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Career paths for the liberal arts student are not as straight forward as they are for someone in a more technical/specialized major. There are, however, many career opportunities for the liberal arts graduate. The history major does not necessarily become an historian, but may pursue other occupational choices in law, communication (radio, television, films), the art world, theology, teaching, or government. All liberal arts graduates will utilize the skills they developed while in the college environment. For example:
It is often difficult for the students of liberal arts to begin a job search because their options are so broad. A career is not something which awaits you on graduation but, rather, something you take the initiative to design for yourself. "The so-called plight of the liberal arts graduate is not (as too many students, parents and well-meaning advisors think) that employers do not hire liberal arts job seekers. It is that liberal arts graduates tend to be less willing and less able to articulate career goals, thus resulting in a more-difficult and unsuccessful job search" (Liberal Arts Jobs, p. 10, Nadler, Burton J.).
In order to set employment goals for yourself, you will have to do some research about yourself, career fields, and job functions. The core of a liberal arts major is research so you are well prepared to complete the process of finding a job. Apply those research skills to yourself. Explore occupations that interest you and clarify your skills, values, and interests. Do not try to make career decisions before doing the appropriate research. Your goals will be to articulate specific career goals to employers. You will limit your ability to find a job if you lack direction, and many liberal arts graduates do just that.
To find career directions, you are welcome to use various resources in the Career Services Center (CSC) and in McConnell Library. You are also invited to attend various career search seminars and to schedule appointments with CSC staff members for individual consultations. Please feel free to contact us at csc@radford.edu
Your research should explore the following areas when you research a field or a particular job in a field:
Once you have narrowed your job search to one or two specific areas, you will be ready to follow through with the development of your resume and fine tune your interview skills. Development of your resume should include a specific job objective and feature the skills you have developed either in work or academic settings that make you the perfect candidate for a job.
During your interview preparation, you will need to think through possible questions the employers may ask and your responses. You may have to prepare an answer to questions about your academic experience. For instance, as a history major, why do you feel you would do well as a reporter for the Washington Post?
The following list contains several very good resources for liberal arts majors to consult in the CSC Library. The CSC also has current job listings, publications, and employer information for you to use.
| Individuals with disabilities needing accommodations to participate in Career Services Center's programs should call (540) 831-5373 or TDD (540) 831-5128 at least two weeks notice before scheduled event. | ||
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If you have any questions please send us a note: csc@radford.edu
This page was lasted updated on 6/05/98