Liberal Arts students have many of the skills that employers are desperately seeking, such as writing, research, critical analysis and time management.
In addition to the skills that you have developed in the classroom, there are numerous other skills that you develop through extra-curricular activities, part-time jobs, volunteer work, etc.
Although you have the skills that employers are looking for, I find far too often that students come into my office feeling like you have very little to offer.
Many seem to think that a university degree should be vocational training. Rather, what we do in a Liberal Arts degree is teach you to think, reason, deduce, problem-solve and communicate.
We do not train you for one specific career, we train you for numerous, diverse and ever-changing roles – a much better preparation for the realities of today’s work environment than a focused vocational training.
So what are some of those transferable skills?
Communication
Speaking effectively, writing concisely, listening attentively, expressing ideas clearly, facilitating discussion, providing appropriate feedback, negotiating, perceiving non-verbal messages, reporting information, editing.
Research and planning
Gathering information, forecasting, predicting, identifying and solving problems, developing ideas and alternatives, organizing, setting goals.
Human relations
Developing rapport, listening, providing support for others, motivating, sharing credit, group work, co-operating.
Organization, management and leadership
Initiating new ideas, paying attention to details, managing groups, decision making, managing conflict, coordinating tasks, teaching, coaching.
General work skills
Being punctual and reliable, managing time, meeting goals, accepting responsibility, setting and meeting deadlines.
All of these skills are in great demand in today’s job market.
