Liberal Arts
An Education for Life
Life is not black and white. Every day, life calls us to deal with the challenges, complexities and responsibilities of living in a diverse and ever-changing world. And to be ready for the “real world,” a broad base of knowledge and skills is essential.
College is just around the corner and you are probably thinking about all the new challenges that await you. Perhaps you have already chosen a major or have researched the type of career you would like to pursue, or, like many first-year college students, perhaps you have no idea what you would like to study.
Wherever you stand, a wide-ranging, liberal arts education may be the key to your success in the “real world.” Aside from professional or technical education tracks, which are often limited to in-depth study of one specific area, the liberal arts provide a general education in multiple disciplines (such as culture, humanities, the arts, social science and communication), in addition to your intended major.
So, why should you consider an education in the liberal arts? If you plan to major in engineering, why bother with courses in Shakespearean drama or anthropology? The answer is this: the liberal arts provide an education for life. By studying the liberal arts, you will acquire more than just the basic skills needed to compete in the job market. You will learn how to think analytically, formulate and communicate ideas effectively, and work with a diverse group of people in a rapidly evolving society. So, when you land that first job interview out of college, you will have the knowledge and skill set your prospective employer is looking for.
While a major area of study will provide the training necessary to succeed in your chosen career, a broader education in the liberal arts will ensure your marketability. For example, the engineer who studied Spanish during her junior and senior years may be the most likely candidate to participate in a company project overseas. The advertising specialist who studied acting may find his niche in commercial directing, and so on. For employees with a broad set of skills and knowledge, possibilities and opportunities will constantly present themselves.
By enrolling in a liberal arts curriculum, you are constantly pulling information from many different sources – from class material, to your professors and fellow students. You will learn about human events from lectures and labs, and will learn to look at viewpoints that differ from your own. The liberal arts also stress the value of working together to better society. In learning to do so, you will gain a better understanding of the scenarios and people you will encounter every day after graduation. These skills will not only prepare you for your future career and give you a competitive edge when you first begin to look for a job, they will help you become a more conscientious citizen of the world.
For those of you who have not decided on a major area of study, a broad-based education in the liberal arts will give you a better understanding of the kind of career you may want to pursue after graduation. When you open up to courses in varying disciplines, you will discover what you enjoy and where your talents are, as well as the areas that don’t interest you. You may find that a course in British Literature complements your already growing interest in writing, which may someday lead to a career in journalism or teaching. All the while, you will be acquiring new skills and preparing yourself to become a contributing member of society.
Most importantly, the liberal arts will prepare you for the changes you will encounter throughout the rest of your life. As the world changes, so too will your interests and ambitions. A quality education will ensure your future options in the job market; from working with different employers, to promotions and even switching occupations. These changes, whether good or bad, are inevitable. It is unlikely that you will remain, or want to remain, in one job your entire working life. Preparing yourself for the unknown by developing liberal arts-based skills is essential.
As you prepare for the next chapter in your life – college – you will soon discover for yourself the complexities of living in an ever-changing world. Should you choose to pursue an education in the liberal arts, rest assured that you’ve made an important investment in your future. The skills and knowledge you will acquire from a broad-based, liberal arts education will serve you well for the rest of your life.
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