Liberal Arts –The Intellectual’s Vacation…
I'd like to quote Liberal Arts Dude in his blog about life after a Liberal Art Degree. He graduated with a degree in Sociology. While he fondly reflects upon the intellectual lifestyle he had in college, he thinks twice about the value of his degree and his academic achievements as it relates to the real world job market.
I graduated from college in late 1994. Because I was used to high achievement, being taken seriously as an intelligent person by my superiors, and having my opinions and insights valued, I was emotionally shaken up at what I got. I did not go to graduate school immediately like many of my peers. I wanted first to "experience the world" and then decide if I wanted to go for a PhD. So off I went to "the world" armed with my Sociology degree, a lot of hope and optimism, and the self-confidence of someone who felt as he has proved himself and his capabilities. I was in for a rude awakening.
Maybe a list of my first jobs (and salaries) after college will help illustrate what I am trying to say:
1. Internship for an international development NGO (1995)–unpaid
2. Coffee server in a coffee shop (1995-96) $7/hr
3. Temporary research assistant (1996)–$200 for one week's work
4. House painter (1996)– $8/hr
5. Dishwasher/prep cook/waiter for a restaurant (1996)–$7/hr plus tips
6. TDD (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) operator (1997)–$8.50/hr
7. Office temp worker (1998)–$12/hr
8. Publications Assistant (1998) 26K/yearThe whole time I was working in my less than desirable jobs I was constantly looking for something better and more in line with my educational credentials. But I just kept getting rejected for one position after another. I eventually landed a position working for a professional association of the discipline that I got my degree. It was not until I started on that position that I began earning a salary above the poverty level.
What is it that I am trying to say and what does this have to do about Sociology? Simply, that Sociology was good to me for intellectual and personal growth. It allowed me to develop as a person and to take on responsibilities that gained for me the respect of my teachers, fellow students and my parents.
However, Sociology, once I entered the job market, did not provide an easy way to make the big bucks (or any bucks for that matter). What I learned pretty quickly was that all the good grades, honor societies, and affiliations with professors did not matter in this new arena called "the job market." What mattered were other things which, unfortunately, I did not focus on in my time in school: a marketable major, professional connections, professional experience, software and computer skills, internship experience, etc.
–Liberal Arts Dude
Might I add that you do not need the four-year college experience to develop as a person. Job experience is one way. Travel is another. Want to learn more about something? Take a class, go to the library, or go see a show. For all those who think that they must enroll in the four-to-six-year liberal arts vacation package in order to prosper or grow, well you can start expanding your mind now by thinking outside the campus. Education of any kind is certainly good. But skipping a liberal arts college experience will not stunt your growth.
December 12, 2006
Posted in: The College Vacation
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