Career Readiness

"Liberal arts graduates are in demand, now more than ever! Employers across sectors need people with a liberal arts skill set – smart people who can think creatively, people who can work together in diverse teams, people who can solve problems using the knowledge and tools of several disciplines."

- Robbin D. Crabtree, Dean, Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts

Four years to career readiness

Liberal arts career readiness starts with the versatile skills you learn in the classroom – broad knowledge base, critical thinking, strong oral and written communication, collaborative problem-solving, diversity and global awareness, ethics. If you engage your classes and faculty deeply, and seek out professional experiences outside the classroom, you will be ready for the job market by the time you graduate.

Successful Lions get proactive early in their time at LMU to prepare for their professional lives. Not sure where to start? Here are a few recommendations.

  1. Ask your professors about what people do with degrees in their fields. 
  2. Seek out engaged learning classes, study abroad and other outside-the-classroom experiences that give you real-world perspective.
  3. Get an internship to build practical skills and make connections. 
  4. Use LMU's robust Career and Professional Development resources for personalized coaching.

Career Chats with Successful Lions

LMU liberal arts alumni and students go on to work in business, nonprofit, media, government and beyond. Here are some lessons successful Lions learned along the way. 

Samantha Voorhees '10


PRO TIP: IT'S OKAY TO BE UNDECIDED


Samantha Voorhees '10 (Economics) wasn't sure what she'd do after she graduated, and now she works as an analyst for Disney. She says that the flexibility of a liberal arts major helped her become well-rounded - and prepared her for the business world.

Take a career assessment 

 

Darryn Harris '05


PRO TIP: FIND A MENTOR

Darryn Harris '05 (Sociology) says, "Every job I've received has been through a mentor." Now he's the Director of External Affairs for a member of Congress. Whether it’s a professor or an internship supervisor, don’t be afraid to seek guidance from people in your field. 

 

 

Matt Connelly '16

 
PRO TIP: GET AN INTERNSHIP

Matt Connelly ’16 (English) got an internship his freshman year, and he says “it was a step in the door…The connections I made there are people I’ve stayed in touch with ever since.”  

Look for an internship

 
  

Jennifer Pellerito '12


PRO TIP: WORK YOUR NETWORK


Jennifer Pellerito '12 (English) works in social media marketing. "When I was an undergrad, I felt uncomfortable asking people questions, because I didn't want to impose," she says. "But I realized that people want to give back; people are interested in guiding you."