What the liberal arts can offer graduates navigating a changing world

In the present day s rapidly changing world and at a time when high school seniors and their families across the state are deciding which path they ll take after graduation it s tempting to view higher schooling as merely job training But true guidance prepares students not just for their first job but for a lifetime of learning increase and adaptability That s the promise of a liberal arts coaching At the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John s University we re not teaching students what to think we re teaching them how to think In an age flooded with information and misinformation the ability to think critically question assumptions and approach problems from multiple perspectives is invaluable A liberal arts teaching builds intellectual dexterity preparing students for diverse careers challenges and leadership roles over their lifetimes By studying across disciplines humanities sciences social sciences and the arts students learn to make connections synthesize ideas and think creatively This interdisciplinary approach fosters innovation collaboration and resilience Our graduates don t just leave with the knowledge to do a job well they leave with the tools to ask the right questions seek thoughtful solutions and continue learning long after they ve left the classroom In this day s polarized state this way of thinking is more vital than ever The world is rarely divided into simple right and wrong answers A liberal arts teaching equips students to address that complexity engage respectfully with differing viewpoints and work toward solutions grounded in empathy and understanding We need leaders who can listen challenge the status quo respect the dignity of each person and pursue the common good The value of a liberal arts training lies not just in the degree earned but in the habits of mind and heart developed At Saint Ben s and Saint John s we cultivate curiosity encourage deep inquiry and teach skills that transcend any single field Whether in the classroom through conversations with professors or by living out Benedictine values like listening stewardship and operation students learn to analyze synthesize and approach challenges with intellectual rigor and compassion Brian J Bruess Credit Photo courtesy of CSB SJU This kind of mentoring prepares scientists to weigh the ethical implications of their work trains leaders to deal with politics and business with a moral compass and empowers lifelong learners to embrace complexity and uncertainty with confidence Across industries from physical condition care to law learning to engineering our alums are proof of this Their job titles vary but the skills they developed here remain constant adaptability resilience and ethical leadership At a time when specialization and short-term gain often take center stage liberal arts colleges stand apart as places where students are not just trained for a job but are educated to pursue the Good Life Our mission is to help students not just succeed but flourish to live fully think critically and act justly Bennies and Johnnies are empowered and principled They get great jobs have satisfying careers and they live meaningful lives committed to the common good That s the kind of coaching the world requirements now more than ever and it s a vision worth celebrating defending and investing in Brian J Bruess Ph D is president of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John s University The post What the liberal arts can offer graduates navigating a changing world appeared first on MinnPost