Graduate school has become the trade school of the liberal arts graduate. You may feel it is your answer to the increased demand for "specialists" in our economy. For many areas of work, the value of a specialized education cannot be denied. However, the liberal arts graduate must be careful not to make this leap into specialized study before he or she has a thorough understanding of his or her career objectives.

As a liberal arts college graduate, you should:

• Make a systematic review of your career objectives before considering enrollment in a graduate or professional program.
• Obtain practical exposure to areas of work that interest you before committing yourself to a graduate or professional program. Experience can be gained through internships and summer jobs.
• Be sure the graduate school degree will assist you in pursuing the career of your choice.

The following are resources of which you should take advantage during your extensive research and systematic review of your career objectives:

• Talk with your academic advisor about your future career and graduate school plans.
• Utilize the opportunities provided by Career Services on campus.
• Expose yourself to the work that may be suitable for you (either through actual jobs or extended conversations with individuals in the work force.)

A rich mixture of work experience, the ability to see the whole rather than the parts, and the necessary specialized knowledge is a potent combination and can prepare liberal arts graduates for positions of responsibility and challenge.