College graduates still earn more than high school graduates over the course of their careers. But a recent PayScale survey found that managers increasingly say recent grads lack basic writing, speaking, and problem solving skills.

Traditionally, students have developed these skills through general education programs, which make up roughly one-third of most students’ academic programs. As students begin the new academic year, they are well-served to remember that general education programs are not a burden, but opportunities to develop high-demand skills through courses in the liberal arts.