"Like the world needs any more BAs!"
I've heard this protest many times and have even been caught saying it myself within my discussions with fellow arts students.
Despite sometimes having to defend pursuing a liberal arts major, think of what an arts degree can really mean:
- You can do what you want.
An arts degree equips you with fundamental skills that are transferable into almost any job.
Employers value critical thinking, communication (oral and written), research and organization skills -- all skills that you develop in completing the requirements for your arts degree.
- Life is more than what you do for a living.
A liberal arts education prepares you not only to work in the world but also to live in it; it expands your perspective.
To make the most of your arts degree:
- Add experience to classroom theory.
Check out co-operative education, internships, practicums, volunteer work or extracurricular activities related to your interests and area of concentration in the arts.
- Add skills by diversifying your courses.
Take advantage of the broad electives available to you as an arts tstudent. Learn another language, sharpen your computer or business skills.
- Use resources including interest inventories, career libraries, career fairs, information interviews, career mentors, internships, or career counseling to help you narrow down on a few options that best suit you in the midst of the thousands of options available to you.
- Develop an attitude of lifelong learning.
This will equip you well and take you far in the ever changing marketplace and world.
Justine graduated with her Bachelor of Arts, major in Communication in 2000 and still has no regrets about not taking a single science course. Copyright 2001 iamnext.com. May not be used without permission.
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