Earning an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in General Studies can provide a strong foundation for launching a thriving business career. While some view its interdisciplinary curriculum as unfocused, the degree equips graduates with versatile capabilities that are valuable across business functions.
By understanding and strategically leveraging the assets of a General Studies AA, students can maximize their career potential.
This article will explore how the degree cultivates skills that enable graduates to adapt and contribute in diverse business settings.
Building a Toolkit of Transferrable Skills
A major advantage of an AA in General Studies is the broad set of transferable skills it helps develop. Coursework exposes students to principles of communication, critical thinking, research, teamwork, and project management applicable in any industry.
Grads gain experience conveying complex ideas, analyzing issues from multiple angles, finding and evaluating information, collaborating across differences, and organizing workflows.
These competencies allow General Studies grads to get up to speed quickly in new roles and add value from day one. When seeking jobs, emphasize how your versatile skillset enables you to thrive in constantly evolving business environments.
Provide specific examples of successfully applying your abilities to drive results academically and professionally.
Cultivating Crucial People Skills
People skills are vital for business success, enabling effective collaboration, persuasive communication, and relationship building. A General Studies AA develops interpersonal capabilities through group projects, presentations, and analyzing human dynamics in psychology and sociology coursework.
Graduates are adept at understanding diverse viewpoints, resolving interpersonal conflicts, motivating team members, and influencing key stakeholders. Leverage people skills to connect easily with colleagues at all levels and become known as a collaborative problem solver. Strong emotional intelligence can propel you into leadership roles.
Accelerating On-The-Job Learning
A hallmark of General Studies grads is the ability to quickly master new concepts and skills. Exposure to diverse subjects trains adaptable thinking and accelerated learning abilities. In the workplace, leverage these capabilities to volunteer for stretch assignments, cross-train on other teams, and pick up new systems seamlessly during times of change.
Demonstrate initiative by identifying knowledge gaps critical to your role and devising plans to fill them. Share professional development goals transparently with your manager. With a track record of rapidly acquiring expertise, you’ll be seen as an agile contributor who adds value regardless of circumstances.
Crafting a Strong Personal Brand
Success with a General Studies background relies heavily on defining and conveying a strong personal brand. Identify the skills most critical for roles of interest and develop compelling stories showcasing your capabilities.
For example, you might reference communication skills honed through English courses, analytical abilities from statistics, and operations knowledge from workplace training to position yourself as a data-driven problem solver.
Weave key brand messaging into your resume, LinkedIn profile, interview responses, and workplace interactions. Rather than hiding your diverse background, own it by touting complementary certifications, electives, and experiences that compensate for the degree’s breadth.
Seeking Out Stretch Opportunities
Once you are in a role, continuously seek out lateral moves, special projects, and other opportunities to expand your skills. Routinely identify capabilities you need to develop and propose assignments that allow you to build them.
The diversity of a General Studies degree provides an advantage here, as you can cater to stretch opportunities across functions.
Share your interests transparently with leadership and align your efforts to strategic goals. Say yes to tough assignments that expose missing skills. Over time you will build business acumen across disciplines to position yourself for advancement.
Cultivating Networks and Mentors
Those with General Studies backgrounds must be proactive in building relationships and seeking guidance to navigate career growth. Join professional associations to expand your industry network. Seek both informal mentors and formal corporate programs to gain wisdom and visibility.
Ask seasoned professionals for advice on strengthening your reputation, proving your abilities, and getting promoted. Identify leaders invested in your success who can connect you to opportunities. While mentors provide wise counsel, sponsors actively advocate for your advancement. Surround yourself with people rooting for you.
While broad by design, a General Studies AA equips graduates with versatile capabilities valuable across business functions. By honing transferable skills, developing a strong personal brand, and continuously expanding their expertise through targeted opportunities, those with a General Studies background can thrive.
