What jobs can I do with an arts degree?
While a degree in engineering or nursing can set you on your career path from day one, arts degrees rarely have a strong vocational focus. However, an arts qualification is a way into a whole host of careers.
When it comes to arts degrees, it's more a question of what you can't do than what you can. While roles requiring specialist or vocational qualifications such as research scientist, architect, programmer or civil engineer might be out of the question, the basic graduate skills you have built up through your degree are transferable to a wide range of jobs and professions.
Teaching is good, but it's not your only option
There's a lot more to choose from than simply teaching your degree subject. There are the obvious roles that make use of the specific skills you learned – journalism for English grads, translation for modern language students and design for... er... design graduates. However, there is a whole range of careers you may not have considered or thought yourself qualified for. Follow the links for a rundown of some options.
Freelance careers are an increasingly popular option, particularly for those qualified in languages and the visual arts. This form of work allows you the freedom to explore your own interests while taking on contracts to pay the bills. However, it can be a challenge until you make a name for yourself so building up a portfolio through work experience opportunities or time spent in a full-time role can help your chances.
You have to sell your graduate skills
With an arts degree the world of graduate careers is truly your oyster. However, in some of the career areas outlined you may be up against graduates who have a degree more specific and relevant to the role.
To give yourself the best chance possible when applying for positions, you need to tailor your application to the specific vacancy and draw out the skills and competences you have acquired during your studies and work experience that are relevant to the role. The key general skills and aptitudes graduate employers look for include:
- communication
- research
- presentation skills
- flexibility
- initiative
- computer literacy
- self motivation
- problem solving
- analytical thinking
- organisation and planning
- interpersonal skills
- time management
- innovative thinking.
Focus on the skills that are most relevant to the job and provide examples from your studies, extra-curricular activities and work experience to add real weight to your application.
Where to look next
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