Have you ever shared your choice of major with friends or family only for them to ask: “Why are you studying THAT? You’ll never get a job!”. As students return home for break, they often face questions from family who have bought into the common myths about the value of their liberal arts education. Addressing these myths provides an opportunity to highlight how your education prepares you not just for a thriving career, but for a lifetime of personal and professional fulfillment.
Dispelling Myths About Career Prospects
Contrary to common misconceptions, liberal arts graduates have robust career opportunities. Studies show that they are employed at rates comparable to their peers in other disciplines, and their earning potential grows significantly over time. For example, liberal arts graduates often transition into leadership roles and thrive in diverse fields such as business, law, education, and technology. Over the last three years, 97.5% of students in the College of Arts & Sciences at Quinnipiac are either employed or pursuing graduate study six months after graduation.
Skills That Employers Value
In his recent book, “Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI” author Ethan Mollick noted that as the use of AI grows it represents a powerful tool for assisting our work. However, we must fill the role of the “human in the loop” by critically analyzing the output before using the results in our work. Employers across industries actively seek the skills that liberal arts students cultivate, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, ethical decision-making, and clear communication. These are precisely the abilities needed to navigate complex workplace challenges, especially as industries evolve in the face of automation and rapid technological advancement.
In a future shaped by artificial intelligence and globalized markets, the demand for uniquely human skills—empathy, adaptability, and cultural awareness—will only grow. Liberal arts majors are particularly well-positioned for this landscape. They are trained to understand diverse perspectives and approach problems with creativity and ethical consideration, equipping them for roles that require managing ambiguity and driving innovation. In the College of Arts & Sciences, these skills are honed through not just academic studies but through endless opportunities for experiential learning in the form of internships, research, study abroad, and more.
Lifelong Personal and Professional Benefits
Beyond immediate career outcomes, the liberal arts offer lifelong benefits. They foster a sense of curiosity that drives lifelong learning, civic engagement, and a deep understanding of human experience. This holistic development prepares graduates to lead meaningful lives, both professionally and personally. Connect with our alumni through our Bobcat Connect system to see how our alumni have forged their own unique paths.
Struggling to explain why you have chosen to study the liberal arts? Remember these key points:
- Broad Career Opportunities: Liberal arts graduates succeed in diverse fields and rise to leadership positions.
- Valued Skills: Employers prize the critical thinking, communication, and ethical reasoning skills cultivated in liberal arts programs.
- Future-Proof Education: Liberal arts degrees provide a strong foundation for adapting to technological and societal changes.
- Competitive Salaries: Over time, liberal arts graduates earn salaries comparable to those of other majors.
- Holistic Benefits: A liberal arts education enriches personal growth, fosters civic responsibility, and enhances lifelong learning.
For more insights, explore resources from the Study the Humanities initiative, which provides data and tools to advocate for the liberal arts.