By Erin Tigro
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Employment Outlook for Creative Professionals
According to information reported by the job website CareerBuilder.com, some of the most popular positions in 2011 were either in liberal arts fields or could be pursued with a general degree. Some of these careers include social work, human services, education, advocacy and management. What's more, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2008-2018 employment in fine arts and liberal arts fields is expected to hold up rather well. Artists, illustrators, writers, editors, musicians and educators, to name a few, are all fields that aren't predicted to decline but instead to grow at a relatively average pace.
Top Skills and Versatility
Creative and liberal arts majors have usually taken courses designed to provide them with exemplary skills in critical thinking, research and writing. They may have honed their ability to communicate and present information in a clear and concise manner. Cultural awareness is another key strength many arts majors possess. Also, in a professional realm these individuals are often efficient problem-solvers and multi-taskers. While in college, they may have taken a broader mix of classes rather than a more focused curriculum. This general training often allows individuals to be more easily molded into the type of professional employers want.
Getting Where You Want to Be
If there's one field you know you want to pursue, focus on gaining real-world experience in that area. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, job applicants are often more closely scrutinized for their abilities and experience, not their educational background. If you're not sure what you want to do, an arts degree can open up opportunities in seemingly unrelated fields such as media, business, sales or management, to name a few.
Continue reading to learn how to earn your worth while working in the arts.