Despite the stigma that a liberal arts degree is difficult for finding a career, former liberal arts students and current professors expressed the benefits and their unique professional skills in communication and research gave them the ability to be creative, persuasive, and literate.
The English Circle hosted a panel discussion and career showcase on Feb. 28. According to their Facebook page, the English Circle is “a society on campus that welcomes all lovers of literature and writing.”
“I’ve been told a lot that my major is useless,” commented English Circle President Selu Ita, a senior English major from Nevada, “This [panel] was done because there is a stigma liberal arts aren’t going to help anyone go anywhere. You will either become a writer or a lawyer.”
Yet throughout the evening, panelists and other faculty shared how their experiences disproved the assumption.
“You don’t realize how truly valuable the skills you learn are. They are very welcome in the working world,” said panelist Ned Williams, a former English department professor and current international writing consultant.
“You can do anything with your degree, you’re not limited,” advised Dylan Wilcox, a BYU–Hawaii alumnus and current special instructor.
This statement was supported by the evening’s handout featuring a list of selected BYUH English graduates and their current professions.
Along with the expected writers and lawyers, there were business executives, professors, game designers, marketing specialists, government employees, sports analysts, and filmmakers who were also on the list demonstrating the reach of the liberal arts degree.
“There are a lot of things you wouldn’t think English will prepare you for, but English prepares you for life,” said Professor Randall Allred of the English and Humanities Department.
Unexpected connections
Panelist Arley Enesa, current Director of Enterprise Information Systems at BYUH and former history major, explained how she never imagined her career path when she initially took the temporary opening at the BYUH Cashier’s office.
However, between the onsite training and her own experiences reading, writing, and researching as a history student, Enesa felt prepared for her expanding professional responsibilities as she accepted management positions within BYUH.
History, in particular, was useful, shared Enesa, because it gave her the ability to “understand and interpret perspective,” which proved crucial in writing and interpersonal interactions.
“Whatever you do, do your best and people will seek you out. Never sell yourself short,” Enesa counseled attendees.
Panelist Michael Lau, a speech and debate coach and drama teacher at Kahuku High School, spoke on his behavior as a “non-functioning introvert,” until his first year of high school, when he performed in a school play. This experience changed his life by helping him find his voice.
Since the play, Lau said he has never had problems speaking. “Theatre is all about presenting ideas and teaching interaction,” Lau continued, “Everyone should be in a play.”
Likewise, Williams elaborated the benefit of studying for an English major.
“You need to know stories because you will meet those characters in the real world,” said Williams. “Shakespeare, Dickenson, Twain, Faulkner, those stories will help you navigate the world more than any practical degree.”
Creativity in the workplace
“Most institutions, corporations, and organizations are dysfunctional when it comes to writing,” Williams said. “Technical students aren’t usually required to take writing courses.”
As a result, Williams continued, “Problems in the business world are universal, and the learning curve steep. You’ve got to train yourself to learn how your audience thinks and how you think because the first 10 to 12 words you write and what you want in terms of action makes all the difference.”
That kind of creativity is not only expected in the professional world, Williams added, but it is also encouraged.
“It’s no mistake that a high percentage of CEOs are liberal arts students,” Lau said. “The people who get paid the most are going to be creative. Out of the 10,000 possibilities, you imagine you can pick the best one.
“Creativity is something English teaches you, and eventually anything that doesn’t involve creativity will become obsolete.”
For further events surrounding the English Circle or questions about liberal arts programs, contact the club or department via their website at english.byuh.edu.
Writer: J. Eston Dunn