Abstract
This article examines the employability of speech communication and liberal arts graduates, assessing claims about career outcomes through a review of empirical studies, national surveys, and employer perceptions. While some data suggest liberal studies graduates perform competitively in long term professional advancement, particularly in managerial roles, findings reveal that immediate employment prospects remain limited due to employer preferences for business and technical degrees. The article critiques optimistic narratives that overstate workforce demand for communication majors, instead calling for more accurate academic advising and targeted institutional strategies to improve graduate outcomes. These include integrating career planning into curricula, cultivating business partnerships, and promoting student engagement in applied experiences. By highlighting the disconnect between liberal education’s cognitive and communicative strengths and the labor market’s hiring practices, this article offers pragmatic guidance for educators seeking to support students’ transition from communication programs to professional careers.
Recommended Citation
Weitzel, Al
(1989)
"The Employability of Graduates of Liberal Arts Programs,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 69, Article 9.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol69/iss1/9
