The Secret to Getting a Job with a Liberal Arts Degree - East Idaho News
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The Secret to Getting a Job with a Liberal Arts Degree

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getty 022315 jobopportunity?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1424696141359iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — From the time they enter high school and up to their senior year, students are told that they can improve their chances of landing work after college by focusing on the academic disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

So where does that leave the student who wants to earn a liberal arts degree?

Not as bad off as educators might think, according to a study from the Association of American Colleges & Universities. The study finds employers are more open to consider grads with concentrations such as anthropology and philosophy, provided they show important skills in other areas.

These skills include a talent for writing and oral communication, teamwork, ethical decision-making, critical thinking, and the ability to apply knowledge in real world settings.

In fact, employers say proficiency in these skills is more important than the major they studied for.

Overall, there are 10 skills employers are looking for in a candidate but only about 14 percent believe the average grad possess all 10 while 53 percent says that candidates probably have half the skills. However, a third of employers are concerned whether any job applicants can demonstrate “capacity to think critically, communicate clearly and solve complex problems.”


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