Chapter 8 of the book The Liberating Arts debunks the notion that The Liberal arts are not
helpful for real-world jobs. Before reading this chapter, I also fell into the notion that the idea of
liberal arts is a waste of time. This notion was solidified the day we had to create our schedule
for the next semester. I saw the plethora of core classes that I have to take, which correlate to
my major, and it already started giving me a headache. Still, then I saw the additional Gen Ed
classes that were required, and I began to think to myself, what is the point of learning the
Liberal arts on top of what I'm already learning to be a successful doctor? At the beginning of
chapter 8, the following quote is posed: "Thinking deeply and contributing to social change
sound great, but at the end of the day, I really just want to get a good job and enjoy a
comfortable standard of living."
My ideology on this topic underwent a complete 180-degree shift after reading this chapter. I
soon realized, in just minutes, that to be a successful medical professional, I needed a liberal
arts education. The chapter uses engineers as an example, which I found relatable since they
also have a plethora of workloads to endure. To some engineers, the Liberal Arts seemed like a
waste of time and money. Still, really, it's what makes them a sound engineer, as Josh, who
earned a dual degree in engineering and another in Liberal Arts, says, "My engineering degree
may have gotten me a job, but my liberal arts degree makes me good at my job."
The liberal arts are not just about reading and dissecting the meaning of classical texts; they
encompass a great deal more. "A survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and
Employers in 2018 found that the most employable skills were communication, problem solving,
and collaboration." Skills that no engineering or medical degree can prepare you for. They might
help you with the tangible skills necessary, but we must remember that any job comes with
interactions with people, malfunctions, and other challenges. Navigating through those requires
a whole different skill set.
Both engineering and medical degrees have something in common: the learning and application
of what you've learned doesn't stop after you walk across that stage; it's everlasting. With the
advancements in technology and research come advancements in our skill set. "Engineers may
find that the skills they gained in the Academy lose
applicability quickly in an environment where technology is rapidly evolving, whereas
interpersonal skills, communication, and adaptability never fade in relevance." I believe that we,
as the future generation, must understand that the world is constantly progressing. If we do not
keep up with this progress, not only will our knowledge be outdated, but also our communication
and adaptability in a highly competitive work environment, and we are bound to fail, even with a
Ph.D
helpful for real-world jobs. Before reading this chapter, I also fell into the notion that the idea of
liberal arts is a waste of time. This notion was solidified the day we had to create our schedule
for the next semester. I saw the plethora of core classes that I have to take, which correlate to
my major, and it already started giving me a headache. Still, then I saw the additional Gen Ed
classes that were required, and I began to think to myself, what is the point of learning the
Liberal arts on top of what I'm already learning to be a successful doctor? At the beginning of
chapter 8, the following quote is posed: "Thinking deeply and contributing to social change
sound great, but at the end of the day, I really just want to get a good job and enjoy a
comfortable standard of living."
My ideology on this topic underwent a complete 180-degree shift after reading this chapter. I
soon realized, in just minutes, that to be a successful medical professional, I needed a liberal
arts education. The chapter uses engineers as an example, which I found relatable since they
also have a plethora of workloads to endure. To some engineers, the Liberal Arts seemed like a
waste of time and money. Still, really, it's what makes them a sound engineer, as Josh, who
earned a dual degree in engineering and another in Liberal Arts, says, "My engineering degree
may have gotten me a job, but my liberal arts degree makes me good at my job."
The liberal arts are not just about reading and dissecting the meaning of classical texts; they
encompass a great deal more. "A survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and
Employers in 2018 found that the most employable skills were communication, problem solving,
and collaboration." Skills that no engineering or medical degree can prepare you for. They might
help you with the tangible skills necessary, but we must remember that any job comes with
interactions with people, malfunctions, and other challenges. Navigating through those requires
a whole different skill set.
Both engineering and medical degrees have something in common: the learning and application
of what you've learned doesn't stop after you walk across that stage; it's everlasting. With the
advancements in technology and research come advancements in our skill set. "Engineers may
find that the skills they gained in the Academy lose
applicability quickly in an environment where technology is rapidly evolving, whereas
interpersonal skills, communication, and adaptability never fade in relevance." I believe that we,
as the future generation, must understand that the world is constantly progressing. If we do not
keep up with this progress, not only will our knowledge be outdated, but also our communication
and adaptability in a highly competitive work environment, and we are bound to fail, even with a
Ph.D
