Three Reasons The Arts Provide A Full College Experience

STEM is crucial in higher education, but it’s an optimal experience for a student to attend a college that is strong in both STEM and the arts. While plenty of research has been done on the benefits of the arts in elementary education, there are valuable skills learned by cutting construction paper and coloring inside the lines that can translate to a university setting.

The arts open up a new way of looking at things 

In math, 2+2 always equals 4, but in art red+yellow can appear orange, mustard, coral, or peach depending on various factors. By practicing activities in the arts, students can take their skills and apply them in any setting.

A theater major can use his communication skills to write email copy that is eye-catching and deeply personal compared to the computer-generated content that is being widely used today. 

An English major can use her creative writing skills to translate technical writing for executives and convince an audience that dissolving a business will feel like a bad breakup.  

A public relations major can partner with a nonprofit agency and raise money by hosting an event with a climbing wall to show how each rock is necessary to reach the top. 

These stories highlight how students use their artistic skills in real life, but flexibility isn’t the only reason to pursue creative skills.

The arts are in demand

Quality content is becoming less and less common in the world of AI. Companies have started to use auto-generated content in marketing, and new tools are needed in the world of higher education to catch bot-written essays. Students who effectively create content that looks different from the rest of the world are sought after in the workforce. 

In addition, due to an increasingly global economy, the ability to learn a second language opens doors for students. Bilingual or multilingual careers are increasingly needed as evidenced by a 30% increase in job openings since 2020. Higher wages can be offered for employees that can communicate with customers, patients, or contractors who are speakers of other languages.

Finally, according to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in art and design are growing in number, and the average income in this industry is higher than the median in other careers. In a world that is progressively digital, an artistic eye is important for any creative type of career. Most companies are expected to have a social media presence, dynamic branding on their website, and engaging content–making it difficult to stand out. Students with creativity in the arts as well as practical skills can tackle the challenge.

The arts enrich our lives

Not everything in college needs to be focused on planning for a future career. College is about building community, forming friendships, learning soft skills, and establishing an identity. One of the best ways to enrich the college experience is by participating in the arts. 

STEM majors can benefit from taking up a hobby in pottery, painting, theatre, a sport, or any other creative outlet. This gives the brain a workout in a different way by stretching muscles (possibly literally) that might otherwise be ignored. Moving the body and stretching creative muscles increase endorphins, and endorphins make us happy.

Don’t forget to evaluate the opportunities available to be creative when choosing a university. Incorporating creativity into a student’s life will always be worthwhile, whether to advance their career or improve their quality of life!