Originally written by Juliana de Souza at the UBC Career Centre.
Arts students often express uncertainty about their future and may struggle to connect their degree with possible career paths. Students typically ask, ‘What should I do with my degree?’
Real talk: there are no “shoulds.” There are many things you can do with your Arts degree, and many good versions of how you can integrate and apply your UBC experience in the world.
Career: the big picture
Begin by thinking of work as more than just a job. Career means different things to different people. It can mean purpose, livelihood, work, growth, community action, future success, and more. Learning about your values and interests, while making use of the opportunities and tools available to you, can help you envision multiple possibilities for your future. As you engage in this self-learning process, the questions and resources below can help you get started on your own. Additionally, the Centre for Student Involvement & Careers (CSI&C) has professional Career Educators available to navigate this conversation with you.
One of the best ways to set yourself up for success is to clarify your thoughts about career. Choose a few of the questions below. Try a 10-minute free-writing activity, or do some doodling. Once you’ve jotted down some thoughts, share them with a friend. You might be surprised by how unique your views and needs are.
- Where do your values show up?
- What do experience, growth, and fulfillment have to do with career?
- What role does money play?
- What defines good or worthwhile work for you?
Reframe your career beliefs
Once you start exploring the meaning of career, you may find yourself holding on to beliefs that could be unintentionally limiting your options or openness to paths that could be meaningful to you. For instance, a common belief of many Arts students is that ‘my career should be directly related to my degree,’ and this belief may stop you from going in directions that you may have found fulfilling. Be prepared to challenge common beliefs! What changes if you say ‘my degree will give me skills and knowledge that can be applied to many possible careers?’ Think about some of the common beliefs you may have. Ask yourself: how does this belief help me? What makes it challenging?
Another common belief held by many Arts students is ‘my Arts degree is of little worth.’ The truth is, employers from different sectors are increasingly interested in the skills and mindsets Arts graduates can bring to the workplace, including writing, communication, and relationship-building skills. For instance, at UBC’s Career Days 2019, 40 of the 102 participating employers were interested in hiring Arts students.
Open your mind to new industries
As we experience a revolution in technology, there is a rise in jobs that require critical thinking, curiosity, creativity, and empathy. Arts students are trained to develop these skills and are well-positioned to fulfill these roles. While technology is having an impact in all industries and automation is changing many careers, jobs that require a human touch are thriving. Fields like finance, the energy sector, and technology are seeing the value of an Arts education and are hiring graduates for their ability to adapt, solve problems, and collaborate. Arts graduates are also diving into the entrepreneurial economy.
Curious to learn more? Explore what Arts alumni are doing in the world. Making the most of the employment opportunities available to Arts graduates will depend on the meaning you give to career, and the truth is that career is not as linear as you might think.
Your conversations will shape you
A curiosity conversation, otherwise known as an informational interview, is one great way to gather information on a topic of interest. When it comes to careers, you can talk to professionals that have jobs, education, and/or values that interest you. From these conversations, you can learn how people’s career experiences and education can help you make decisions about your life and what you might do next.
Climb the wall, not the ladder
Imagine a rock climbing wall – how is this different from climbing a ladder? Traditionally, the idea of career success was presented as climbing the rigid imaginary ladder with one direction to go and one destination to reach. However, this is another common belief that needs reframing – remember, career is not as linear as you might think. The rock climbing wall is flexible and once you start climbing it, there are different ways you can go depending on your level of preparedness, fitness, and expertise. Your Arts degree can also take you in multiple directions.
You now know that communication, the ability to connect, and creativity are highly sought skills amongst employers. Plus, the meaning you give to career can help you identify opportunities to explore. The experiences you have, the people you meet, the skills you develop will have a direct impact on how you choose your career. As you move forward, invite others into career conversations and challenge any common beliefs that may be limiting your experiences. Remember, your UBC experiences and specifically your Arts education is preparing you for multiple possibilities for your future life and career. In truth, your career has already begun.
Have questions or want to have a career conversation? Sign up for an appointment with Arts Career Strategist Robyn Stalkie through CareersOnline by clicking the “Advising” tab at the top.
