Five Lessons on the Career Value of Liberal Arts
He wasn't talking about being or not being a liberal arts major, but studying literature, art history, and music theory can actually help you succeed on the job.
On-the-job application of cultural literacy knowledge puts liberal arts majors at an advantage, explains Jennifer A. Horowitz, creator of the series, "What Can You Do with a Major In." (Wiley Publishing, 2005). "If your major required you to do a lot of writing, you can bring those skills to all kinds of jobs, even if you end up dealing with fuel consumption or computer sales instead of medieval art or child psychology."
*Lesson 1: A well-rounded education fosters important business skills like critical thinking, writing, and oral presentation.
For Paul Battista, a graduate of Dickinson College (Carlisle, Pa.) and a film producer and founding partner of MindFusion Law, an entertainment law firm, the rigorous curriculum forced him out of a comfort zone to challenge established points of views, as well as his own preconceived notions.
That very same strategy has given the former economics student an edge when dealing with clients. "Two primary skills my liberal arts education has fostered is the ability to listen and the ability to understand the subtle means of communication. The classic ability to listen between the lines," he explains.
*Lesson 2: A liberal arts education enables you to explore, think outside the box, and recognize the importance of listening.
In fact, experts say the appeal of liberal arts skills is their transferability across subjects and ultimately across various careers as students develop their own sense of self. Daniel Weiss, president of Lafayette College (Easton, Pa.), explains, "The fundamental values of a liberal education -- strength in critical thinking, knowledge of the world, greater self-awareness, the cultivation of ethics, and the skills and desire to continue learning -- are the qualities that will help students succeed both personally and professionally in their lives."
*Lesson 3: A quality liberal arts education is essentially the entire package. Plus, it parlays itself well to a broad spectrum of careers.
Kevin King, an alumnus of Middlebury College (Middlebury, Vt.), utilizes his transferable skills on a daily basis. As legislative assistant to Senator Mike DeWine of Ohio, King cited negotiations between the House and Senate regarding a firefighting bill. During the meeting, staffers articulated their points in a quick, persuasive manner.
"The environment was strikingly similar to classroom discussions; it was nice to have had some practice," he explains.
*Lesson 4: By learning to succinctly speak your mind, classroom discussions prepare you for boardroom negotiations.
Lafayette alumna and attorney Wynne Whitman, despite earning an MBA in corporate finance and LLM in tax, frequently taps into her undergraduate education in which she double-majored in economics and art history. Wynne notes having a well-versed background parlays into the art of conversation at various functions such as corporate fundraisers.
Whitman puts it plain and simple: "A liberal arts education opens your mind to different aspects of life and society and how they weave together."
*Lesson 5: You're cultured and worldly. Or, as Hamlet would say, "Therein lies the rub."
