University of Alberta Faculty of Arts Campaign: Making Explicit the Value of a Liberal Arts Education for the World of Work

The Faculty of Arts Employability Skills Initiative is enhancing the employability of University of Alberta graduates by raising the awareness of professors, students and employers of the importance of acquiring employability skills in getting and keeping a job and advancing in one’s career.

Document Highlights

While most arts graduates do find rewarding employment in a wide range of professional, managerial and technical positions, they are more likely to take longer to do so because their skills and knowledge are not as widely recognized as those of graduates of the professional faculties. As a result, they are more likely to occupy a series of temporary positions before gaining permanent employment.

This case study looks at the:

• objectives of the program;
• activities;
• resources required;
• achievements and outcomes;
• benefits for students and employers;
• innovative approaches;
• keys to success; and
• greatest challenges.