Liberal arts educations may not be traditional career-focused job training, but the skills they cover are often at the top of employers' most-wanted lists. The Associated Press said that attributes associated with liberal arts graduates, such as strong writing, analysis and argument skills, are highly-valued in business. Indeed, the site noted, many CEOs rose to the top on the back of a liberal arts education and major corporations like Google and Goldman Sachs aggressively recruit from liberal arts colleges because they produce well-rounded players who are adaptable to the ever-changing business world. However, in a down economy, some students - and their parents - worry that a liberal arts education is not focused enough to make them stand out in a shrinking and highly-competitive job market. In response, some colleges have introduced programs in areas like business, law, accounting and finance alongside their traditional curriculums to give graduates the broadest possible base of skills and knowledge. According to a 1998 study cited by College News, liberal arts colleges have provided 19% of US presidents, 23% of Pulitzer Prize winners and 8% of on the entries on Forbes' CEO rich list.  |