|
Lamar
Memorial Library |
Resumes and interviews often require you to identify your skills and present them attractively. This task can be difficult, since most people don't want to oversell themselves, or later get caught in a lie. But selling yourself is not about lying; it's about translating your skills across contexts. Of course, you may have to put the right spin on that skill, in order to convince the employer that he (or she) should hire you.
Liberal arts majors are often at a loss to describe what they can do. They don't usually know how to write business proposals, use expensive scientific equipment, or teach math to a class of fifth-graders. But they do have skills that are often more flexible, high-level, and ultimately more valuable. Here are some examples:
You will have written a senior thesis, as well as countless term papers. These are prime examples of critical thinking. A thesis shows off your organizational skills, as well as your sharply analytical mind. Since the employer won't actually read the thesis, it doesn't matter if it wasn't brilliant. You should be proud that you wrote the thing, and your prospective employer will be impressed.
Skills like problem-solving and creative thinking are often the most valuable. The Princeton Review calls Liberal Arts Skills "I am" skills, as opposed to "I can" skills, or "I know" skills. People with "I am" skills never become obsolete.
You will probably have spent four years using computers for everything from email to writing papers to configuring your own hardware and software. Tell employers everything you can do. The computer field is wide open, and there is no reason a liberal arts major can't get a computer job. Most employers care only about skills, not about computer degrees. Also use computer examples (if you can) to express your problem solving, critical thinking, etc.
Employers like people who show leadership, initiative, etc. If you are an active member of clubs; if you have volunteered in the community; or even if you are a triathlete, try to bring this out. If you have achieved multiple goals in several environments, you will look good.
The following sites discuss career opportunities for liberal arts majors in general:
One of the best places to explore career opportunities is the Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook. The handbook describes every available career in detail, from working conditions to required training to salary. If you have a career in mind, but you are unsure if you would qualify, use the handbook, and you might be surprised. An example is the advertising field, where the training for entry-level positions is described as "a bachelor’s degree, preferably with broad liberal arts exposure."
To Humanities 347 Pathfinders Homepage
This page created by Christopher Ryland 25 August 2000. Last updated 28 July 2002.