25 Mar

Liberal Arts Feeding the Right-Brain?

Is a liberal arts education perceived as a positive or negative by a future employer? Being a near graduate at Skidmore College, a liberal arts institution in Saratoga Springs, NY, I would hope the former.

A liberal arts education entails a basic understanding of all subjects resulting in general knowledge applicable to all careers. This structure contrasts that of specialized curriculum seen at larger universities. While students that attend specialized programs are generally sought out by recruiters and headhunters, “69% of business leaders rated the skills gained through a liberal arts education as ‘very important’” (Fox Business).

The academic atmosphere on a liberal arts campus is that of collaboration and connectivity. The sharing of ideas and concepts spread over various disciplines creates conversations of creative thinking lending to right-brainers. Author of A Whole New Mind, Daniel Pink introduces us to these creative thinkers he predicts will excel in the Conceptual Age. Liberal arts education promotes the development of the six senses Pink states as necessary: design, story, symphony, empathy, play and meaning.

Do employers agree with Pink and see the added value of a graduate with a liberal arts education?

What do you think?