What do liberal arts majors do?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every recruiting/management conversation I have ever had in every job has boiled down to "we just need someone who can think without being told what to do."

Honestly, studying a specific skill in college always seemed like a bad idea to me because its going to be out of date as soon as you leave. Learning how to think and how to learn and how to communicate seem like better things to work on for four years.

Good luck with that on your resume.

Like you said, colleges don't teach specific skills, it's for building foundations.
I agree with that.

However if your area of foundation is an useless area, then you'll have tough time especially if you go to a mediocre school.
That's the reality.

See, I disagree with your reasoning. You can't look at the majors people chose and conclude their futures--because the people who chose English or art history or whatever on average are more likely to be people who want something different out of life than $$ than the people who chose accounting or engineering. Some may plan on being a SAHP, some may want to be a teacher because that's what people in their family do, some may want to be a struggling artist and take a chance and don't mind working at a coffee shop for that chance. Some may want to understand and change the world and are happy just having enough to live. Some may be just kind of flighty and don't really think about the practical matters of life until they are facing them. Some may have enough family resources not to care all that much.

But if you--as a an individual not a generic pattern of data-- want $$ and also want to major in English or Sociology or Studio Art or History or Philosophy or whatever there are paths to do it. You major in English and then do a bootcamp in some marketable skill, you seek out internships that use a marketable skill. You prep hard for the LSAT and go to a top law school. You take your pre-med reqs and go to med school. You network and start your own business. Being a top notch English major with your mind focused on how to get a career will likely serve you better than being a half-a**ed business major thinking your 'marketable' major is going to do it for you. I think it's likely more about mindset than major--it's just that when you look at the data there are going to be more of those with a career-oriented mindset who chose pre-professional majors.

people who want something different

LOL look at the irony.
Look all the posts by the humanities people saying that 'oh I have a humanities degree and, and I work in consulting making $300k

You kind of missed the whole point. On average these majors are more likely to attract people who have a range of motives other than careers whereas pre-professional majors are going to be highly concentrated with career-oriented people. But a career-oriented person who also wants to major in the humanities can easily find the path. So all those posters actually reinforce my point.

and the whole point of this thread is many of them end up Starbucks barista.

That is not true at all. I know the STEM boosters on this board love to say this but it’s not actually true, it’s a gross exaggeration.

[Anonymous]

What strikes me most in this discussion is the utter lack of curiosity. So many people, all so certain. All these opinions. Not nearly enough asking questions, or openness to paths and possibilities different from the ones we might choose, or have chosen, for ourselves.

Life isn’t either/or.
CS/engineering vs. barista is a silly take.
So is liberal arts vs. unthinking drone.
There are Hollywood writers who studied CS. There are CEOs who studied philosophy.

There are many paths to a good life. Some are direct, some are circuitous. To paraphrase a guitar-strumming duo from some years ago, there’s more than one answer to these questions pointing us in a crooked line.

Let’s root for each other, and for each other’s kids. What a relief it will be for our DCs when we do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every recruiting/management conversation I have ever had in every job has boiled down to "we just need someone who can think without being told what to do."

Honestly, studying a specific skill in college always seemed like a bad idea to me because its going to be out of date as soon as you leave. Learning how to think and how to learn and how to communicate seem like better things to work on for four years.

Good luck with that on your resume.

Like you said, colleges don't teach specific skills, it's for building foundations.
I agree with that.

However if your area of foundation is an useless area, then you'll have tough time especially if you go to a mediocre school.
That's the reality.

See, I disagree with your reasoning. You can't look at the majors people chose and conclude their futures--because the people who chose English or art history or whatever on average are more likely to be people who want something different out of life than $$ than the people who chose accounting or engineering. Some may plan on being a SAHP, some may want to be a teacher because that's what people in their family do, some may want to be a struggling artist and take a chance and don't mind working at a coffee shop for that chance. Some may want to understand and change the world and are happy just having enough to live. Some may be just kind of flighty and don't really think about the practical matters of life until they are facing them. Some may have enough family resources not to care all that much.

But if you--as a an individual not a generic pattern of data-- want $$ and also want to major in English or Sociology or Studio Art or History or Philosophy or whatever there are paths to do it. You major in English and then do a bootcamp in some marketable skill, you seek out internships that use a marketable skill. You prep hard for the LSAT and go to a top law school. You take your pre-med reqs and go to med school. You network and start your own business. Being a top notch English major with your mind focused on how to get a career will likely serve you better than being a half-a**ed business major thinking your 'marketable' major is going to do it for you. I think it's likely more about mindset than major--it's just that when you look at the data there are going to be more of those with a career-oriented mindset who chose pre-professional majors.

people who want something different

LOL look at the irony.
Look all the posts by the humanities people saying that 'oh I have a humanities degree and, and I work in consulting making $300k

DP. That’s a bit unfair. A bunch of people claimed liberal arts grads were bound to become baristas or could never earn as much as pre-professional majors. Some people chimed in with examples that refute that claim. No one was trying to claim that these individuals represent the universe of liberal arts grads.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every recruiting/management conversation I have ever had in every job has boiled down to "we just need someone who can think without being told what to do."

Honestly, studying a specific skill in college always seemed like a bad idea to me because its going to be out of date as soon as you leave. Learning how to think and how to learn and how to communicate seem like better things to work on for four years.

Good luck with that on your resume.

Like you said, colleges don't teach specific skills, it's for building foundations.
I agree with that.

However if your area of foundation is an useless area, then you'll have tough time especially if you go to a mediocre school.
That's the reality.

See, I disagree with your reasoning. You can't look at the majors people chose and conclude their futures--because the people who chose English or art history or whatever on average are more likely to be people who want something different out of life than $$ than the people who chose accounting or engineering. Some may plan on being a SAHP, some may want to be a teacher because that's what people in their family do, some may want to be a struggling artist and take a chance and don't mind working at a coffee shop for that chance. Some may want to understand and change the world and are happy just having enough to live. Some may be just kind of flighty and don't really think about the practical matters of life until they are facing them. Some may have enough family resources not to care all that much.

But if you--as a an individual not a generic pattern of data-- want $$ and also want to major in English or Sociology or Studio Art or History or Philosophy or whatever there are paths to do it. You major in English and then do a bootcamp in some marketable skill, you seek out internships that use a marketable skill. You prep hard for the LSAT and go to a top law school. You take your pre-med reqs and go to med school. You network and start your own business. Being a top notch English major with your mind focused on how to get a career will likely serve you better than being a half-a**ed business major thinking your 'marketable' major is going to do it for you. I think it's likely more about mindset than major--it's just that when you look at the data there are going to be more of those with a career-oriented mindset who chose pre-professional majors.

people who want something different

LOL look at the irony.
Look all the posts by the humanities people saying that 'oh I have a humanities degree and, and I work in consulting making $300k

You kind of missed the whole point. On average these majors are more likely to attract people who have a range of motives other than careers whereas pre-professional majors are going to be highly concentrated with career-oriented people. But a career-oriented person who also wants to major in the humanities can easily find the path. So all those posters actually reinforce my point.

and the whole point of this thread is many of them end up Starbucks barista.

That is not true at all. I know the STEM boosters on this board love to say this but it’s not actually true, it’s a gross exaggeration.

did you see the infographic a few pages pack? Majority of LA undergrad majors are underemployed or unemployed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every recruiting/management conversation I have ever had in every job has boiled down to "we just need someone who can think without being told what to do."

Honestly, studying a specific skill in college always seemed like a bad idea to me because its going to be out of date as soon as you leave. Learning how to think and how to learn and how to communicate seem like better things to work on for four years.

Good luck with that on your resume.

Like you said, colleges don't teach specific skills, it's for building foundations.
I agree with that.

However if your area of foundation is an useless area, then you'll have tough time especially if you go to a mediocre school.
That's the reality.

See, I disagree with your reasoning. You can't look at the majors people chose and conclude their futures--because the people who chose English or art history or whatever on average are more likely to be people who want something different out of life than $$ than the people who chose accounting or engineering. Some may plan on being a SAHP, some may want to be a teacher because that's what people in their family do, some may want to be a struggling artist and take a chance and don't mind working at a coffee shop for that chance. Some may want to understand and change the world and are happy just having enough to live. Some may be just kind of flighty and don't really think about the practical matters of life until they are facing them. Some may have enough family resources not to care all that much.

But if you--as a an individual not a generic pattern of data-- want $$ and also want to major in English or Sociology or Studio Art or History or Philosophy or whatever there are paths to do it. You major in English and then do a bootcamp in some marketable skill, you seek out internships that use a marketable skill. You prep hard for the LSAT and go to a top law school. You take your pre-med reqs and go to med school. You network and start your own business. Being a top notch English major with your mind focused on how to get a career will likely serve you better than being a half-a**ed business major thinking your 'marketable' major is going to do it for you. I think it's likely more about mindset than major--it's just that when you look at the data there are going to be more of those with a career-oriented mindset who chose pre-professional majors.

people who want something different

LOL look at the irony.
Look all the posts by the humanities people saying that 'oh I have a humanities degree and, and I work in consulting making $300k

DP. That’s a bit unfair. A bunch of people claimed liberal arts grads were bound to become baristas or could never earn as much as pre-professional majors. Some people chimed in with examples that refute that claim. No one was trying to claim that these individuals represent the universe of liberal arts grads.

But the majority of LA undergrads are not in consulting or earning big bucks with just their undergrad degree. Those who do are the extreme outliers, definitely not the norm.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every recruiting/management conversation I have ever had in every job has boiled down to "we just need someone who can think without being told what to do."

Honestly, studying a specific skill in college always seemed like a bad idea to me because its going to be out of date as soon as you leave. Learning how to think and how to learn and how to communicate seem like better things to work on for four years.

Good luck with that on your resume.

Like you said, colleges don't teach specific skills, it's for building foundations.
I agree with that.

However if your area of foundation is an useless area, then you'll have tough time especially if you go to a mediocre school.
That's the reality.

See, I disagree with your reasoning. You can't look at the majors people chose and conclude their futures--because the people who chose English or art history or whatever on average are more likely to be people who want something different out of life than $$ than the people who chose accounting or engineering. Some may plan on being a SAHP, some may want to be a teacher because that's what people in their family do, some may want to be a struggling artist and take a chance and don't mind working at a coffee shop for that chance. Some may want to understand and change the world and are happy just having enough to live. Some may be just kind of flighty and don't really think about the practical matters of life until they are facing them. Some may have enough family resources not to care all that much.

But if you--as a an individual not a generic pattern of data-- want $$ and also want to major in English or Sociology or Studio Art or History or Philosophy or whatever there are paths to do it. You major in English and then do a bootcamp in some marketable skill, you seek out internships that use a marketable skill. You prep hard for the LSAT and go to a top law school. You take your pre-med reqs and go to med school. You network and start your own business. Being a top notch English major with your mind focused on how to get a career will likely serve you better than being a half-a**ed business major thinking your 'marketable' major is going to do it for you. I think it's likely more about mindset than major--it's just that when you look at the data there are going to be more of those with a career-oriented mindset who chose pre-professional majors.

people who want something different

LOL look at the irony.
Look all the posts by the humanities people saying that 'oh I have a humanities degree and, and I work in consulting making $300k

DP. That’s a bit unfair. A bunch of people claimed liberal arts grads were bound to become baristas or could never earn as much as pre-professional majors. Some people chimed in with examples that refute that claim. No one was trying to claim that these individuals represent the universe of liberal arts grads.

But the majority of LA undergrads are not in consulting or earning big bucks with just their undergrad degree. Those who do are the extreme outliers, definitely not the norm.

Even if that's true (not sure it is -- spouse went to Williams, and my word, those reunions are something!), that's actually the PP's (PPP's?) point: many actively choose something different, which is why they major in history or English etc.

Not all, but many!

Liberal arts majors are by definition harder to classify. Within that group:
- Some actively choose lower-paying majors, because for them the most remunerative careers aren't the most rewarding ones. They choose to teach, or to work in museums, or to start non-profits, or to work in NGOs, restore ecosystems, or do social work for the greater good, etc. They choose these paths, and a liberal arts education is great preparation for these.
- Some are willing to follow their interests, choosing a path that won't pay off with a high-paying job immediately upon graduation, and then over time are able to use their talents and brains to move effectively within and between organizations until they have higher earnings.
- Some don't mind having a lower-paying job for a few years, because they know they want to go to graduate school.
- Some are artists/entrepreneurs who deliberately work lower-paying jobs in the near term while writing screenplays/starting a business/making art. The lower-paying job is an investment in some other goal.
- Some want a little more time to figure out what career path they actually want to follow...and when they figure it out, they move forward in their careers.

Maybe some really can't ever get a job, and life just happens to them while they are passively reacted upon, and eventually they regret their major with the heat of a thousand suns! Could be! The world is large! But I know a ton of liberal arts grads, and I don't actually know any who fall into this category. All the ones I know -- some well-paid, others less so -- exercised agency in their life path.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every recruiting/management conversation I have ever had in every job has boiled down to "we just need someone who can think without being told what to do."

Honestly, studying a specific skill in college always seemed like a bad idea to me because its going to be out of date as soon as you leave. Learning how to think and how to learn and how to communicate seem like better things to work on for four years.

Good luck with that on your resume.

Like you said, colleges don't teach specific skills, it's for building foundations.
I agree with that.

However if your area of foundation is an useless area, then you'll have tough time especially if you go to a mediocre school.
That's the reality.

See, I disagree with your reasoning. You can't look at the majors people chose and conclude their futures--because the people who chose English or art history or whatever on average are more likely to be people who want something different out of life than $$ than the people who chose accounting or engineering. Some may plan on being a SAHP, some may want to be a teacher because that's what people in their family do, some may want to be a struggling artist and take a chance and don't mind working at a coffee shop for that chance. Some may want to understand and change the world and are happy just having enough to live. Some may be just kind of flighty and don't really think about the practical matters of life until they are facing them. Some may have enough family resources not to care all that much.

But if you--as a an individual not a generic pattern of data-- want $$ and also want to major in English or Sociology or Studio Art or History or Philosophy or whatever there are paths to do it. You major in English and then do a bootcamp in some marketable skill, you seek out internships that use a marketable skill. You prep hard for the LSAT and go to a top law school. You take your pre-med reqs and go to med school. You network and start your own business. Being a top notch English major with your mind focused on how to get a career will likely serve you better than being a half-a**ed business major thinking your 'marketable' major is going to do it for you. I think it's likely more about mindset than major--it's just that when you look at the data there are going to be more of those with a career-oriented mindset who chose pre-professional majors.

people who want something different

LOL look at the irony.
Look all the posts by the humanities people saying that 'oh I have a humanities degree and, and I work in consulting making $300k

DP. That’s a bit unfair. A bunch of people claimed liberal arts grads were bound to become baristas or could never earn as much as pre-professional majors. Some people chimed in with examples that refute that claim. No one was trying to claim that these individuals represent the universe of liberal arts grads.

But the majority of LA undergrads are not in consulting or earning big bucks with just their undergrad degree. Those who do are the extreme outliers, definitely not the norm.

Even if that's true (not sure it is -- spouse went to Williams, and my word, those reunions are something!), that's actually the PP's (PPP's?) point: many actively choose something different, which is why they major in history or English etc.

Not all, but many!

Liberal arts majors are by definition harder to classify. Within that group:
- Some actively choose lower-paying majors, because for them the most remunerative careers aren't the most rewarding ones. They choose to teach, or to work in museums, or to start non-profits, or to work in NGOs, restore ecosystems, or do social work for the greater good, etc. They choose these paths, and a liberal arts education is great preparation for these.
- Some are willing to follow their interests, choosing a path that won't pay off with a high-paying job immediately upon graduation, and then over time are able to use their talents and brains to move effectively within and between organizations until they have higher earnings.
- Some don't mind having a lower-paying job for a few years, because they know they want to go to graduate school.
- Some are artists/entrepreneurs who deliberately work lower-paying jobs in the near term while writing screenplays/starting a business/making art. The lower-paying job is an investment in some other goal.
- Some want a little more time to figure out what career path they actually want to follow...and when they figure it out, they move forward in their careers.

Maybe some really can't ever get a job, and life just happens to them while they are passively reacted upon, and eventually they regret their major with the heat of a thousand suns! Could be! The world is large! But I know a ton of liberal arts grads, and I don't actually know any who fall into this category. All the ones I know -- some well-paid, others less so -- exercised agency in their life path.

To sum up the answer to OP's question:

"What do liberal arts majors do?" - most go to grad school or work lower paying jobs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every recruiting/management conversation I have ever had in every job has boiled down to "we just need someone who can think without being told what to do."

Honestly, studying a specific skill in college always seemed like a bad idea to me because its going to be out of date as soon as you leave. Learning how to think and how to learn and how to communicate seem like better things to work on for four years.

Good luck with that on your resume.

Like you said, colleges don't teach specific skills, it's for building foundations.
I agree with that.

However if your area of foundation is an useless area, then you'll have tough time especially if you go to a mediocre school.
That's the reality.

See, I disagree with your reasoning. You can't look at the majors people chose and conclude their futures--because the people who chose English or art history or whatever on average are more likely to be people who want something different out of life than $$ than the people who chose accounting or engineering. Some may plan on being a SAHP, some may want to be a teacher because that's what people in their family do, some may want to be a struggling artist and take a chance and don't mind working at a coffee shop for that chance. Some may want to understand and change the world and are happy just having enough to live. Some may be just kind of flighty and don't really think about the practical matters of life until they are facing them. Some may have enough family resources not to care all that much.

But if you--as a an individual not a generic pattern of data-- want $$ and also want to major in English or Sociology or Studio Art or History or Philosophy or whatever there are paths to do it. You major in English and then do a bootcamp in some marketable skill, you seek out internships that use a marketable skill. You prep hard for the LSAT and go to a top law school. You take your pre-med reqs and go to med school. You network and start your own business. Being a top notch English major with your mind focused on how to get a career will likely serve you better than being a half-a**ed business major thinking your 'marketable' major is going to do it for you. I think it's likely more about mindset than major--it's just that when you look at the data there are going to be more of those with a career-oriented mindset who chose pre-professional majors.

people who want something different

LOL look at the irony.
Look all the posts by the humanities people saying that 'oh I have a humanities degree and, and I work in consulting making $300k

DP. That’s a bit unfair. A bunch of people claimed liberal arts grads were bound to become baristas or could never earn as much as pre-professional majors. Some people chimed in with examples that refute that claim. No one was trying to claim that these individuals represent the universe of liberal arts grads.

But the majority of LA undergrads are not in consulting or earning big bucks with just their undergrad degree. Those who do are the extreme outliers, definitely not the norm.

Even if that's true (not sure it is -- spouse went to Williams, and my word, those reunions are something!), that's actually the PP's (PPP's?) point: many actively choose something different, which is why they major in history or English etc.

Not all, but many!

Liberal arts majors are by definition harder to classify. Within that group:
- Some actively choose lower-paying majors, because for them the most remunerative careers aren't the most rewarding ones. They choose to teach, or to work in museums, or to start non-profits, or to work in NGOs, restore ecosystems, or do social work for the greater good, etc. They choose these paths, and a liberal arts education is great preparation for these.
- Some are willing to follow their interests, choosing a path that won't pay off with a high-paying job immediately upon graduation, and then over time are able to use their talents and brains to move effectively within and between organizations until they have higher earnings.
- Some don't mind having a lower-paying job for a few years, because they know they want to go to graduate school.
- Some are artists/entrepreneurs who deliberately work lower-paying jobs in the near term while writing screenplays/starting a business/making art. The lower-paying job is an investment in some other goal.
- Some want a little more time to figure out what career path they actually want to follow...and when they figure it out, they move forward in their careers.

Maybe some really can't ever get a job, and life just happens to them while they are passively reacted upon, and eventually they regret their major with the heat of a thousand suns! Could be! The world is large! But I know a ton of liberal arts grads, and I don't actually know any who fall into this category. All the ones I know -- some well-paid, others less so -- exercised agency in their life path.

To sum up the answer to OP's question:

"What do liberal arts majors do?" - most go to grad school or work lower paying jobs.

*

* until they don’t.

** and if they continue to, it’s likely by choice.

*** and if it’s a choice, it’s likely one they make because they are being fulfilled in some other way.

**** and sometimes they actually make more $, either in the near-term or down the road.

Otherwise, sure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every recruiting/management conversation I have ever had in every job has boiled down to "we just need someone who can think without being told what to do."

Honestly, studying a specific skill in college always seemed like a bad idea to me because its going to be out of date as soon as you leave. Learning how to think and how to learn and how to communicate seem like better things to work on for four years.

Good luck with that on your resume.

Like you said, colleges don't teach specific skills, it's for building foundations.
I agree with that.

However if your area of foundation is an useless area, then you'll have tough time especially if you go to a mediocre school.
That's the reality.

See, I disagree with your reasoning. You can't look at the majors people chose and conclude their futures--because the people who chose English or art history or whatever on average are more likely to be people who want something different out of life than $$ than the people who chose accounting or engineering. Some may plan on being a SAHP, some may want to be a teacher because that's what people in their family do, some may want to be a struggling artist and take a chance and don't mind working at a coffee shop for that chance. Some may want to understand and change the world and are happy just having enough to live. Some may be just kind of flighty and don't really think about the practical matters of life until they are facing them. Some may have enough family resources not to care all that much.

But if you--as a an individual not a generic pattern of data-- want $$ and also want to major in English or Sociology or Studio Art or History or Philosophy or whatever there are paths to do it. You major in English and then do a bootcamp in some marketable skill, you seek out internships that use a marketable skill. You prep hard for the LSAT and go to a top law school. You take your pre-med reqs and go to med school. You network and start your own business. Being a top notch English major with your mind focused on how to get a career will likely serve you better than being a half-a**ed business major thinking your 'marketable' major is going to do it for you. I think it's likely more about mindset than major--it's just that when you look at the data there are going to be more of those with a career-oriented mindset who chose pre-professional majors.

people who want something different

LOL look at the irony.
Look all the posts by the humanities people saying that 'oh I have a humanities degree and, and I work in consulting making $300k

DP. That’s a bit unfair. A bunch of people claimed liberal arts grads were bound to become baristas or could never earn as much as pre-professional majors. Some people chimed in with examples that refute that claim. No one was trying to claim that these individuals represent the universe of liberal arts grads.

But the majority of LA undergrads are not in consulting or earning big bucks with just their undergrad degree. Those who do are the extreme outliers, definitely not the norm.

Even if that's true (not sure it is -- spouse went to Williams, and my word, those reunions are something!), that's actually the PP's (PPP's?) point: many actively choose something different, which is why they major in history or English etc.

Not all, but many!

Liberal arts majors are by definition harder to classify. Within that group:
- Some actively choose lower-paying majors, because for them the most remunerative careers aren't the most rewarding ones. They choose to teach, or to work in museums, or to start non-profits, or to work in NGOs, restore ecosystems, or do social work for the greater good, etc. They choose these paths, and a liberal arts education is great preparation for these.
- Some are willing to follow their interests, choosing a path that won't pay off with a high-paying job immediately upon graduation, and then over time are able to use their talents and brains to move effectively within and between organizations until they have higher earnings.
- Some don't mind having a lower-paying job for a few years, because they know they want to go to graduate school.
- Some are artists/entrepreneurs who deliberately work lower-paying jobs in the near term while writing screenplays/starting a business/making art. The lower-paying job is an investment in some other goal.
- Some want a little more time to figure out what career path they actually want to follow...and when they figure it out, they move forward in their careers.

Maybe some really can't ever get a job, and life just happens to them while they are passively reacted upon, and eventually they regret their major with the heat of a thousand suns! Could be! The world is large! But I know a ton of liberal arts grads, and I don't actually know any who fall into this category. All the ones I know -- some well-paid, others less so -- exercised agency in their life path.

To sum up the answer to OP's question:

"What do liberal arts majors do?" - most go to grad school or work lower paying jobs.

*

* until they don’t.

** and if they continue to, it’s likely by choice.

*** and if it’s a choice, it’s likely one they make because they are being fulfilled in some other way.

**** and sometimes they actually make more $, either in the near-term or down the road.

Otherwise, sure.

Again, "What do liberal arts majors do?" - most go to grad school or work lower paying jobs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every recruiting/management conversation I have ever had in every job has boiled down to "we just need someone who can think without being told what to do."

Honestly, studying a specific skill in college always seemed like a bad idea to me because its going to be out of date as soon as you leave. Learning how to think and how to learn and how to communicate seem like better things to work on for four years.

Good luck with that on your resume.

Like you said, colleges don't teach specific skills, it's for building foundations.
I agree with that.

However if your area of foundation is an useless area, then you'll have tough time especially if you go to a mediocre school.
That's the reality.

See, I disagree with your reasoning. You can't look at the majors people chose and conclude their futures--because the people who chose English or art history or whatever on average are more likely to be people who want something different out of life than $$ than the people who chose accounting or engineering. Some may plan on being a SAHP, some may want to be a teacher because that's what people in their family do, some may want to be a struggling artist and take a chance and don't mind working at a coffee shop for that chance. Some may want to understand and change the world and are happy just having enough to live. Some may be just kind of flighty and don't really think about the practical matters of life until they are facing them. Some may have enough family resources not to care all that much.

But if you--as a an individual not a generic pattern of data-- want $$ and also want to major in English or Sociology or Studio Art or History or Philosophy or whatever there are paths to do it. You major in English and then do a bootcamp in some marketable skill, you seek out internships that use a marketable skill. You prep hard for the LSAT and go to a top law school. You take your pre-med reqs and go to med school. You network and start your own business. Being a top notch English major with your mind focused on how to get a career will likely serve you better than being a half-a**ed business major thinking your 'marketable' major is going to do it for you. I think it's likely more about mindset than major--it's just that when you look at the data there are going to be more of those with a career-oriented mindset who chose pre-professional majors.

people who want something different

LOL look at the irony.
Look all the posts by the humanities people saying that 'oh I have a humanities degree and, and I work in consulting making $300k

DP. That’s a bit unfair. A bunch of people claimed liberal arts grads were bound to become baristas or could never earn as much as pre-professional majors. Some people chimed in with examples that refute that claim. No one was trying to claim that these individuals represent the universe of liberal arts grads.

But the majority of LA undergrads are not in consulting or earning big bucks with just their undergrad degree. Those who do are the extreme outliers, definitely not the norm.

Even if that's true (not sure it is -- spouse went to Williams, and my word, those reunions are something!), that's actually the PP's (PPP's?) point: many actively choose something different, which is why they major in history or English etc.

Not all, but many!

Liberal arts majors are by definition harder to classify. Within that group:
- Some actively choose lower-paying majors, because for them the most remunerative careers aren't the most rewarding ones. They choose to teach, or to work in museums, or to start non-profits, or to work in NGOs, restore ecosystems, or do social work for the greater good, etc. They choose these paths, and a liberal arts education is great preparation for these.
- Some are willing to follow their interests, choosing a path that won't pay off with a high-paying job immediately upon graduation, and then over time are able to use their talents and brains to move effectively within and between organizations until they have higher earnings.
- Some don't mind having a lower-paying job for a few years, because they know they want to go to graduate school.
- Some are artists/entrepreneurs who deliberately work lower-paying jobs in the near term while writing screenplays/starting a business/making art. The lower-paying job is an investment in some other goal.
- Some want a little more time to figure out what career path they actually want to follow...and when they figure it out, they move forward in their careers.

Maybe some really can't ever get a job, and life just happens to them while they are passively reacted upon, and eventually they regret their major with the heat of a thousand suns! Could be! The world is large! But I know a ton of liberal arts grads, and I don't actually know any who fall into this category. All the ones I know -- some well-paid, others less so -- exercised agency in their life path.

To sum up the answer to OP's question:

"What do liberal arts majors do?" - most go to grad school or work lower paying jobs.

*

* until they don’t.

** and if they continue to, it’s likely by choice.

*** and if it’s a choice, it’s likely one they make because they are being fulfilled in some other way.

**** and sometimes they actually make more $, either in the near-term or down the road.

Otherwise, sure.

Again, "What do liberal arts majors do?" - most go to grad school or work lower paying jobs.

Whatever, dude. If you want to be reductive and "right," have at it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every recruiting/management conversation I have ever had in every job has boiled down to "we just need someone who can think without being told what to do."

Honestly, studying a specific skill in college always seemed like a bad idea to me because its going to be out of date as soon as you leave. Learning how to think and how to learn and how to communicate seem like better things to work on for four years.

Good luck with that on your resume.

Like you said, colleges don't teach specific skills, it's for building foundations.
I agree with that.

However if your area of foundation is an useless area, then you'll have tough time especially if you go to a mediocre school.
That's the reality.

See, I disagree with your reasoning. You can't look at the majors people chose and conclude their futures--because the people who chose English or art history or whatever on average are more likely to be people who want something different out of life than $$ than the people who chose accounting or engineering. Some may plan on being a SAHP, some may want to be a teacher because that's what people in their family do, some may want to be a struggling artist and take a chance and don't mind working at a coffee shop for that chance. Some may want to understand and change the world and are happy just having enough to live. Some may be just kind of flighty and don't really think about the practical matters of life until they are facing them. Some may have enough family resources not to care all that much.

But if you--as a an individual not a generic pattern of data-- want $$ and also want to major in English or Sociology or Studio Art or History or Philosophy or whatever there are paths to do it. You major in English and then do a bootcamp in some marketable skill, you seek out internships that use a marketable skill. You prep hard for the LSAT and go to a top law school. You take your pre-med reqs and go to med school. You network and start your own business. Being a top notch English major with your mind focused on how to get a career will likely serve you better than being a half-a**ed business major thinking your 'marketable' major is going to do it for you. I think it's likely more about mindset than major--it's just that when you look at the data there are going to be more of those with a career-oriented mindset who chose pre-professional majors.

people who want something different

LOL look at the irony.
Look all the posts by the humanities people saying that 'oh I have a humanities degree and, and I work in consulting making $300k

DP. That’s a bit unfair. A bunch of people claimed liberal arts grads were bound to become baristas or could never earn as much as pre-professional majors. Some people chimed in with examples that refute that claim. No one was trying to claim that these individuals represent the universe of liberal arts grads.

But the majority of LA undergrads are not in consulting or earning big bucks with just their undergrad degree. Those who do are the extreme outliers, definitely not the norm.

Even if that's true (not sure it is -- spouse went to Williams, and my word, those reunions are something!), that's actually the PP's (PPP's?) point: many actively choose something different, which is why they major in history or English etc.

Not all, but many!

Liberal arts majors are by definition harder to classify. Within that group:
- Some actively choose lower-paying majors, because for them the most remunerative careers aren't the most rewarding ones. They choose to teach, or to work in museums, or to start non-profits, or to work in NGOs, restore ecosystems, or do social work for the greater good, etc. They choose these paths, and a liberal arts education is great preparation for these.
- Some are willing to follow their interests, choosing a path that won't pay off with a high-paying job immediately upon graduation, and then over time are able to use their talents and brains to move effectively within and between organizations until they have higher earnings.
- Some don't mind having a lower-paying job for a few years, because they know they want to go to graduate school.
- Some are artists/entrepreneurs who deliberately work lower-paying jobs in the near term while writing screenplays/starting a business/making art. The lower-paying job is an investment in some other goal.
- Some want a little more time to figure out what career path they actually want to follow...and when they figure it out, they move forward in their careers.

Maybe some really can't ever get a job, and life just happens to them while they are passively reacted upon, and eventually they regret their major with the heat of a thousand suns! Could be! The world is large! But I know a ton of liberal arts grads, and I don't actually know any who fall into this category. All the ones I know -- some well-paid, others less so -- exercised agency in their life path.

To sum up the answer to OP's question:

"What do liberal arts majors do?" - most go to grad school or work lower paying jobs.

*

* until they don’t.

** and if they continue to, it’s likely by choice.

*** and if it’s a choice, it’s likely one they make because they are being fulfilled in some other way.

**** and sometimes they actually make more $, either in the near-term or down the road.

Otherwise, sure.

Again, "What do liberal arts majors do?" - most go to grad school or work lower paying jobs.

Whatever, dude. If you want to be reductive and "right," have at it.

and end thread