The purpose of this guide is to help you understand the value of a liberal arts education. You're probably thinking about this subject. You might be attracted to this major because of your love for the subject matter and appreciation of a broad-based education. You may not know exactly what you want to do with your major, realize the array of skills you will develop through your course work, or consider the variety of employment possibilities for which you are qualified.

The hallmark of a liberal arts education is the preparation it gives you for lifelong learning. While technical skills that you learn today, although important, may become obsolete within a few years due to changes in technology, the skills you learn through liberal arts courses will become increasingly relevant in your professional career.

Almost every profession requires you to communicate, write, solve problems, adapt to new situations, analyze information, and interact with a wide variety of people-all skills gleaned through a liberal arts education and heavily sought by employers. You will also learn how to view and study philosophies and historical events. This knowledge will prepare you to successfully enter the world of work and continue your life of learning and growth. A liberal arts degree will provide you with a solid foundation from which anything is possible.

This guide will outline the skills that are the foundation of a liberal arts education and their importance to prospective employers. Refer to the list of famous individuals at the end of this page for an idea of the potential you have with your liberal arts degree.

Click on each of the following to launch a new window with the corresponding information:

• What Employers Think of Liberal Arts Graduates
• Marketable Skills of the Liberal Arts Student
• Ability to Communicate
• Interpersonal Skills
• Adaptability to Change
• Critical and Analytical Thinking
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Top 10 Qualities Employers Seek In Job Candidates
• Transferrable Skills Gained from a Liberal Arts Education
• Concluding Thoughts

Source: Indiana University (www.indiana.edu/~career/students/apply/selling_liberal_arts.pdf)