing concepts related to American topics from multiple perspectives
- Making decisions and presenting recommendations that reflect a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of American and Canadian economies and politics
- Researching, collecting data, synthesizing, and analyzing large amounts of data
- Being resourceful in finding crucial information and using context to understand its meaning and importance
- Persuasive public speaking and reasoning that are evidence-based and acknowledge the influence different perspectives can have on facts
- Communicating, verbally and in writing, to identify and examine contemporary issues in American culture and society
Explore career possibilities
Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including government, non-profit, business, law, journalism, tourism, education, and others.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas.
Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.
- Archivist
- Biographer
- Charitable organization director
- Communications specialist
- Community development worker
- Community programs director
- Conservator
- Copywriter
- Cultural anthropologist
- Curator
- Diplomat
- Documentarian or Filmmaker
- Event planner
- Foreign service officer
- Genealogist
- Government official
- Heritage interpreter
- Historian
- Human rights officer
- Immigration officer
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Library director
- Lobbyist
- Media or Information consultant
- Media relations officer
- Museum administrator
- Museum educator
- News analyst
- Policy advisor
- Public relations coordinator
- Records technician
- Research assistant
- Social policy researcher
- Teacher or Professor
- Tourism industry consultant
- Writer
Make the most of your program
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities, develop your skillset, and help you clarify your values and interests.
- International Relations Students Association
Meet other UBC students through events and programs. - Parliamentary Internship Programme
Apply for an opportunity to shadow a Member of Parliament over 10 months, offered to recent graduates. - The Washington Center internship
Gain professional experience through the Academic Internship Program while living in Washington, D.C. - BC Legislative Internship Program
Assist a Member of the Legislative Assembly and observe the daily workings of the BC Legislature after graduation. - Ontario Legislature Internship Programme
Gain practical experience with the daily workings of the Ontario Legislature, available for new grads. - Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations
Develop new skills and gain practical knowledge in a heritage field over the summer.
Build your network
Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.
The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.
- American Economic Association
- American Historical Association
- American Political Science Association
- American Quarterly
- American Studies Association
- Association for Cultural Studies
- Canadian Association for American Studies
- Culture Works Canada
- Cultural Studies Association
- Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
- International American Studies Association
- International Economic Development Council
- National Council on Public History
- United Nations Commission on International Trade Law
- United States Institute of Peace
Connect with alumni
Learn from those who came before you by exploring the profiles of UBC United States Studies graduates on LinkedIn.
As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.
More information
Throughout your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.