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Gender Studies
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Why you should minor in Gender Studies for a career in the corporate or nonprofit world:
Why you should minor in Gender Studies for a career in nursing or healthcare:
Why you should minor in Gender Studies as a scientist or researcher:
Why you should minor in Gender Studies as in the accounting or financial services industries:
Intern Spotlight!
“I actually switched my major a few times before I was sold on Gender Studies. I remember taking Gender Studies 101 and having a member from CERTS conduct a bystander intervention training. After class, my professor, the amazing Janelle Hinchley, pulled me aside to discuss her appreciation for my answers. That conversation solidified my decision, and I’ve been so happy with that switch ever since!”
During Nick Brey’s internship at Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center, Nick took on a variety of responsibilities, from managing the crisis line to creating social media content and attending community events. On covering the crisis line, Nick reflected, “These calls ranged from general questions to survivors processing their experiences and hospital calls where I advocated for victims in hospital settings. The work was taxing, but the CMSAC staff members were there for me every step of the way.”
Although his internship was brief, Nick gained invaluable experience attending staff meetings, discussing cases, and supporting the center’s mission. He also embraced the creative side of his role by designing posts for Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to spread awareness and support for CMSAC’s initiatives.
Nick emphasized how his Gender Studies education was a perfect fit for his internship, especially in understanding intersectionality. “Intersectionality in all types of identities is very common in the work CMSAC does. We saw clients of all ages, races, genders, sexualities, abilities, etc. Studying intersectionality in the classroom helped me apply my knowledge to real-world situations while working with a spectrum of clients.”
As Nick looks to the future, he’s considering a master’s degree in either speech and language pathology or social work. Wherever he goes, his Gender Studies background will continue to shape his perspective.
To those considering Gender Studies, Nick has one piece of advice: “Do it!” He adds, “The education you get from this path is unlike any other. You can apply it to any job, field, or life lesson. Employers value people with a Gender Studies background because it enhances communication, builds awareness, and improves interpersonal skills in any setting.”
Student Research Spotlight!
Project: Student Researcher on Racial Covenants in Minnesota
Pre-Med student and Gender Studies major Iliana Martinez has taken her passion for social justice and turned it into action through her role as a student researcher. Partnering with Matt Lindstrom, Iliana is delving into the history of racial covenants in Minnesota, working to create teaching modules and lessons for professors. Reflecting on her experience, Iliana shared, “Balancing school, work, and this research project has been difficult but exciting at the same time. I like to see how much I can challenge myself.”
This challenge has been incredibly rewarding for Iliana, especially under the mentorship of Matt Lindstrom. “He knows so much and loves to share his knowledge,” she said, highlighting how meaningful collaboration has enriched her work.
Though Iliana is on the path to becoming a veterinarian, she chose to major in Gender Studies to broaden her perspective and diversify her college career. “Veterinary work is as much about interacting with people as it is about medical work. With Gender Studies, I hope to create a space that is inclusive and understanding of everyone. I know what microaggressions are and what workplace harassment looks like, so I will be able to stand up for myself and others.”
Iliana believes that Gender Studies is more than an academic discipline—it’s a way of thinking and living. “Gender Studies makes you a better person and changes how you interact with the world around you. Research, daily interactions, and staying aware of social issues are all skills I will carry into my career.”
Through her Gender Studies classes, Iliana has gained invaluable skills in research, writing, public speaking, and interpersonal communication. She noted, “It pushes you out of your comfort zone and forces you to look at yourself and grow. I’ve grown in my confidence, my ability to speak in large and small audiences, and my writing skills.”
Iliana encourages others to consider adding Gender Studies to their academic path. “It opens the door to so many opportunities and builds connections. Every professor I’ve had has been one of my favorites, and you easily cultivate relationships with both professors and classmates. You’ll probably see the same faces every semester, which makes the experience even more personal.”
Iliana’s journey into Gender Studies began with a unique inspiration: reruns of Law and Order: SVU. Wanting to stand out in a pool of bio majors applying to vet school, she chose Gender Studies to become more well-rounded. “It has been foundational to my research project and has helped me look deeper into academic topics, notice patterns, and connect what I’ve learned in class with real-world experiences.”
Careers of our Alumni
When Lincoln Mullings first enrolled at CSB+SJU, he already knew he wanted to be a doctor and that Biochemistry would prepare him well for medical school.
While Mullings already had his major figured out, he had no idea he would also minor in Gender Studies. But through his work with the Men’s Development Institute and the Black Student Association, Mullings became intrigued by concepts such as masculinity, intersectionality and gender. He took a Gender Studies course and soon became a minor.
Through his minor, he came to understand the importance of Gender Studies and found a way to connect it to his major. “For me, Gender Studies was eye opening, especially being from the Bahamas as there is not much discussion of gender, culture, or intersectionality there.” Lincoln realizes that gender, race, ethnicity, and culture will each play a major role in how he interacts with future patients. He would like to bring these life changing skills back home to the Bahamas.
Although Lincoln hasn’t yet put these skills into action as a doctor, he has implemented them in his own classroom. Mullings had the privilege of being accepted into the Benedictine Volunteer Corps Program for 2018-2019. He went to St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, NJ, where he taught a Public Health course. Lincoln combined his major and minor, teaching young men about masculinity along with taking care of their mental health. “Being at St. Benedict’s allowed me to see the diverse backgrounds that people come from that I may encounter in the future as a doctor.”
Lincoln is grateful for the year he spent in Newark. He continues to work towards becoming a doctor and educating men about the interconnections between gender and health. “I will be attending medical school at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad: I am also hoping to create an online magazine to help men understand the importance of self-care and the performance of masculinity and what that does to a personal relationship.”
As Lincoln continues to tap into his Gender Studies background in his post CSB/SJU life, he encourages current students to do the same. “Having a background in Gender Studies has given me the opportunity to not only learn more about myself and help the students I taught break down sterotypes related to masculinity and sexuality. I encourage all students to take advantage of this opportunity because it goes by so fast.”
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