Your degree in Interdisciplinary Studies

Skills you’ll develop

During your degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDST), you’ll design your own program by combining at least 3 distinct disciplines into a single undergraduate degree. Your program will bring together multiple distinct disciplines, like Humanities, Social Sciences, and Creative and Performing Arts, and could even include disciplines from other faculties, like Science.

Since each IDST program is distinct, you can view the “Your Degree” pages of the programs you are combining to explore all the skills you will develop. Beyond what you learn from each individual discipline, you’ll develop a set of adaptable and transferable skills. 

These skills may include:

  • Innovative critical thinking skills that apply creative “outside-the-box” methodologies
  • Ability to engage with multiple disciplinary perspectives
  • Clearly communicating complex information to non-specialist audiences
  • Working effectively on projects with team members from a diverse range of professional and academic backgrounds
  • Understanding the strengths and limitations of different academic disciplines
  • Identifying and solving complex problems that cannot be addressed by a single disciplinary approach
  • Adaptability and flexibility to navigate changing environments, expectations, and challenges, while maintaining focus and effectiveness

Career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including finance, banking, marketing, communications, sales, operations administration, client services, research, government & policy, 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.

  • Accountant
  • Account Manager
  • Advocate
  • Author
  • Banking Advisor
  • Brand Strategist
  • Business Analyst
  • Consultant
  • Content Writer
  • Counsellor
  • Digital Content Creator
  • Educator
  • Financial Advisor
  • Founder or CEO
  • Government Officer
  • Health Promotion Specialist
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Immigration Consultant
  • Lawyer
  • Learning Specialist
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Marketing and Promotions Manager
  • Marketing Coordinator
  • Mortgage Underwriter
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Operations Manager
  • Policy Analyst
  • Program or Project Coordinator
  • Project Manager
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Real Estate Development Coordinator
  • Researcher
  • Sales Specialist
  • Software Developer
  • Teacher
  • Urban Planner
  • UX Designer

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.

The opportunities below have a broad appeal and may be relevant to all IDST students. For more tailored options based on your areas of study, check out the “Your Degree” page for each program.

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.

These associations have a broad appeal and may be relevant to all IDST students. For more tailored options based on your areas of study, check out the “Your Degree” page for each program.

Connect with alumni

Learn about possible career paths by browsing alumni stories or viewing the profiles of UBC Interdisciplinary 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.