This is my personal story. Many moons ago I went to Brown University and got a great, solid liberal arts education. In fact I studied theater, which almost killed my parents because I got in for my science and math abilities.
After graduation I bounced around a bit looking for the right job to suit me and my seemingly undefined career skills. My mother said I should have gone to a trade school like my brother. He went to MIT.
I get my mother’s point. He went to a university that suited his type of intelligence and persona—the kind that has a definite career at the end. I did not choose that direct path. My heart said “theater” (or probably "theatuh!"). And then learn other things just for the hell of it. And I learned a lot of other things along the way.
So I worked as an actress in NYC for a number of years and got my union cards and everything. But smart girl that I am, knew early enough on that I was never going to be successful in that über competitive field. I shifted gears while still in my 20’s and surprisingly found usefulness from skills I learned in theater to what I do now—marketing, communications, and branding at Donner Creative Communication Strategies.
I’m talking mostly soft skills here. Emotional intelligence. Ability to work in teams. Knowing that your work is better if the person you’re playing opposite is top of their game too. Sometimes being the star, sometimes the supporting player. Not fearing speaking in front of crowds or even raising your hand in a small meeting. Knowing when it’s your moment to step into the spotlight. Knowing when it’s your turn just to pick up the props.
Different types of college experiences for different types of students. Don’t rule out the liberal arts experience because you can’t figure out what to do with a degree in Renaissance history or performance art.
There are careers out there for people who think outside the box and have learned around the periphery of the subject itself. In fact, these are some of the people who invent those careers.
Trade schools are good too…
What did you learn in your liberal arts education? How does it serve you now?