Liberal Arts Major vs. Science Major

For four years, I attended a top ten university in America to gain a higher education than what most of my family had earned. After choosing a Liberal Arts degree, I was surprised to hear the negative wisecracks from future engineers, veterinarians, doctors, pharmacists and so on about my career choice. Here I was, trying to make a better life for myself while achieving higher goals than what my parents were ever able to achieve. Thinking back, I am not disappointed in my choice and would never think about turning back time and choosing a technical career path. Here are some reasons why a liberal art major exceeds over any technical major:

1. Liberal art students gain an extroverted way or thinking.

2. Technical Careers will become obsolete however liberal arts skills will always be needed. Some of these skills are communication, writing, problem solving, ability to adapt to new situations and the list goes on.

3. Ability to use critical and analytical thinking skills to solve issues in everyday life and in the workforce.

4. Ability to work constructively with others in the workplace.

5. Skills gained by this education are transferable among many fields, not just the one chosen while in college.

6. Educated and well-versed in multiple courses and can gain competency in any field of work.

7. Broad range of skills and interests.

8. Liberal art students are taught how to learn, not what to learn.

9. Ability to see the larger picture.

10. Contain a passion beyond the basic borders of a job.

Although I am biased, I believe as a liberal art student, one should be proud to carry the label. The top employers are seeking such qualities as: good communication skills, motivation/initiative, leadership, teamwork, flexibility, interpersonal skills and so on. By earning a liberal arts degree, one procures these specific qualities and make for a top-quality employee. Some people that have graduated with a liberal arts degree are writing bestsellers, building manufacturing empires, starting successful software companies, teaching schoolchildren, raising families, and running for president, and so on.

It is important to note though that one graduating with a liberal arts degree does have to “work hard for the money”. Since liberal art students do not have a central career choice, rather a passion for the subject matter, it is important to have a drive to succeed. One must sell the passion of the topic while looking for employment. At the beginning the search may be long and hard however in the end a high-level position will come into the hands of most liberal arts majors before it will another major. Figuring out ones skills is the first step, and then selling it to others is the second. One the skill set and drive are there, let your resume do the walking and you do the talking.