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First, some facts. Of the Art Studies graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 191 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Bad. Overall, with an average relevance score of 46%, Art Studies graduates have a substantially lower likelihood (-21%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 24% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Art Studies graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 11% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from Southwest School of Art with a Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA in Art Studies. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONCustomer Service Manager BAKERY LORRAINE LLC Mar 2022 - Present Parts Manager CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts Jan 2023 - Present Corporate Social Responsibility Manager  CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts Jun 2023 - Present ABOUTIf the importance of your institution is aligned with my own goals and practices. I welcome the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Thank you for your time and consideration. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
The careers pursued by those holding a degree in Art Studies reveal a mixed landscape regarding the relevance of their positions to their educational background. After analyzing a diverse range of LinkedIn profiles, it’s clear that a myriad of roles exist within the career paths of these graduates. The most common types of jobs found in the data include roles in educational settings (like art teachers and art instructors), positions related to the creative arts (such as photographers, graphic designers, and freelance artists), and those tied to gallery and exhibition management. In contrast, a significant portion of the job listings showed individuals undertaking roles in business management, sales, banking, and customer service, which generally lack direct applicability to their Art Studies education.
Upon further scrutiny, it’s evident that many of these positions, particularly in the fields of education and the arts, directly correlate with the skills and critical analyses taught in Art Studies programs. For instance, art teachers, art instructors, and those working as artistic facilitators or in therapeutic practices leverage their educational experiences to instruct others or to apply art in a therapeutic context. Positions like the Gallery Manager and roles within the art community also echo a solid alignment with the knowledge gained through an Art Studies degree, showcasing the overlap between preserving artistic culture and the graduates’ professional training.
Nevertheless, a concerning trend emerges when looking at the careers of individuals working outside creative or arts-related fields. Many graduates found themselves in roles as bank tellers, administrative assistants, or within retail environments, which could suggest a misalignment between their education and career choices. While some of these positions may utilize soft skills inherent in any well-rounded degree, such as communication and organization, they do not capitalize on the specialized knowledge that an Art Studies program provides. Factors such as market demand, student job placement initiatives, and personal choices play pivotal roles in this disparity. Overall, the relevance of their jobs to Art Studies can vary widely, with certain graduates effectively applying their knowledge while others drift into unrelated fields, unable to tap into the full potential of their degrees.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Art Studies graduates:
Analyzing the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Art Studies reveals some interesting patterns and trends. Many of these individuals appear to start their post-graduate careers in positions that seem indirectly or loosely related to their field, particularly within the first couple of years after graduation. Some take on roles that are not directly tied to art but rather in sectors like banking, marketing, or customer service. For instance, graduates from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Westfield State University began their careers in banking and fulfillment roles, which are far removed from any art-related work.
As we look at their careers about 5 to 10 years after graduating, we start to see a more direct connection to art-related positions for some, especially those who transition into roles like teaching artists or graphic designers. For instance, graduates from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art have managed to build careers as teaching artists, while others have found positions as visual arts teachers or production designers, indicating a possible trend of returning to the arts after exploring other paths. However, it's also important to note that some graduates remain in roles far removed from their field of study—like a former Concept Artist who transitioned into various out-of-field assistant roles. This diversity in career paths illustrates that while some individuals successfully leverage their degree in Art Studies into relevant fields, others end up in careers that seem disconnected from their educational background.
Ultimately, it seems that while art graduates can do well in their careers, the pathway is not as straightforward as one might hope. The first jobs are often unrelated to art, but with time, some manage to find their way back into art-related fields. This suggests that passion for art may lead many graduates to explore varied careers before landing in roles that suit their interests better, while others may remain in positions that, while less relevant, offer stability. So, if you're considering a degree in Art Studies, be prepared for a journey that may lead you down unexpected paths before finding your niche in the art world.
A Bachelor’s degree in Art Studies can vary in difficulty depending on your interests and strengths, but generally speaking, it might be considered a bit easier than some other more technical fields. You'll be diving into a lot of creative projects, art history, and theory, which can be super fun if you're passionate about it. That said, like any degree, it requires dedication and effort—there'll be critiques, long nights working on projects, and research papers that can sometimes feel overwhelming. If you're someone who loves expressing creativity and exploring different art forms, you might find it pretty enjoyable and manageable compared to some heavier academic tracks.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Art Studies.
When looking at these Art Studies graduates, it's a mixed bag in terms of income. Take the person who graduated from Arizona State University in 2012 and is currently a Concept Artist—while they might be doing something pretty cool, the jump from potentially low-paying entry-level jobs to a more stable position can be pretty tough in the creative industries. On the other hand, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln grad who climbed the ranks at Union Bank shows that moving into more traditional fields can lead to better financial stability. It seems like the path isn't all sunshine and rainbows; many in creative roles may struggle to hit those higher income levels unless they find the right niche or combine their art skills with something more marketable.
Overall, while some have found their footing in more robust roles, others in creative fields seem to be juggling gig work or several part-time roles. It highlights the idea that if you want to make decent money in the arts, you often need some clever mixing of skills or a bit of luck in landing a good opportunity. If you're thinking about going down this road, keep that in mind and be ready to hustle!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Art Studies. This may or may not be useful:
