Think Outside the Box!
Inside the “careers” box are
traditional professions that liberal arts graduates pursue
specific to their discipline. History graduates may find historic
preservation, government positions, or museum opportunities
in this box. English graduates may find journalism, public
relations, or publishing in their box. All liberal arts graduates
will find the teaching profession in the box.
Outside the box, the career opportunities expand.
This is where liberal arts graduates will find opportunities
they might not have considered. This is where history graduates
may find themselves pursuing publishing, and English graduates
pursuing historic preservation. What’s important, however,
is not to lose focus when you are searching outside the box.
Consider the following questions:
• Who? Who do you want to work for? Business, government,
or a non-profit organization? Customer service, marketing,
sales, development, etc.?
• What? What skills do you most want to use of those
you have developed? Organizational skills, writing skills,
problem solving skills, communication skills, etc.?
• Where? Where do you plan to live? East Coast, Midwest,
North, South, West?
• Why? Why are you interested in a particular industry,
organization, or job? *Perhaps the most important question…you’ll
need to clearly convey this in an interview.
Think Outside the Classroom!
Do not let your degree necessarily determine
your career. This approach leaves too many stones unturned.
Start looking beyond the classroom for career interests. Begin
researching careers on the web and in libraries. Meet with
a career counselor to discuss your interests. Talk to people
about their current and past employment. Think about past
experiences you have enjoyed — part-time jobs, campus
activities, volunteer opportunities, etc. What activity were
you doing when you felt your best? You’ll find career
information and opportunities where you least expect them!
SKILLS, SKILLS, SKILLS!!
When political science graduates are hired
as financial planners – and they are! – the employer
is looking at qualifications other than their major. English
writing graduates are offered technical recruiting positions
for reasons other than their degree. Liberal arts graduates
are hired if they are right for the job…if they have
the necessary skills!
Why should you know what your skills
are?
• Companies, organizations, and graduate
schools want to know! Whether you are applying for a job or
admission to graduate school, the question being asked of
you during that interview is: “What makes you a qualified
candidate?” In other words, “What skills do you
possess?”
• Knowing your skills can help you identify possible
career paths. Being interested in a career is one thing, but
succeeding in it requires more than just interest.
How can you identify your skills?
• Meet with a career counselor to
discuss career interests and skills.
• Think back on past experiences…summer jobs,
school activities, etc. Remember the praise you received from
supervisors, teachers, and advisors. What were you doing to
receive the praise? What skills were you using?
How can you develop your skills?
• Participate in classroom discussion,
projects, and assignments.
• Become active in a campus activity, club, or organization.
• Volunteer through an organization at home or near
campus.
• Work a part-time job during the summer months or school
semesters.
• Complete one or two internships before graduating.
