The arts industry is vast and dynamic, encompassing many disciplines and opportunities. There is no limit on what one can pursue in the field, and uniquely, anything can be made into a profession after graduation. A profession in the arts allows students to turn the things they love into meaningful careers.
Colgate University senior Anna Miksis plans on doing just that by pursuing a career in museum curation after she graduates.
“I was probably first exposed to the cultural power of art and museums through my dad, who has always been an enthusiastic art museum-goer. Many of my fondest memories with him are of the museums we visited wherever we traveled growing up,” Miksis said.
Colgate’s liberal arts education not only allows students to foster their established interests but also provides the opportunity to experiment in many different areas and find a career that is the right fit for them. Branching out from the strict path you had planned for yourself and taking a class on something you find interesting — even if you have never tried it before — can lead you to find your passion and the career you ultimately want to pursue.
Senior Leila Bekaert came to Colgate planning to major in environmental science, but a course she took in her first year altered this path completely.
“I had a hobby of watching movies, so I thought why not take [a course titled] ‘Introduction to Film’ […]. Getting to learn what went into making a movie was what made me really passionate about the arts,” Bekaert said.
Junior Emma Koestler reflected on how her passion for music began as a teenager and has led her to develop an interest in the music business, which she hopes to pursue after graduating.
“I became fascinated with the idea of working behind the scenes at a major label or management company, helping artists shape their careers and contributing to their success,” Koestler said.
The arts field is fraught with uncertainty. It can be highly challenging to get a foot in the door and find a job in the industry. Many people hesitate to follow their passion for the arts for this reason.
Koestler spoke to the challenges of pursuing a career in the arts, explaining that breaking into the industry can be difficult.
“One of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered in the entertainment industry is finding summer opportunities,” Koestler said. “Since I’ve known for a while that this is the path I want to pursue, I began searching for internships as early as my freshman year. I quickly realized, however, that the process is highly competitive, with thousands of students applying for the same roles. I’ve also learned how valuable connections are in this industry, often making a crucial difference in securing opportunities.”
She expanded on this, explaining how connecting with Colgate alumni has been valuable to her throughout her career development.
“I participated in Sophomore Connections, where I had the opportunity to network with an alumna I still stay in touch with today,” Koestler said. “She has been incredibly helpful, sharing insights from her own journey and offering valuable advice on navigating the industry.
A career in the arts may seem daunting and cause students to hesitate when considering majors within the field. However, the arts allow students to follow their passions and find jobs doing things they love. Finding joy in work is extremely rare, and students who find it should follow it.
“If you really like a subject or are passionate about something, there are the resources, so you should not be afraid to take that step and do what you are truly passionate about,” Bekaert said.
