IKON
American President Barack Obama pursued a liberal arts education, dedicating two years to studying a range of subjects. His studies included politics, public speaking, literature, history, philosophy, psychology, sociology, economics, biology, chemistry, physics, and art. Liberal arts education is inherently interdisciplinary, encouraging students to explore the connections and interactions among various fields of knowledge.
What is the job all about?
With a broad exposure to both the sciences and the arts, you can pursue diverse career paths. Your training will equip you with essential skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal abilities. This foundation prepares you for roles in various fields, including politics, writing, advertising, social sciences, public relations, and management.
Can I go for it?
Liberal arts education covers a blend of mathematics, English, economics, politics, and more, offering a holistic perspective that combines both arts and sciences. This approach nurtures creativity and adaptability, enabling you to handle multifaceted responsibilities. Such interdisciplinary skills are valuable across industries, making professional growth more achievable compared to a narrowly focused education. With the New Education Policy (NEP) in India, students now have more opportunities to explore and test different disciplines, expanding their skillsets even further.
Is there a future in this field?
Absolutely. With a broad range of studies, liberal arts graduates can pursue diverse and dynamic career paths. The wide scope of this field opens up opportunities for rapid career progression and access to roles that require versatile skills and cross-disciplinary knowledge.
Where do I start?
In Goa:
After completing your 10+2 at any higher secondary school in Goa, you can pursue graduation, choosing courses that allow exploration across multiple fields to help determine which discipline aligns best with your interests.
Outside Goa:
Consider enrolling in one of the following renowned institutions offering liberal arts programs:
• St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
• Symbiosis School of Liberal Arts, Symbiosis University, Pune
• Jindal School of Liberal Arts, OP Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana
• FLAME University, Pune
Employment Avenues
A liberal arts education opens doors to diverse career paths. If you major in Psychology, you could become a psychologist; in Social Sciences, human resources could be a viable option. An English major might lead to opportunities in print or electronic journalism, advertising, civil services, writing, research, training, or teaching. Those who focus on Science or Commerce could consider careers in financial analysis, market research, sales, banking, public relations, or even entrepreneurship.
One key advantage of studying liberal arts is the broad exposure across disciplines, which enables you to make more informed choices for postgraduate studies. Additionally, this versatile background provides the flexibility to adapt or switch careers if industry shifts or economic turbulence occur, positioning you well in a dynamic job market.
Salaries:
As with most careers, the starting salary in liberal arts fields may be modest. However, with proven skills and experience, you can expect to earn between Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000 per month, or even more.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: October 2024