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First, some facts. Of the Dance 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 254 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 53%, Dance graduates have a much lower likelihood (-14%) 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 Dance graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 0% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2011 from University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONOperations Manager XPO Logistics, Inc. Apr 2014 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After analyzing the career paths of individuals who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Dance, it’s evident that they tend to find themselves in a wide range of occupations. Some of these jobs are deeply intertwined with dance, while others veer far from the art form altogether. The most common roles for dance graduates include positions as dance instructors, choreographers, and dancers, where foundational skills and knowledge obtained during their studies are directly applicable. The teaching roles, particularly, emphasize the application of dance techniques, choreography, and performance skills learned throughout their education.
However, many dance graduates also take on jobs that are less relevant to their degree. The data shows a significant number of alumni end up in roles such as server, administrative assistant, or customer service positions. These roles do not utilize the specific skills developed from a dance education, indicating that the connection to their training is tenuous at best. Jobs in marketing or roles that involve community engagement may touch on creativity or performance aspects, but they primarily focus on a different set of skills entirely. This suggests that while dance training fosters certain valuable abilities like teamwork, creativity, and communication, many alumni find themselves in fields where these skills are applied in ways that do not directly involve dance.
The analysis leads to the conclusion that while many dance graduates begin their careers in roles that make direct use of their skills, a significant portion also work in areas that don't fully capitalize on their dance training. This outcome speaks to the versatility of a dance degree but also highlights the challenges graduates may face in finding jobs strictly aligned with their specialized education. Overall, while some find great success in maintaining a career focused on dance, many others adapt to a broader job market that may not directly value their unique skill set.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Dance graduates:
Analyzing the career trajectories of dance graduates reveals a fascinating mix of destinies that illustrate the diverse opportunities and challenges faced by individuals in the arts. A quick glance at their professional journeys showcases that many graduates initially gravitate towards teaching roles or artistically inclined positions immediately after graduation. For instance, a number of graduates took on roles as dance instructors, teaching artists, or involved themselves in community dance initiatives. This suggests that the first step for many of these individuals is often rooted in sharing their skills and knowledge, which is pretty common in the dance field.
However, as we track their careers five to ten years down the line, the picture becomes more complex. Some graduates manage to establish themselves firmly in the dance community, securing roles with prestigious companies or taking up substantial positions such as artistic directors, choreographers, or professional dancers. For instance, graduates from institutions like the University of Florida and Hofstra University have climbed the ranks within reputable companies, demonstrating that success in this competitive field is achievable for a select few. Others, however, made lateral moves into completely different sectors, transitioning into roles that may not utilize their dance degrees directly, such as marketing, management, or even real estate. This could suggest that while dance education instills valuable skills, such as discipline and creativity, the paths taken can diverge significantly based on personal interests or external economic factors.
Sadly, there also seems to be a fair number of individuals who have found themselves in jobs that are not closely related to dance at all. Jobs such as servers, bartenders, or administrative roles in sectors far removed from the arts indicate a reality many graduates face: the scarcity of sustainable dance careers. This trend of taking up unrelated work could also stem from the unpredictability of the performing arts industry and the often transient nature of dance jobs, leading to unintended career pivots. Therefore, while some find success and satisfaction in dance-related careers, numerous others appear to navigate a less direct path that may not reflect their original aspirations. Overall, it seems evident that a degree in dance provides a breadth of opportunities, but the reality of achieving a fulfilling, dance-centered career is highly variable and often influenced by multiple factors, including individual circumstances and market demands.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Dance can be quite demanding, and it's probably tougher than you might think. It’s not just about showing up to class and doing a few routines; it involves intense physical training, choreography, theory, and often a lot of performance critique. You'll be spending hours in the studio, working on technique and perfecting your art, and balancing that with academic courses can be a challenge. So, while it’s super rewarding if you’re passionate about dance, expect to put in serious effort and time, which makes it definitely harder than your average degree.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Dance.
When you look through the career paths of these dance graduates, it seems like making a lot of money might be a challenge for some but better for others. Many of them started with lower-paying roles, such as teaching dance, working as servers, or even taking up freelance gigs. Even if they’ve moved into roles like dance instructors or coordinators, it doesn't always translate to a solid income, especially since many teaching jobs in dance often pay less than you'd expect. On the flip side, those who have shifted into management positions or combined dance with marketing or education roles seem to be doing better financially. You can really see a mix of those still hustling in the arts and some who have found a more stable career trajectory through related fields.
Overall, it looks like if they’re dedicated enough to pursue their passion and adapt, they can find decent opportunities, but many still have to juggle side gigs or alternative jobs to make ends meet. So, while some definitely seem to be making decent money down the line, for a lot, it’s more of a struggle in the arts world and requires a balance between passion and practicality. It’s a tough path, but with patience and the right moves, it can pay off eventually for those in the game.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Dance. This may or may not be useful:
