In a surprising shift of hiring strategy, leading finance firms BlackRock and Goldman Sachs are opening their doors to liberal arts majors. Acknowledging the need for diverse perspectives and skill sets, executives at both companies are recognizing the value that liberal arts graduates can bring to the world of finance.

Speaking at Fortune's Future of Finance: Technology and Transformation event, Robert Goldstein, the Chief Operating Officer of BlackRock, announced the firm's intention to hire individuals who have majored in subjects such as history and English. BlackRock, known for its focus on the STEM field, is now actively seeking right-brained applicants who can offer new ways of thinking and problem-solving.

At BlackRock, approximately a quarter of the company consists of technologists, a trend that the firm has been following for some time. However, as Goldstein noted, the company's conviction in the importance of diversifying its workforce is growing, leading them to explore different backgrounds and disciplines.

Goldstein further explained that the company's strategy involves a large-scale hiring of analysts from universities, aiming to find unique applicants with fresh perspectives. He emphasized the significance of diversity in thinking and people, highlighting that it fuels innovation within the organization.

BlackRock's decision to include liberal arts graduates in its workforce aligns with a broader industry trend. As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, there is an increasing demand for skills related to questioning, creativity, and innovation. Matt Candy, global managing partner in generative AI at IBM Consulting, believes that AI will free up more capacity for creative thought processes, making skills like coding less essential. Instead, individuals with language backgrounds could find opportunities as prompt-engineers for AI tools.

George Lee, co-head of Goldman Sachs' global institute, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, logic, rhetoric, and creativity in the changing job landscape. He predicts that the rise of AI will create new opportunities while rendering some traditional tasks obsolete.

As technology reshapes Wall Street, the rise of liberal arts graduates in finance positions offers a promising future. With their unique skills and diverse perspectives, these graduates may play a significant role in leveraging AI and driving innovation within the industry.