Career Corner: Opportunities for Students in Liberal Arts: What can be done with that degree?

In the 2007-2008 school year, most freshmen entered the Zicklin School of Business with an intended field of study (80 percent), while others planned on pursuing a degree from the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences (18 percent). The total number of undergraduate students enrolled in that year alone was approximately 12,863, which means 2,315 students were pursuing a liberal arts degree in that year.

Recently, Barbara Wells, director of Student Academic Services, spoke to Peers-for-Careers regarding a liberal arts degree.

 
P: What is considered to be a good minor to compliment a liberal arts degree?
BW: There is no formula to decide what type of minor you have to decide upon.

A student's minor should be chosen based upon their interest. It is a common misconception that their minor has to be related to their major. A minor is an opportunity to read, think and write in-depth in a particular area. A minor in the liberal arts field will strengthen any business student.

 
P: What types of jobs can be found in the world of work today with a liberal arts degree? What transferable skills can possibly go on a resume from obtaining a degree in liberal arts?
BW: Most people with an undergraduate degree will enter the workforce at an entry-level position, in either the private or public sector. However, they need to have a good GPA. The transferable skills that one can obtain include: writing, communication, critical thinking, organizational, interpersonal relations, problem solving, teamwork, leadership, etc.

These are all qualities that one can obtain from spending time in college as well.

 
P: Are there any events coming up to look out for? Are there any specific groups/clubs that are more cohesive with liberal arts?
BW: The Sidney Harman Writer-In-Residence reading on March 16 in the Newman Conference Center located at 151 East 25th St., Room 750, and the Perspective on Immigration events, which is ongoing. Students can go to the Weissman website at www.baruch.cuny.edu/wsas to see more events.

With regards to the groups/clubs that one may join, a student may join a club based on their interest or for networking reasons. One club that I know of is the American Humanics Student Association, where the students learn more about the non-profit sector. One may also join a club to develop their leadership skills if they may want to become an officer in that club.

 
P: What is a myth about liberal arts?
BW: The myths are: undergraduates cannot earn a living and a liberal arts degree is not useful or practical. Many successful people in the business field and in all sectors have a liberal arts degree. They have gained a broad perspective and narrowed down what they want to pursue at the graduate level. A liberal arts degree gives students a well-rounded education, where they are better prepared by having broader experiences, exposure and thoughts.

 
P: Are there any current scholarships or fellowships students can apply to?
BW: There are many scholarships and fellowships that can be accessed on http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/wsas/student_resources/scholarships_and_fellowships.htm.

However, the two more competitive ones are the Colin Powell Fellowship for students interested in international relations and the Jeanette Watson Fellowship.