How a Liberal Arts Degree Can Make You a Great Employee

Years ago, when I was making decisions about my college degree program, people were actively debating the value and purpose of a liberal arts degree. That conversation has since faded in the light of other larger topics in higher education, but I sometimes find myself answering those common questions (or quips) even today.

To be honest, it was hard to explain why liberal arts education was important until I entered the workforce and saw it for myself. People wondered what I’d do after college with a degree in English and writing. Teach? Write books? In general, there was a misunderstanding about the opportunities I’d have with my particular field of study and a liberal arts education.

What even is liberal arts?

Liberal arts degrees usually cover humanities, arts and sciences. As opposed to technical programs, liberal arts programs have a different emphasis. Students are often challenged to consider the bigger picture when solving problems, to engage in critical thinking, and to communicate their ideas clearly.

Why do students choose a liberal arts education?

• Multiple disciplines are part of your studies. I enjoyed when something I was learning in history intersected with my literature class, or when I could apply elements of psychology to writing an article for the right audience. I felt prepared to do more than just write well—liberal arts education meant I had a foundation of knowledge to build solid arguments on, and that gave me confidence.
• You’ll gain soft skills and knowledge that can apply to any career field, specifically critical thinking, communication and research skills. These skills can also prepare you to continue your education in graduate school and beyond.
• You’ll learn how to take a “big picture” approach to solving problems. Wherever your career takes you, this perspective helps you see all of the angles of your work, from the history behind an issue to the psychology of human relationships. It also prepares you to think globally and consider all the people groups and cultures involved.
• A wide variety of career paths are available to you, even in science and technology industries – they all need people who are skilled communicators, leaders, and critical thinkers. The skills you’ll develop can help you secure a job in the arts, marketing, customer service, human resources, management and more.

How can I best prepare to get a job after graduation with a liberal arts education?

Some liberal arts graduates find it difficult to find the right position in their job search. Where some technical programs might already see a clear career path that correlates with their studies, other students might need to dig deeper to discover an area of interest.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics recommends seeking out experiential learning opportunities. This could be an internship opportunity or, if you’re already engaged in full-time work, it could mean job shadowing other departments at your organization. You could also take a day to hang out with someone in a career that piques your interest. You may learn something about yourself you never knew.

After college, I worked in human resources for a few years while earning my master’s degree. After that, I transitioned to a career in communications, where I worked in marketing automation and copywriting. I’ve always felt that my education prepared me to become a confident, well-rounded professional who could think critically about problems and keep learning, both at my job and within the daily patterns of my life. That’s the real value of a liberal arts education, I think—one that gives you the foundation to become a lifelong learner.