The Hidden Value of Liberal Arts Majors in Today's Job Market

Strategic Insights -

As a liberal arts major myself, I must admit that I have often felt like an outcast among my peers, struggling to find a career path that leverages my unique set of skills. However, a recent conversation with Kerin Borland, senior associate director at the Career Center, revealed a more optimistic picture. According to Borland, 85 percent of liberal arts graduates reported back to the Career Center within six months of graduation, indicating that they were in a job with career potential. Additionally, CNN reported a 6.1-percent salary increase for liberal arts majors from 2005 to 2006.

Key Takeaways:

  • Liberal arts majors possess valuable skills such as writing, critical thinking, and public speaking that are highly sought after by employers.
  • Despite the prevailing notion that liberal arts majors are at a disadvantage in the job market, 85 percent of liberal arts graduates reported having a job with career potential within six months of graduation.
  • The job market for liberal arts majors is not as bleak as it may seem, with a 6.1-percent salary increase reported by CNN from 2005 to 2006.
  • Kerin Borland, senior associate director at the Career Center, offers reassurance to liberal arts majors, stating that they will have opportunities available to them after graduation.
  • The Career Center is a valuable resource for liberal arts majors, providing guidance and support in finding career opportunities that match their skills and interests.
  • Liberal arts majors should not be discouraged by the naysayers and skeptics, but instead, focus on developing their skills and exploring career paths that align with their passions.

Statistics:

  • 85 percent of liberal arts graduates reported having a job with career potential within six months of graduation.
  • CNN reported a 6.1-percent salary increase for liberal arts majors from 2005 to 2006.

Sources:

  • Michigan Daily, U-WIRE via COMTEX
  • Kerin Borland, senior associate director at the Career Center
  • CNN
  • Comtex SmarTrend(SM) Alert