8 Ways to Make the Most out Your Liberal Arts Degree

8 Ways to Make the Most out Your Liberal Arts Degree8 Ways to Make the Most out Your Liberal Arts DegreeYoung people who are considering college majors, and their families, are often conflicted when selecting an appropriate course of study. Should the young aspiring writer choose a major like English, or something deemed mora practical like computer science, nursing or business? Given the rising cost of education, it has been harder and harder for some to justify choosing a liberal arts discipline. Fortunately for those taking a sophisticated approach to this dilemma, there is some middle ground. The college student can combine liberal arts study in an area of academic passion with a more practical grounding via experiences like a minor, internship, volunteer experience, or graduate study.All of these pursuits enable a candidate to demonstrate to employers a genuine interest in a field and to document relevant knowledge or skills. 8 Ways to Make the Most out of Your Liberal Arts D egree 1. Supplement a Liberal Arts Major with a Minor or Cluster of Courses in a More Applied Discipline The student who loves Victorian literature but has no plans to go on for a Ph.D. and teach might select a secondary area of study or interest. If the student enjoys writing, that might mean taking on a minor in communications or marketing.A psychology major might cultivate an interest in organizational/industrial psychology and choose a few courses in human resource management.The philosophy major intrigued by logic couldtake a few computer courses and try her hand at programming. A sociology major fascinated by social issues can take on a minor in public policy.A math major with an interest in the stock market will prepare for a career in quantitatively based trading by completing a minor in finance. Consider adding a full second major in a more applied field if you are up for the rigor.Taking on academic challenges proves that you are a hard worker. A double major gives you th e opportunity to pursue a passion like anthropology that may not have obvious career implications while providing grounding in another discipline like information technology with a clearer connection to a career. 2.Choose Campus Activities that Develop and Showcase Career Oriented Skills A physics major with an interest in teaching might volunteer as a tutor.A sociology major with an interest in counseling can take on positions as a resident adviser, peer counselor or student orientation volunteer.An English major interested in communications could work for the campus newspaper, magazine, radio or television station.A biology major interested in public health might volunteer as a peer health adviser. An economics major interested in finance could run for club treasurer or student government finance schreibstuber. A math major with an interest in technology could get a job assisting other students at the campus computer labs. A psychology major interested in event planning might tak e on the role of social chair for her sorority. Employers of all sorts are interested in potential leaders when hiring college graduates. So, taking on any campus leadership position, such as club president or student government officer, where you can document a positive impact on student life can enhance your resume effectively. If you see a need on your campus and start a new club, employers will view you as an impact rolle who takes initiative. 3. Develop Focused Goals by Researching Careers Related to Your Major Reach out to the career office and department faculty at your school to obtain a list of graduates who majored in your discipline. Ask for contact information and job titles so you can reach out to alumni working in interesting fields to conductinformational interviews. Ask these individuals how their major helped prepare them for their current career. In addition, be sure to ask them about the other experiences or coursework which were critical to their career developme nt and enhanced their marketability.Students who can articulate a clear rationale for their interests will have a much better chance of being hired for a job that is not obviously related to their major. 4. Gain Experience in Career Fields of Interest Through Internships and Jobs An economics major with a banking internship or experience as a teller is a much different and more attractive candidate for finance jobs than the plain economics major. Even some high school students are completing internships now, so it is never too early to start. Meeting alumni, friends of the family or local professionals for information and advice can lead to internships once they get a chance to know you. Contact the career office at your college and speak with your department faculty for assistance and to access listings of internships. Even basic summer jobs like an office assistant for a marketing firm or camp counselor can highlight an interest in a field and showcase your work ethic.Students who have always worked and even juggled multiple jobs will often be viewed as attractive prospects by employers. 5.Choose Course Projects Related to Potential Fields of Interest You will often be given leeway from professors regarding the topics of your papers and course projects. By selecting topics that relate to your career interests, you can demonstrate to employers a sincere interest in a particular role or industry. For example, if you have an interest in working for a political consulting group, you might choose a topic like the impact of social media strategies on political campaigns as part of a political science course. A student with an interest in marketing who is taking a social psychology course might undertake an analysis of the impact consumer attitudes have on purchasing patterns. Senior theses and independent studies are excellent mechanisms for showcasing an intellectual interest in a career field. Career-related projects and independent studies can be listed on your resume and referenced during interviews as proof of your related career focus. 6.Complete Graduate Work in a Field of Interest The combination of a liberal arts major with a professional degree enables many graduates to access lucrative and satisfying career paths. Combining a professional degree with a liberal arts major allows students to pursue academic and intellectual interests at the undergraduate level with the assurance that they will gain solid career preparation through graduate study. Most professional schools place a high value on a strong liberal arts preparation when sichtung applicants transcripts. So, a math major with an interest in finance might go on to get an MBA.An English major who loves books might acquire a masters in library science. A biology major with an interest in health issues might complete a program in public health or become a physicians assistant.A foreign language major might go on to study international affairs, and a philosophy major could go t o law school. Review these questions to ask yourself before making a decision on going to grad school. 7. Serve as a Volunteer in a Community Based Organization Students who complete service programs while in college or afterward through programs like AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps demonstrate maturity and a seriousness of purpose to prospective employers. In addition, if you are interested in helping or in public service careers then volunteering can add skills and qualifications to your background, and show your dedication and caring. 8. Develop a Record of Success in Your Academic Major and Other Activities Following your intellectual and academic passions is more likely to lead to a record of superior achievement. Employers prefer candidates who can prove that they have been successful in their major pursuits within the academic realm, and in their activities or internships. Liberal arts graduates who can demonstrate a commitment to excellence will generally be highly recruited b y employers.

Apprenticeship Programs Versus Internships

Apprenticeship Programs Versus InternshipsApprenticeship Programs Versus InternshipsMany people will confuse an apprenticeship program with an internship. This confusion is understandable, but they have some fundamental differences. An apprenticeship program combines on-the-job training with academic instruction, while an internship is purely on-the-job training. Apprenticeships are also called dual-training programs because of the combined occupational and in-class components.Internships are focused solely on the development of a particular skill, while apprenticeships help individuals put their academic skills to practical use in a variety of careers. Time Involvement Makes a Difference If you think that aninternshipand an apprenticeship are the same or similar, you couldnt be further off the mark. Apprenticeships are formal, paid, long-term training programs that provide valuable classroom instruction coupledwithon-the-job training for skilled, high-paying jobs. Internships ar e usually short-term (rarely lastingmore than a year),whereasapprenticeshipprograms can last for as many as four or five years. Training from apprenticeships typically results in an industry-recognized credential such as a certification that opens the door for ongoing employment in the field. Compensation and College Credit Apprenticeships also differ from internships in terms of monetary gain. Most apprentices are paid, with salary increases similarto thoseofemployed workersandwhich increaseas the apprentice completes various parts of the program. Working as an apprentice can lead to apermanent union jobor a non-union position in your field, whereas an internship will only move you up the ladder in a unidirectional way. Apprentices and interns may earn college credit for their experiences, though this is more likely for internships than apprenticeships. When apprentices earn credit it is usually through community colleges that partner with apprenticeships programs, while intern s at four-year colleges often gain credit for their internships. Types of Opportunities Apprenticeship programs have traditionally focused on skilled trades in industries like manufacturing and construction.Opportunities are now more diverse,including additional areas like healthcare, IT, energy, telecommunications, business/finance, transportation, landscaping, and hospitality. However,the top fiveareas for apprentices by far remain thetraditional tradesof a plumber, carpenter, electrician, truck driver, and construction craft laborer. Internships are more likely to focus on pre-professional roles for potential college graduates,suchas advertising, marketing, public relations, law, medicine, engineering, finance, and information technology. How to Find Registered Apprenticeship Programs TheOffice of Apprenticeshipwithin theDepartment of LaborsEmployment and Training Administration provides a number of registered apprenticeship programs. These are apprenticeships approved by the government that often receive workforce development grants and tax benefits. Registered apprenticeship programs offer career training in areas such as carpentry, home health care, electrical work, law enforcement, construction, manufacturing, and technology. Apprenticeship.govis a one-stop shop for all things apprenticeship. The site features an apprenticeship finder you can use to search apprenticeships by city, state, and occupation. Websites like Glassdoor and Indeed can be used to generate options by searching by keywords like apprentice or apprenticeship. How to Find Internships Finding an internshipcan seem like a similar process but since the concept is different, so are the listings. Since internships are less regulated, it is often easier to find them by going directly to the person or business where you want to intern, rather than through a state-sponsored job portal or similar outlet. For this reason, it is usually much easier to find an internship versus a forma l apprenticeship. It might be worth considering an internship with a short time period before committing time and money to an apprenticeship program. Data and Statistics According to the U.S. Government, an individual employer, group of employers or an industry association can sponsor a registered apprenticeship program. Sometimes these agencies work in partnership with a labor organization. Programs are operated on a voluntary basis and are often supported by partnerships consisting of a community-based organization, educational organization, the workforce system, and other stakeholders. In the most recent data, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) noted the following More than 190,000 individuals nationwide entered the apprenticeship system.Nationwide, there are over 533,000 apprenticesobtaining the skills theyneed tosucceed whileearning the wages they need to build financial security. This figure represents an increase of over 28,000 from 2016.64,000 participants graduat ed from the apprenticeship system in FY 2017.There are more than 22,000 registeredapprenticeship programs across the nation.Over 2,369 new apprenticeship programs were established nationwide in FY 2017. It is difficult to find much data related to internships since they are inherently informal. Due to the mutually beneficial relationship between employer and employee, it is stahlkammer to assume there are substantially more interns each year than formal apprentices. The Bottom Line While apprenticeships mayseem like the more formal option(as they combine both traditional education and on-the-job training), internships can be a better choice if you are unsure what you want to do and need to get your feet wet before committing to a career path. However, since you will not spend time in a classroom setting, you can earn more money in less time and enter the professional workforce earlier. The downside is that if you decide to change your career path, you will be missing the educat ion an apprenticeship offers and the power that educationandvocationaltraining couldhave on your resume.

How to Create a Career Map

How to Create a Career MapHow to Create a Career MapYou wouldnt head out on a long road trip without first planning your route. So why wouldnt you apply that same thoughtful approach to charting your professional advancement? Whether youre just starting out, feel as though your career is beginning to idle or youre clearly stuck in a rut, creating a career map can be highly beneficial.Here are five navigation tips to put you on the path toward meaningful professional progression1. Pinpoint a destinationMany people make the mistake of engaging in career hoping rather than career mapping. But as author Lewis Carroll once noted If you dont know where you are going, any road will get you there.Identify your primary professional objective and put it on paper. Be introspective and detailed when defining your ambitions. Sure, I want to advance my career in the accounting industry and earn mora money is technically a goal, but its far too vague.Is your objective to move up into a managerial r ole with your current employer? Do you want to transition into a more specialized area such as forensic accounting? Maybe you want to put yourself in position to make the jump to a Big Four firm. Regardless of your goal, make it specific and measurable.2. Know your starting pointYou need to understand exactly where you are before you can decide how youre going to get where you want to go. Do a candid assessment of both your hard and soft skills. In what areas do you excel? Which aspects of your job excite you the most?And while its certainly a less enjoyable exercise, put your weaknesses under the microscope. Are skills gaps or bad habits hampering your effectiveness? Could the lack of in-demand industry certifications hold you back?Be honest about your strengths, shortcomings, likes and dislikes. This self-review can help you crystallize your long-term goal and give you insights into the specific steps youll need to take to achieve it.SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG3. Ask for directionsMake your interests known to your manager and ask for input and assistance. Does your plan align with where your boss sees you going? Can they point you toward training opportunities or assign higher-profile projects that will prime you for the job you seek? Are there avenues to get there you hadnt considered?Its obviously beneficial to work for an employer who communicates potential career paths and helps you reach that next level, but youre the one who must take control of the wheel. Thats why you might consider trying to find a mentor. Mentors can provide ongoing support, objective feedback, real-world insights and tips on who to network with. If your company doesnt have a formal supervision program or youre looking for a job outside the company, ask a member of your professional network whose opinions you trust if they would be willing to work with you.4. Pay attention to career map mile markersFor some people, a lofty goal can seem overwhelming and unattainable, so break it down int o a series of smaller ones. Establish clear-cut objectives and action steps - and set deadlines for accomplishing these interim goals.For example, if you want to become a departmental supervisor, key steps might include completing a leadership training program or returning to school for an MBA. You also might pursue a leadership role with the local chapter of a professional association.Whenever you reach a milestone, take time to reflect on and savor the achievement. Acknowledging your successes along the way helps you maintain momentum as you inch closer to your ultimate objective.5. Stay drivenAny trip worth taking likely includes some bumps and wrong turns along the way. Dont allow these inevitable disappointments to diminish your determination. When you run into a roadblock, regroup and move on. Career progress requires not only planning, but also drive and discipline. Focus on the lessons learned from your setback - then put your foot right back on the pedal.