Some of the important tips about liberal arts and STEM education that will be highlighted here are simply going to enrich this content’s primary focus. Liberal arts, as you know, emphasises the opportunity given to diversity, collaboration, and unbiased growth.
Because of the complexity of their details, graduates often find themselves torn between pursuing a liberal arts degree or one in STEM which means Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Liberal Arts
Categorically speaking, liberal arts is often associated with a broad and well-rounded curriculum that encompasses subjects such as literature, philosophy, history, and social sciences. Courses studied under these broad kind of education provide graduates with a set of skills that are highly transferable across a range of industries.
And you are free to say, liberal arts:
- Develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Enhances communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Nurtures creativity and fosters a love for lifelong learning.
- graduates excel in roles that require effective communication, adaptability, and the ability to think critically.
Among many others which are obvious but not mentioned here, these very few benefits above underlie the truth that its graduates often find successes in fields such as marketing, public relations, human resources, journalism, and consulting.
Also, studies have shown that employers increasingly value the skills cultivated by liberal arts education, with 80% of employers seeking candidates with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Finally, the top attributes employers look for when hiring recent graduates include communication skills, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and a strong work ethic – all hallmarks of a liberal arts education.
Benefits or Advantages of Liberal Arts
Check out some advantages of liberal arts in schools across the world:
- Preparation for work in a variety of sectors
You will gain a strong foundation knowledge in a wider range of subjects than if you were to take a degree specializing in a single subject or vocation.
- Introduction to career choices
The range of subjects taught in a liberal arts degree program means students can be introduced to subjects they may not have otherwise encountered, enabling them to make a more informed decision when choosing their preferred career path.
- Stepping-stone to other careers
The knowledge achieved during a liberal arts education can help you to better maneuver yourself out of your current career into another.
- Liberal arts degrees are appealing to employers
Employers recognize that liberal arts graduates have the necessary transferable skills to adapt to a changing workplace.
- Provides a foundation for graduate study
A potential graduate student with a liberal arts background will have the ability to learn across a diverse field of studies, with the foundation knowledge to go straight into graduate study in any subject they choose.
- Provides skills to become a valuable community member
A liberal arts education extends beyond academia and the workplace to give graduates the necessary qualities that can enable them to adapt and thrive in the world, communicate with and understand other members of the community and have a broadened perspective.
Where You Can Work as a Liberal Arts Graduate
As a graduate of liberal arts, here are normal environments when you are really thrive professionally:
Academia
The interdisciplinary knowledge and skills gained from a liberal arts education will lend an extra dimension as you explore, research, and/or teach a chosen subject.
Art
Photography, commercial art, painting, interior, graphic and visual design
Education
Pursue additional qualifications to become a teacher, where you can use your breadth of knowledge to help a wider range of students, or to teach a wider range of subjects.
Interpreter
Many liberal arts students learn at least one foreign language, which can help you become a qualified translator, transcriber or interpreter, become a foreign language teacher or journalist, or work in the tourism and travel industry.
Marketing
Whether you choose advertising, promotions, public relations, journalism, news editing or copywriting, the humanities subjects you covered will help you understand people better, while your communication skills will help you be better understood.
Political Science
Careers in this field include law, public policy, politics, business, and working for NGOs and charities.
Others ares:
Biology (healthcare, laboratory assistant, research assistant), business (entrepreneur, store manager, salesperson), event planning, environment (conservation, public policy), finance (banker, accountant, financial analyst), law enforcement, research analysis (combining statistics and psychology), and social services (such as counselling or therapy.
STEM
STEM is an umbrella term used to link four related disciplines such as Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, together. Its degrees encompass a wide range of disciplines, including computer science, engineering, mathematics, and natural sciences.
These fields offer lucrative career opportunities, as well as the chance to work on cutting-edge innovations and make a significant impact on society. Some very useful benefits of STEM are:
- Offers high earning potential and job security.
- Equips graduates with specialized technical skills.
- Provides opportunities for research and innovation.
The demand for skilled professionals in STEM fields is projected to continue growing, with computer science jobs alone expected to increase by 15% over the next decade. STEM graduates find employment in diverse sectors, including technology, healthcare, finance, research, and engineering.
Also, STEM careers often offer higher salaries compared to other industries, with some professions reporting median annual wages well above the national average.
Moreover, innovation is a driving force in the STEM industry, and graduates in these fields have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects and advancements.
Example: Engineers work on sustainable infrastructure solutions, computer scientists develop cutting-edge algorithms and artificial intelligence systems, while biotechnologists discover life-saving medical treatments.
Students who study STEM disciplines in college generally show an aptitude for these subjects in high school. Therefore, high school students who wish to pursue a STEM education should do what they can to expand their knowledge and skills in these areas before applying to college.
Features of STEM Student
This program can be a serious one that requires the seriousness. But the fact is, once you try some of these characteristics, STEM becomes simple. As a student try to:
- Take the most rigorous courses you can in math and sciences, including calculus, chemistry, biology, and physics.
- Maintain a high GPA, especially in your math and science courses.
- Participate in STEM-related extracurriculars. Better yet, start a group at your school. It’s important to show leadership skills, initiative, and an ability to think outside the box.
- Be able to communicate why you’re interested in STEM, and demonstrate your understanding of the field and why it’s a good fit for you.
- Demonstrate strength of character and personal qualities by being a good citizen at school and in your community.
Types of STEM Degrees
Below are some STEM degree programs you might want to try:
- Science: biology, health science, physics, astronomy, chemistry, environmental science
- Technology: information technology, cybersecurity, data analytics, software development, computer programming
- Engineering: chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, industrial engineering, electrical engineering
- Mathematics: mathematics, applied mathematics, computational mathematics
