The career arts: Supporting equity in career skills and social capital development

The U.S. public is increasingly skeptical about the value of a college degree, despite well-documented economic benefits to higher levels of education. In a new book, “The Career Arts: Making the Most of College, Credentials, and Connection,” Ben Wildavsky explores the three factors needed for career success—broad education, targeted skills, and social capital—and how young adults can best develop those skills.  

On November 2, the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution hosted a fireside chat with Brookings Fellow Katharine Meyer and Ben Wildavsky about his new book and the essential skills students need to develop during a postsecondary degree that enable flexible and rewarding career paths. Following the chat, Chronicle of Higher Education reporter Goldie Blumenstyk moderated a panel with higher education experts who discussed the latest research on career skills development, how college experiences shape workforce opportunities and trajectories, and how institutions and non-profits can support equity in skill and social capital development to open professional opportunities to all students.   

Viewers submitted questions for speakers via email to [email protected] and via Twitter at @BrookingsGov by using #TheCareerArts.