A GWSS Minor sets a foundation for several career paths

Career Paths

Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies GWSS classes teach you how to research, how to determine what issues are important, and how to become more active, communicating your ideas to your community and in your work. Those skills are part of the path to your career. Take a look at some careers available for GWS Minors:

Healthcare Professional – Understanding the wants and needs of patients, especially at dedicated women’s clinics, means graduates provide care and concern in ways that other professionals might not.

Midwife – Requests for more traditional childbirth experiences has created job opportunities for midwives. Midwives can work in patients’ homes or maternity facilities, coaching women through their childbirth.

Social Worker – Understanding the history and development of women’s roles in society means social workers provide perspective for their clients, using the most effective and appropriate resources.

Lawyer – Combining a law degree with a GWSS Minor would allow a lawyer to work on a variety of specialized cases. Issues such as sexual harassment, discrimination and domestic violence often need insight learned from GWSS classes.

Human Rights Advocate – Not all women or those belonging to the LGBTQ+ community are given the same liberties as those in the United States, so many women’s studies graduates campaign for equality and justice overseas with international rights organizations.

Victim Advocate – Victim advocates are the bridge between law enforcement, legal systems, and medical professionals for victims of domestic abuse, hate crimes, or other acts of violence. They offer emotional support, rights information, and help find needed resources for the victims of crime.

Rape Crisis Program Director – Knowledge of the physical and psychological trauma of rape means GWSS Minors can help support and advocate for victims. This could include being a voice for victims in legal and social settings.

Women’s Shelter Director – Dealing with sensitive information and cases about women requires an understanding of social issues surrounding them. Working for a women’s shelter is an opportunity to protect and support women in need.

Journalist – A graduate with a GWSS Minor would be able to apply gender perspectives to current events and ensure that issues facing women and the LGBTQ+ community are properly represented in media.

Political Aide – Politicians looking to win the support of women voters often hire graduates with a GWSS background to assist in researching and advising. The aides ensure representatives understand the issues surrounding women and the LGBTQ+ community across the country.

Public Relations/Advertising Manager – As women tend to be the primary decision makers within households, knowing their current social trends means developing a more persuasive selling/marketing strategy.

College Professor – Colleges and universities advertise for faculty for their women and gender specific programs. A career in academia also gives professors opportunities to publish their work in press and academic journals.

Union Organizer – Many women still work in substandard conditions. A career in union organization means identifying employers who fail to provide adequate work experiences for women and the LGBTQ+ community and then lobbying against them.