Should you opt for an arts degree in this job market?
Friday, 12, Mar 2010 12:00
Although Britain's employment landscape is showing signs of improvement, graduates still face tough competition for jobs. If a tertiary education is no longer as impressive as it used to be, should students be opting for specific skills training in areas such as science or engineering? Or is there still place in our economy for philosophers, designers and entertainers?
Many recruitment experts believe that degrees in science, education, technology and maths (STEM subjects) offer better graduate career prospects than those in the arts and social sciences.
According to the Times, a recent survey showed that more than 80% of physical science and maths students found graduate jobs within three years of leaving university. In comparison, 70% of history, philosophy and creative arts graduates found jobs within the same timeframe.
There is a difference, but not a very big one.
The art of finding paid employment
It must be said that many arts graduates do have to spend their early careers in unpaid jobs in order to get a foot in the door of their chosen industry.
With the government's plans to reduce more of its funding to art institutions, the industry is becoming increasingly dependent on free graduate labour.
Unfortunately, many young people are being excluded from a career in the arts because they cannot afford to support themselves while they work for free. Others have massive education debts which need to be repaid.
Interns are only allowed to claim Jobseeker's Allowance if they are out of work for a full six months. This is why, in most cases, only those with savings or financial backing are able to add unpaid work experience to their CVs.
Additionally, many arts institutions end up exploiting graduates by expecting them to work for months on end with no pay, whilst giving them the opportunity to learn nothing but how to make tea.
The Arts Group, a student and graduate body, has called on government to regulate the use of unpaid internships by arts organisations, asking for the national minimum wage for all placements that last longer than a month, reports the Guardian.
Opportunities
On the other hand, the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) has forecast major growth for the country's creative industries, particularly in the film, music, fashion, television and gaming industries.
Another positive piece of news is the recent announcement by the Jerwood Foundation that it will launch a £600,000 graduate art scheme this September. The programme will provide paid internships to 40 graduates in performing and visual arts, as well as arts management.
Commenting on the scheme, Culture Minister Margaret Hodge said it "aims to help create a level playing field of opportunity so that real talent in the arts can get through, regardless of economic barriers."
And those arts degree holders who are keen to pursue careers in other fields will find that their education can open up a diverse range of positions within the business world and public sector. According to the Times, two-thirds of all graduate jobs are open to those who have studied any degree course.
The truth is: an arts degree will only limit you if you allow it to.