General Studies (cont.)
Life Skills
Although there is a common notion that businesses are almost exclusively interested in the technical skills of graduates, nothing could be further from the truth. A recent study* from the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU) shows that business leaders desire graduates with life skills as well as job skills.
Life skills include research and analysis skills, interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and leadership ability. Liberal arts education specifically targets these skill sets and develops them through a broad curriculum. In fact, the majority of business leaders surveyed by the AACU responded that they would recommend a liberal arts education to rising college students. These leaders realize that liberal arts education is an important factor in the success of business.
Many current jobs did not exist 10 or even five years ago, and as technology advances more rapidly each year, it seems likely that this trend will continue or even accelerate.
A liberal arts curriculum will help today’s graduates adapt to tomorrow’s careers.
NEXT: Success/Benefits of Liberal Arts
*College Learning for the New Global Century: A Report from the National Leadership Council for Liberal Education & America’s Promise View Report
