Although problem solving is not the first activity one associates with the academic study of religion, problem solving involves analyzing a situation, identifying a problem, conducting research, often developing creative solutions, and the results. It matches when you realize how the transmission of is involved. They have many of the skills developed in Alabama’s religious studies classrooms. That’s the experience of our graduates, including Anna Davis.
She initially applied for the REL course thinking she needed a humanities credit and was interested in religion. You’ve probably said the former, and you’ve probably thought the latter. Whatever your reason is, it’s a good enough reason to take a religious studies class and eventually major in religious studies. A native of Platteville, Alabama, Anna graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2016 with a double major in geography, a GIS concentration, and religious studies. She is currently in her final semester of the MBA program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
The need for humanities credits and an interest in religion are what drew her to the Department of Religious Studies, but they didn’t keep her here. Anna said she thought she had signed up for the World Religions course. “…but it turns out it was Russell (McCutcheon)’s introductory course (REL 100).” I really enjoyed his lectures, so I ended up taking Stephen Ramey’s World Religions class (REL 102) I took the course. ” After hearing about the possibility of a double major from Dr. McCutcheon, Anna decided it was the best choice rather than declaring a minor. On reflection, Anna “never left” when another REL student, Andy Alexander, handed her the button at the event. She even met her husband, Ashton Sims, in the undergraduate student lounge.
And voila! Anna Davis became another example of how an REL degree can supplement your life and career, even outside of the typical academia or clergy route. Anna works as an operations manager for public forestry company ACRT. She started out as a forest ranger but was quickly promoted to manager. A typical day as a forestry officer was spent on-site checking utility corridors for “vegetation that could impact utility infrastructure.” Now, as a manager, Anna’s day revolves around providing support to foresters in the field and interacting with customers across state lines. “My territory spans Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland,” Anna says.
But what does this have to do with religious studies?
Anna’s day-to-day job as an operations manager requires her to deal with a lot of logistics and investigate problems using the problem-solving skills she learned during her time as an REL student. Serving customers across state lines or finding solutions to complex problems in the field is akin to analyzing the complexities of defining and classifying what we call religion. Anna says, “REL has given me the skillset to ask questions, think critically and avoid assumptions.” She continues: “They make my complex work much easier.”
Do you have any advice for undergraduate students?
“Interests change, but as long as you have a solid foundation, you can really do anything.” She goes on to argue that undergraduate years are an important time to explore your options. “There are so many jobs and fields in the world that you don’t know about.” That’s what I say. If you’re nervous about starting in a new, unfamiliar place, Anna says, “Don’t worry, they’ll teach you how to do the job.” But be prepared to learn and solve unique problems.
This post is part of a series highlighting various student outcomes.
Religious Studies is accomplished during your time at Capstone and in your life after graduation. we are all listening
Questions like “What are you going to do with your religious studies degree?” As this series makes,
The skills that students develop in religious studies (critical thinking, dialogue, etc.) are clear.
With diverse perspectives, social analysis, and the ability to reach multiple audiences,
Contribute to a wide range of activities and careers.
