Most students who earn degrees in art-oriented fields, despite public perception, are getting jobs.
It seems that the world outside the university atmosphere is harsh on students who want to major in something artistic.
“Most parents are afraid that their child won’t get a job,” said Melissa Gibson, chair of the theater department. “It’s one of those ‘You’ll be a waiter for the rest of your life’ things, but what I really drive home for the parents [of students] is that technology changes what you do. What you train for now won’t exist in 10 years.”
In recent years, art and music programs in California’s K-12 public schools have been shut down. Although it might seem like an education in the arts is becoming obsolete, Fresno State’s programs prepare students for artistic disciplines that are still relevant.
“The experiences of our students really aren’t backing up the statistics,” said Tim Anderson, Fresno State marching band director. “The music department’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for their careers. We really provide our students with skills that will serve them well in the current teaching environment in California.”
Anderson added that Fresno State’s music majors get high placement rates. “You hear all the time that band programs are going to get cut, but we’ve had a large number of our music majors land good jobs,” said Anderson.
While most majors choose specific career fields, some students end up going into other fields.
“Some employers aren’t necessarily interested in a specific degree,” said Rita Bocchinfuso-Cohen, director of Career Services. “Most are interested in employees that have a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate flexibility in a busy setting.”
Although most employers might not be specific in what kind of employee they want, students with a broad educational background in the arts train for a specific career goal.
“I’ve always wanted to end up teaching, even though things aren’t looking too great,” said senior music major Travis Rico. “After a lot of the elementary school music programs got cut, there are less jobs out there.”
Despite the job market being tough for graduates with a degree in the arts, some industries aren’t significantly affected by the recession.