Why creative arts degrees are undervalued
What exactly are you studying? What are you going to make out of it in the future? Will it actually help you get a job? Are you planning on starting your own magazine? These are the questions people always ask when I tell them about my bachelor’s degree: Magazine Journalism & Publishing.
Most of the people I talk to do not really understand what my BA really consists of and where it is going to lead me in the future. Their first thoughts are always “magazines” or “journalism” since they do not read between the lines but rather just stick to the name of the degree.
In Morocco, being able to study a degree that is considered creative is rare, and sometimes not taken seriously. This has been my whole life, challenging the Moroccan mentality and finding my own way.
Taking a creative arts degree can open doors to so many opportunities in real life. As design-focused entrepreneur Lindy Staadecker told me: “Arts and creativity translates differently for everyone,” and it is one of the best ways to work as a team without anyone compromising their beliefs and cultures.
People can better understand students studying for degrees in business management, engineering, architecture, accounting, etc. However, they difficulties in processing what a creative art degree might lead to: for them, it is something that it outside the box and is less likely to guarantee success in professional life.
What people do not know is that creative art degrees open doors to numerous opportunities in so many different fields. Studying on BA Magazine Journalism & Publishing at London College of Communication, I have acquired a lot of knowledge about so many different aspects of the media and creative sectors.
Not only writing, I’ve learned to use applications such as InDesign, that are used worldwide on a daily basis, how to devise business plans, create and edit content, make both print and digital magazines and so much more.
One day, I hope to apply all of this knowledge in the jobs that I do. And if I change my mind about my career path, the creative industries are varied enough to allow me to do so. As Lindy Staadecker says: “You do not have to be afraid to change career or change your mind about your job.”
The advantage of taking a creative arts degree is that the industries it leads to are so diverse and present so many opportunities – you are not setting out on a straight path.
Do not be afraid to think outside the box. Do not be afraid to take a creative arts degree. Do not be afraid to change your mind about your career. Apply what you learned into your future jobs. Do not be afraid to take risks.
Feature image by Maura Barbulescu from Pixabay.