Enter a Liberal Arts Program to Fuel Your Creative Mind

Those who study arts and humanities pursue a liberal arts degree, which is a very broad term used to describe subjects that are distinct from professional and technical subjects. In other words, rather than preparing you for a specific job, a liberal arts degree will teach a broad range of skills along with critical thinking, communication, and lifelong learning habits. Students will choose a major, and this will help define the specific classes required for graduation, but most programs will also leave room for electives that allow undergrads to learn more about topics that interest them just for the sake of being well-rounded.

Needless to say, the types of jobs that you can get with a liberal arts degree are virtually unlimited – and may surprise you. For example, philosophy majors can find employment in the tech industry, because their enhanced ability to think rationally is helpful for creating artificial intelligence software programs. History majors might find themselves with a career in politics, since an understanding of past events gives insight into current and future challenges. Music, communications, literature, art – essentially any subject that focuses on some aspect of the human condition without being aimed at a particular vocation will be considered an arts and humanities program.

As companies move toward flatter hierarchies and more collaborative structures, the need for employees with a broad range of traits often referred to as “leadership skills,” and those who can work well with others, is becoming more vital. Being able to debate an idea, think critically through all stages of a production process, and apply creative problem-solving strategies to a challenge are all examples of traits you learn as an arts and humanities student. Some of the high-profile organizations that actively seek liberal arts students include:

• The NSA (National Security Agency)
• Apple (Steve Jobs’ sense of style was famously influenced by a calligraphy class he took at Reed College, a respected liberal arts institution)
• The Peace Corps
• Google
• The United Nations
• The Walt Disney Company

One can pursue anything from an associate’s degree to a PhD in the arts and humanities. The level of education you strive for is up to you, though the degree will have some influence on the types of jobs you qualify for, and might determine how quickly you’re able to advance in your chosen profession. Career counselors and recruiters will be able to discuss the specifics with you. Also, since liberal arts degrees aren’t geared toward a specific job, internships are a great way to discover what it’s like to work in a field of interest. Look for ways to gain industry experience before graduation to give you a clearer picture of where and how to start building your career. The whole point of a liberal arts degree is to learn how to approach being human in a rational yet creative way though, so approach this line of study with an open mind and a sense of adventure!