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 people think about studying the arts in college, they might assume it’s only for people who want to become a painter, actor or musician. But did you know that it can help you succeed in all kinds of careers, even ones that don’t seem connected to the arts at all?

Even if you’re majoring in science, business or technology, the arts can enrich your education in powerful ways. St. Louis Community College offers programs that emphasize both artistic development and career preparation. Students can explore studio art, design, music and theatre, developing valuable skills like creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and emotional intelligence.

Here are five key ways studying the arts can boost your career — and your life.

The Arts Teach You to Think Creatively

“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, professor and music program coordinator at STLCC-Florissant Valley.

That kind of thinking is super helpful in any job. Employers want people who can solve problems, think outside the box, and come up with fresh ideas.

The Arts Build Leadership Skills

“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.”

By studying theatre and performance, you learn to think carefully, solve problems and express yourself with confidence. These skills can help in any career.

The Arts Help You Learn to Work Well with Others

“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.”

Learning to give and receive feedback, stay open to new ideas, and work with others are important skills that come from studying the arts. These lessons help you grow in school, at work and in everyday life.

The Arts Teach Focus, Discipline and Personal Growth

“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.

“The precise hand-eye coordination and attention to detail required hone craftsmanship, while collaborative projects foster effective communication and teamwork. The shared studio environment fosters a strong sense of citizenship, demonstrated through collaborative tasks like loading and unloading the kiln, maintaining a clean and organized workspace (leaving it better than they found it), and actively assisting and teaching one another to optimize their work processes.

“These combined skills — technical proficiency, communication, time management and civic responsibility — are highly sought-after attributes in virtually any career, making arts education a powerful asset for future professional success.”

Studying art helps students grow in both skill and character, preparing them for success beyond the studio. By building habits like teamwork, time management and responsibility, the arts lay a strong foundation for any career path.

The Arts Help You Develop Emotional Intelligence

“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 group projects, performances and class discussions, the arts can help you learn to communicate clearly, share responsibilities, solve conflicts and respect different points of view. These experiences build emotional intelligence — skills like empathy, self-awareness and cooperation — that are valuable in any career and in everyday life.

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 students pursue careers in business, health care, education or technology, the confidence and critical thinking nurtured through the arts gives them a competitive edge. At the College, the arts aren’t just an academic pursuit — they’re a launchpad for innovation, collaboration and lifelong success.

Learn more about STLCC’s School of Communication, Design and Creative Arts and discover how creativity can shape your future, no matter where your career takes you.