Why An Arts Degree Isn’t As Risky As It Once Seemed
Back in my school days, people questioned my ambition to study arts. “Where will it lead you? Do you know it pays little? Have you considered studying something more practical?” Thankfully, I’ve always been quite good at sticking to my goals.
Interestingly, I’ve found most of their concerns are simply myths, and the arts field has its own set of unspoken advantages.
Job Security Isn’t Everything, Variety Can Pay Off
I graduated in 2008 with a theater degree and jumped right onto a cruise ship job for five years. This surprising move allowed me to repay my student loans and gain many valuable skills. While many folks with ‘stable’ business or finance degrees were struggling at the time, I navigated smoothly.
The reality is uncertainty can strike any job field. The winning ticket is adaptability. The modern career trend is job-hopping, something those in the arts are naturally accustomed to.
Benefit of Live-In Jobs
Many jobs in the arts, especially at the start of your career, offer housing. This can also be an opportunity for travel enthusiasts willing to explore jobs in Asia, the Middle East, or onboard tours and cruise ships.
The Creative Advantage
As technology evolves, creative and human-centric jobs prove resilient. Take accountancy for instance, today many folks prefer using apps like TurboTax. Even coders need that creative edge. A coder with graphic designing skills steals the limelight.
Creative Thinking is a Trader’s Skill
Businesses admire creative problem solvers. If you’ve solved unusual problems while working on a production, chances are you can unravel common business issues with ease. Few understand that creativity is one muscle that’s well-exercised in the arts. If you Google creative thinking and business, you’ll be inundated with results from Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, and other business brains.
The Power of People Skills
If you’re in the arts, you probably have a knack for working with a myriad of personalities. We’re a mix of actors, directors, designers, musicians, and stage managers, all knowing how to collaborate towards a shared goal. These people skills are vital in any business field.
In conclusion, society increasingly appreciates creative input into traditional work fields. Hence, an arts degree could offer a unique advantage, even in the corporate world. Enjoy your path in the arts, it’s more promising than you might think.