Career paths are clear for those studying maths, engineering or science, but art subjects can be less so. I am currently in my third year of an English and Philosophy degree and am job hunting myself. I decided to write this article to explore the career options available for arts students and grads so if you’re looking for career inspiration, grab a pen and notepad and take note…
1. Communications
A relatively common choice for arts grads but a solid one nonetheless, comms is a very broad term which can incorporate marketing, PR, digital content and social media. Large companies such as Unilever, Asos, Marks and Spencer and Virgin Media offer large graduate schemes in marketing or marketing and sales. Applications are open around now (Autumn) for September 2018 start dates.
PR agencies can offer a fast paced, writing-heavy roles for graduates. They look for smart, savvy grads with strong writing and people skills. Salaries in smaller PR companies can start low, around £18,000, but progression can be good. Comms roles in charities and the government (through the Civil Service Fast Stream) are also available. Gaining internships and work experience will strengthen an application in this area.
2. Social work
Not always a common choice with arts graduates but there is a big push at the moment for grads who wouldn’t usually have considered social work as a career. Programmes such as Frontline and Think Ahead allow entry and full training into the career path for people from any degree background. If you care about making a difference in society and love working with people then this could be for you. The independent thought, creativity, research and communication skills gained in an arts degree will be looked at favourably by both the employers mentioned above.
3. Teaching/TEFL
Teaching is another great career option for arts students and it can be really varied. Routes in include a PGCE offered for 1 year by many universities or a fast track programme such as TeachFirst . Another option, especially good if you’re undecided about a career path, is TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language), you can do an online or classroom based course and this will allow you to teach English all over the world. This is great for travel opportunities.
4. Charities/Museums/Galleries
All of these sectors are hard to break into but if you’re passionate and happy to spend some time volunteering whilst you’re studying then it’s possible. Salaries aren’t high but if you’re all about doing what you love then the salaries offered are manageable. Galleries in cities often have volunteering positions and you can often do a lot more interesting work than if you were formerly working for them. Charity volunteering through ICS is a popular choice for grads and it can launch you into many careers such as in International development and charity work. Charities such as Mind and Save the Children have entry level positions in their head offices.
Charity Works is a part time training programme for people looking to break into a charity career
5. Advertising
Advertising is a big industry with lots of varied and often creative roles. The communication and creative skills gained in an arts degree will make you an attractive graduate to an advertising firm. Competition for jobs can be tough but there are lots of companies out there, mainly in London.
For more information, The IPA Admission is a site listing lots of agencies with graduate schemes, and here is an article about working in advertising.
