AUW Graduates’ Perspectives on the Relevance of Liberal Arts Education in the 21stCentury Job Market

Abstract

This thesis explores the perspectives of graduates from the Asian University for Women (AUW) regarding the relevance of their liberal arts education in preparing them for careers in the 21stcentury job market. In today’s rapidly changing work environment, employers increasingly seek both technical skills and adaptable, well-rounded professionals. While liberal arts education is known for fostering critical thinking, communication, and leadership, concerns remain about its practical value in competitive job markets, especially in developing regions. This study focuses on AUW’s graduates to examine how they apply their education in professional settings, what challenges they face, and what improvements they recommend. A qualitative, phenomenological research design was employed to understand the lived experiences of twenty AUW graduates from diverse nationalities, majors, and career sectors. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software to identify key themes. SPSS was used to analyze demographic data and provide contextual insights. The findings reveal that AUW’s liberal arts curriculum helped graduates build strong interpersonal, analytical, and leadership skills. However, many participants also reported challenges, including a lack of technical training, difficulties articulating the value of their degree, and legal or emotional barriers related to identity and job access. Participants emphasized the need for more practical training, stronger alumni networks, and career counseling tailored to marginalized or stateless students. This research contributes to the ongoing discussion on liberal arts education and employability, and provides practical recommendations for universities to align liberal arts curricula more closely with job market demands while preserving the core values of critical thinking, equity, and empowerment.