Five Ways Studying the Arts Can Boost Your Career
July 25, 2025
Posted by School of Communication, Design and Creative Arts in Programs and Pathways
When students think about studying the arts, they may picture painting, acting, music or design. Those are important parts of the arts, but they are not the whole story.
Studying the arts can also help students build career skills that employers value in many fields. Creativity, communication, confidence, problem-solving, teamwork and emotional intelligence can help in jobs connected to business, health care, education, technology, public service and more.
Through STLCC courses in studio art, design, music and theatre, students can explore creative interests while building skills that support career growth.
The arts are not separate from career preparation. They help students practice the human skills that make people stronger communicators, collaborators and problem-solvers.
Here are five ways studying the arts can help you in college, at work and in life.
1. The Arts Help You Think Creatively
Creative thinking is useful in almost every career. Employers need people who can look at problems in new ways, test ideas and find solutions that are not always obvious.
“The arts can open up your mind to previously unthought and unimagined realms, which is a skill that can lead to the ability to form creative solutions, regardless of one’s chosen endeavor.”
— Paul Higdon, STLCC professor and music program coordinator
In an art, music, theatre or design class, students practice making choices, trying ideas, adjusting when something does not work and thinking beyond the first answer. Those habits can help in careers where problem-solving and innovation matter.
2. The Arts Build Confidence and Leadership
The arts often ask students to share ideas, present work, perform, lead projects or explain creative choices. That can feel intimidating at first, but it helps students build confidence over time.
“Theatre students use critical thinking as they explore humanistic concerns, develop creativity, interpret human behavior and study historical context,” said Marie McCool, lead theatre manager for STLCC. “This builds self-confidence, creates vision, teaches language, memorization and physical expression, provides hands-on technical skills in lighting and construction — all while developing collaboration and problem-solving skills.”
Leadership is not only about being in charge. It can also mean speaking clearly, listening to others, taking responsibility and helping a group move toward a shared goal. Arts classes give students a place to practice those skills.
3. The Arts Teach Collaboration and Feedback
Many careers require people to work with others, accept feedback and improve their work. Arts classes can help students get comfortable with that process.
“One of the biggest things I took from studying art was learning how to give and receive feedback,” said Brock Seals, an STLCC alumnus who earned an associate in fine art from the College and is currently studying graphic design at STLCC-Meramec.
“Just being in a space where you’re constantly bouncing ideas off other creatives really pushes your thinking. Sometimes, someone else’s perspective will take your idea somewhere you never even imagined. That type of collaboration taught me how to stay open and flexible, and that mindset has stuck with me in everything I do now.”
Feedback can be hard, especially when you care about your work. But learning how to hear feedback, ask questions and make improvements is a skill students can use in class, at work and in future careers.
4. The Arts Build Focus and Discipline
Creative work takes practice. Whether students are building a set, shaping clay, rehearsing music, editing a design or preparing a portfolio, the arts require patience, focus and follow-through.
“The benefits of studying art extend far beyond the creation of beautiful objects,” said Norleen Nosri, assistant professor of ceramics and fine arts program coordinator at STLCC-Forest Park. “In a ceramics class, for instance, students develop not only technical expertise in crafting and manipulating materials, but also crucial soft skills.”
Nosri said students also build communication, teamwork, time management and responsibility in the studio.
These skills matter outside the arts too. Employers value people who can manage time, pay attention to detail, keep a workspace organized and complete work with care.
5. The Arts Strengthen Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence includes skills such as empathy, self-awareness, communication and the ability to understand different perspectives. These skills are important in careers that involve people, teamwork, leadership, customer service or community impact.
“Engaging with art, theatre, music and design fosters the development of emotional intelligence,” said Janice Nesser-Chu, dean of the School of Communications, Design and Creative Arts at STLCC. “Students learn to communicate effectively, share responsibilities, resolve conflicts and appreciate different perspectives, all of which are crucial aspects of social-emotional learning.”
Through performances, critiques, group projects and class discussions, students learn to understand ideas, cultures and experiences beyond their own. That can make them stronger communicators and more thoughtful coworkers.
Why This Matters for Your Career
The arts can support many career paths, not just creative careers. A student studying business may benefit from stronger presentation and communication skills. A student entering health care may benefit from empathy and careful observation. A student in technology may benefit from creative problem-solving and design thinking.
Arts classes can also help students explore who they are, what they value and how they want to express ideas. That kind of growth can shape how students show up in the classroom, workplace and community.
Find Your Path at STLCC
“At STLCC, exploring the arts goes hand-in-hand with career preparation,” said Nesser-Chu. “Students enrolled in drawing, music, theatre or design courses develop valuable, lifelong skills. Our faculty, practicing artists and professionals, offer valuable mentorship and career guidance, enriching the learning experience with real-world insights.”
Whether you want to study the arts as a major, take one creative class or build skills that support another career path, STLCC offers options to help you explore your interests.
Turn Creative Interests Into Career Skills
STLCC’s School of Communication, Design and Creative Arts can help you explore the arts, build practical skills and connect your creativity to future goals.
