An article in Inside Higher Ed cited a study indicating that 92% of faculty members were asked for career advice in the past year. My first reaction is that this is a good thing. Creating an environment where students frequently interact with faculty is one of the best ways colleges and universities can foster academic achievement and student success.
This is the case at Illinois State University. Students who engage in frequent conversations with faculty about career plans have higher sense of belonging and higher GPAs. Of course, this is an association and may be measuring frequent interactions in general.
Reconciling Careers and Liberal Education
Juxtapose the aforementioned article another article from today’s Inside Higher Ed, Higher Education’s Forgotten Aim. Here’s a quote:
Meanwhile, the art of rhetoric and eloquence, once the cornerstone of education, has largely been relegated to specific courses in rhetoric and composition, communication or literature, rather than being integrated as a fundamental skill across various disciplines. Although many universities maintain strong programs in civic engagement and public service, these are often optional or secondary to the main academic focus. The emphasis has shifted from preparing students as civic leaders to preparing them as professionals in specific fields. This shift toward a more practical, relevant education is, of course, not without its benefits, as it responds to real-world demands and helps students secure employment in competitive economic landscapes. However, it also raises concerns about the broader purpose of higher education.
Steven Mintz, Higher Education’s Forgotten Aim
Careers play a significant role in our lives. In my opinion, separating a career from from a liberal arts education seems like a missed opportunity. Especially for many students who view a college degree as an escape from poverty and an end to a cycle of intergenerational inequality.
Mintz’s article has good ideas for reconciling career preparation and the aims of liberal education. These include creating big issues courses that address real world issues and integrating lower-division courses across disciplines. I think higher education in general is already doing a lot of this, but it may not be obvious to students. Continually reinforcing the relevancy of liberal arts to students may increase student engagement with courses and help them apply the principles of a liberal arts education and democratic ideals in their lives, including their careers.
