Liberal Arts Core

Preparation for the World of Work

Both the Liberal Arts Core and your major prepare you to be an educated person and a valued employee. The five proficiencies developed in the Liberal Arts Core are: communication, information, thinking, interpersonal, and quantitative. These match the skills employers are seeking. The breadth of experience provided by the Liberal Arts Core in combination with your major courses provides you with the skills employers want.

A survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers lists the Top 10 qualities employers seek. They are:

• Communications skills

• Honesty and integrity

• Teamwork skills

• Interpersonal skills

• A strong work ethic

• Motivation and initiative

• Flexibility and adaptability

• Analytical skills

• Computer skills

• Organizational skills
  

A study by the Collegiate Employment Institute at Michigan State University found employers desire the following skills in employees:

• Locating, differentiating, and summarizing information (Papers and reports)

• Composing and drafting written material (Letters, memos, reports, and proposals)

• Making oral presentations and giving instructions

• Thinking abstractly and contextually

• Acting interpersonally (Work in teams, accept leadership roles, handle conflict or criticism)

• Establishing work-related priorities and setting goals