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!"
James Citrin March 3, 2014
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140303145113-203184238-the-undercover-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!"
James Citrin March 3, 2014
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140303145113-203184238-the-undercover-interviewer-why-should-i-hire-an-art-history-major-when-i-can-hire-a-finance-major