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’re only part of the 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 support careers in 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.

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 aren’t 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,” said Paul Higdon, STLCC professor and music program coordinator.

In an art, music, theatre or design class, students practice making choices, trying ideas and adjusting when something doesn’t work. 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 isn’t 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 in a real, low-pressure way.

3. The Arts Teach Collaboration and Feedback

Many careers require people to work with others, accept feedback and improve their work. Arts classes 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. Students may build a set, shape clay, rehearse music, edit a design or prepare a portfolio. Each task takes 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.

Those 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 Arts Classes Can Help Any 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 learn more about 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,” Nesser-Chu said. “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.”

You can study the arts as a major, take one creative class or build skills that support another career path. STLCC offers options that can help you explore your interests and connect creativity to your goals.