The Undercover Interviewer: "Why Should I Hire an Art History Major When I Can Hire a Finance Major?"
This past weekend at Wesleyan University, one of the most elite liberal arts colleges in the U.S. (where I am a trustee), there was a fabulous career symposium for students and alumni. I was speaking with a nervous alumnus whose son is an art history major interviewing for investment banking positions. "I have no idea how to advise him when he's asked by the interviewer, 'Why should I hire an art history major when I can hire a finance major?'"
This question cuts to the very heart of the value of a liberal arts education. In an increasingly competitive global economy where specialization tends to rule, it's easy to take a defeatist attitude and just concede all the good private sector jobs to business undergraduates.
But there is another way to look at the question. I leaned into the table and told the dad, "This question should be a fast ball down the middle for your son. Here's how I would answer that question."
"There are three reasons why you should hire me over a finance major: First, financial modeling and financial analysis, while obviously critically important in investment banking, are becoming a commodity. With spreadsheets and other modeling tools any analyst and any bank can do these basics. I've studied these on my own and if I join your firm, with my work ethic and ability to learn, I will quickly be able to do the necessary analysis. Second, my work in art history is actually excellent training for how I believe value is really added in investment banking, seeing patterns across disciplines for clients. I've had to learn about history, government, culture, architecture, and psychology in addition to art. This kind of cross-disciplinary investigation seems to me how your firm could search for opportunities for your clients. Third, you are in the client service business and the most sophisticated clients have interests beyond solely the deal and business. Thanks to my work in art history and my other subjects I will be able to engage with senior level clients in areas that prove memorable to them and that will help the firm build differentiated client relationships."
The alumnus brightened visibly when I gave him this answer and said, "Okay I feel much better. Now I just need my son to hear this and heed this advice!"
Photo: Stokkete / Shutterstock
Great advice - art history requires knowledge of very diverse disciplines. My first degree was in biology and I remember being told by one member of college staff that she was never surprised at the things biology students went on to do, as if one could cope with all the disciplines involved in biology, one could cope with anything. I later did two art history degrees and found that this was true of art history too - a trained mind is the most useful tool anyone can have. The ability to learn and tackle new ideas and situations is the greatest ability.
Currently open to new Clients or business opportunities
10 年J.P. Morgan had an Art History degree. What more evidence of the value of Art History majors in finance do you need?
Service Emissary Extraordinaire
10 年I would think he should apply with arts institutions and perhaps find out which company insures or authenticates the art held within those walls.
Professor, Minister, Author, eLearning
10 年Their deep understanding of abstraction is a great reason!
Career Advisor: Providing Clarity -> Best Fit Career and College Major
10 年Great discussion, appreciate all the posts as I'm in the business of helping students choose the best fit major. Finding the right job comes down to finding your strengths, pursuing an education that supports and develops them, and being able to sell those skills in a position where they can be used. College grads need to develop the ability to understand what they have to offer an employer and be able to articulate that to get the job they want.