Interdisciplinary Studies: Women & Gender Studies
The Women's and Gender Studies Program at UNC Charlotte explores the ways that gender influences social structures and individual experiences around the world. We view gender as a category of analysis that includes women, men, transgender, and gender-nonconforming individuals. Using a feminist perspective, the program seeks to understand the cultural, political, and historical processes that gender human identity and society.
Sample Occupations
- Attorney
- Human Rights Advocate
- Journalist
- Human Resources Diversity Specialist
- DEI Coordinator
- Union Organizer
- Community Relations Manager
- Lobbyist
- Community Engagement Director
- Higher Education Administration
- Community Organizer
- Faculty
- Business/Management
- Healthcare Administration
- Clinical Healthcare
- Researcher
- Mental Health Therapist
- Librarian
- Program Director
- School Counselor
- Victim's Advocate
- Health Educator
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Social Media Influencer
- Casting Director
- Public Relations Manager
- Town Manager
- Hospital Foundation Executive Director
Types of Employers
- Women's Resource Centers
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Women's Health Centers
- Counseling Practices
- Law Firms
- Colleges & Universities
- K-12 Schools
- Corporations
- Media Companies
- Local/State/Federal Government
Preparing for your career in
Human Services: volunteer or intern with nonprofits and other organizations that provide direct service to a population of interest; learn to work well with people from differing socioeconomic, racial, ethic, and religious backgrounds; become fluent in a second language; develop skills such as presenting, grant writing, and fundraising for nonprofit positions; participate in campus “alternative break” trips; work as a camp counselor during summers. To allow for advancement in the field, pursue a graduate degree (master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, or Public Health).
Education: Acquire appropriate certification for teaching in public schools; gain experience working with children, adolescents, or college students through mentoring, tutoring, or volunteering; join student chapters of national teaching organizations; obtain graduate degree for student affairs and administrative positions; earn a doctorate for college teaching.
Business: Join a business-oriented student organization; look for ways to connect with professionals who share your identify (Women's Networking Groups, Carolina's LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, Latin American Chamber of Commerce); demonstrate initiative, attention to detail, organization, problem-solving, and leadership skills; consider starting in a management-trainee program. For diversity-focused roles, gain experience in Human Resources, join diversity- or identity-focused student groups, volunteer or intern for advocacy-focused nonprofits.
How do I know if its right for me?
ASSESS: Take a career assessment, such as PathwayU, to see how your interests, values, and personality fit with majors and careers.
RESEARCH: Research the careers on this WCIDWAMI and thousands of other careers using O*Net Online, The Occupational Outlook Handbook or FirstHand.
EXPLORE: Learn more about a career field of interest by job shadowing, attending a career panel, or participating in a Career Trek. Further your exploration while gaining valuable skills by completing an internship, co-op, volunteer, or research experience.