Contrary to the commonly held belief that careers in the arts and history sectors are limited and less lucrative, there’s a whole world of opportunity waiting to be explored. The key is knowing where to look and how to apply your unique skills.
In fact, the fields of arts and history offer a diverse range of career opportunities that not only fulfill creative and intellectual needs but can also be quite financially rewarding.
If you’re an arts or history student wondering about your future career prospects, this article is for you. Let’s delve into some of these appealing paths you could consider.
The Art of Storytelling: Content Creation and Marketing
In our digital age, content is king. With the evolution of social media, companies are increasingly looking for creative individuals who can narrate a story — be it through words, visuals, or both. As an arts or history major, your ability to understand human emotions, motivations, and the ebbs and flows of societal trends can be a potent skill set in the world of content creation.
Whether you’re writing articles, creating video content, or developing marketing campaigns, your understanding of the human condition and your ability to express ideas creatively can make you a sought-after professional in the field.
Plus, roles in content marketing are often well-compensated, with plenty of room for career growth.
Leveraging Your Knowledge for Entertainment, Music, History, and Education
Think about the historical movies, documentaries, and even video games that have captivated your attention. Behind the scenes, there’s often a team of history buffs making sure every detail — from the costumes to the dialogue — is accurate and true to the period.
Companies in the entertainment industry, as well as educational institutions, often hire history graduates as consultants.
Some of the most popular specializations in arts, history, teaching, entertainment, and education are as follows:
- MA – History
- Ed. – Career and Technical Education (CTE)
- Ed. – Career and Technical Education with Administrator Certificate
- Ed. – ELL
- Ed. – Health and Physical Education
- Ed. – Library Media
- Ed. – TESOL
- Ed. – Adult Education
- Ed. – Curriculum & Instruction
- Ed. – Early Childhood Education
- Ed. – Educational Leadership
- Ed. – Educational Leadership, Principal Certificate
- Ed. – Literacy
- Ed. – Special Education
- Master of Music – Music Education
If you’re interested in graduate programs, here are the most sought-after ones.
- Graduate Certificate – Career and Technical Education (CTE)
- Graduate Certificate – Career and Technical Education Administrator
- Graduate Certificate – College Teaching
- Graduate Certificate – Early Childhood Education
- Graduate Certificate – ELL
- Graduate Certificate – Health and Physical Education
- Graduate Certificate – Library Media
- Graduate Certificate – Literacy
- Graduate Certificate – Principal
- Graduate Certificate – Special Education
- Graduate Certificate – TESOL
The pay varies widely but can be pretty lucrative, especially for high-profile projects.
The Evergreen Appeal of Teaching and Academia
While teaching might seem like the most obvious path for arts and history graduates, it’s worth noting how rewarding and financially stable this career can be, especially at the collegiate or university level.
If you’re passionate about your subject matter, imagine the fulfillment you’d get from inspiring a new generation of thinkers and creators.
Tenure-track positions at universities may require a significant educational commitment, but they also come with a respectable salary and long-term job security. Moreover, educational consulting, teaching, and curriculum design are emerging fields where specialized knowledge in arts and history can earn you a hefty income.
Museums, Galleries, and Cultural Institutions: Not Just for Volunteers
While entry-level positions in museums or art galleries may not be the highest-paying jobs out there, career growth can lead to financially rewarding roles like curators, archivists, or directors. The key here is specialization and building a unique skill set that sets you apart from others in the field.
It’s not just about preserving art or history; it’s also about presentation, public outreach, and even augmented reality experiences that make art and history accessible and engaging for the public.
Those with a knack for blending technology with arts and history will find plenty of lucrative opportunities in this sector.
Corporate World: Unexpected Avenues
The skills you acquire as an arts or history student—critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication—are highly valued in the corporate world. Roles in human resources, public relations, and even project management can be surprisingly fitting for arts, teaching, music, and history graduates. Companies value the well-rounded perspective and soft skills that you bring to the table, which technical degrees might not necessarily provide.
The point is, don’t limit yourself to traditional paths in your field. By combining your arts or history background with some business acumen, you could find yourself in a high-paying corporate role that you love.
Art Therapy and Counseling: The Healing Power of Creativity
If you’re interested in psychology and have a background in the arts, music, and entertainment, combining the two can lead to a fulfilling and financially rewarding career. Art therapy uses the creative process to help people explore emotions, develop self-awareness, and cope with various challenges, from stress and anxiety to more severe psychological issues.
History majors can similarly enter into specialized counseling roles where their deep understanding of human civilization and culture can aid in therapeutic settings.
Beyond the monetary gains, the emotional rewards of helping others through your passion for arts or history can be immeasurable.
With these two additional career paths, arts and history students now have an even broader spectrum of opportunities. Your degree doesn’t limit you; it equips you with a unique set of skills and a unique lens through which to view—and shape—the world.
With determination, creativity, and a bit of entrepreneurial spirit, the arts and history can indeed be fields of both personal fulfillment and financial success.
Conclusion – The Sky’s the Limit
So, if you’re pursuing a degree in arts or history or have recently graduated, remember that your career opportunities are far from limited. In fact, your specialized skills can serve you well in a variety of sectors.
Just think creatively, be open to unexpected opportunities, and don’t be afraid to take the path less traveled. The future is bright, and your options are plentiful.
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