What can I do with a Degree in Art History and Theory?

Introduction

Choosing a career involves more than just finding out what is open to you. Knowledge about yourself is central to the process. It is valuable to start by looking at your individual values, interests, and skills in order to relate career options to you. The suggestions here are only an aid to this decision-making process.

Most employers look for generic skills such as communication, interpersonal, customer-focus and the ability to work in, and contribute to, a team. Some of these are developed during your degree, whilst others have been developed through extra-curricular activity such as sports, community, or cultural groups. As more and more employers are developing job titles that are particular to their own environment, it is more difficult to provide a definitive list of possible career options. The ones that follow should be considered to be illustrative rather than exhaustive.

Many professions require a four-year degree - think of Law or Engineering – and any three-year degree should be considered a foundation on which to build. You may find an employer willing to train you, but more often additional vocationally oriented courses (e.g. journalism added to a BA degree) will be required. For many Arts graduates, their first employment position is a 'stepping stone' job to gain experience, particularly as many long-term career options require substantial work experience before entry into the job or onto a training course. Other Arts graduates may be aiming to progress within a particular organisation or industry by starting off in an administrative or sales position.

What skills are developed?

The study of Art History and Theory develops a range of specific skills and knowledge through the study of painting and drawing, architecture, sculpture, photographyand printmaking, ceramics, furniture and weaving. These include an understanding of; the relation between culture and society, the significance of visual communication and the role of iconology, the ability to evaluate aesthetic quality, attribute meaning and emotional content to visual information, analyse visual effects and construct hypothesis, separate technique from overall visual effect, understand the symbolic impact of images – what ‘works’ visually, as well as knowledge of the historical and cultural contexts of art.

In addition to the subject-specific knowledge and technical skill you have gained through your course, you will also have developed transferable skills that can be used in many occupations. These may include: the ability to think carefully, rationally, systematically and lucidly, analysis and interpretation of information and the ability to critically evaluate it; written and spoken communication skills shown through written work, presentations and informed debate; IT skills demonstrated by the presentation of projects and dissertations and through training in research methods and analysis; team working through project work carried out in groups; problem-solving skills developed by regular analysis of case studies and developing strategies to deal with key issues that arise; time management skills developed organising your study workload and meeting deadlines whilst juggling part-time employment and extracurricular activities.

Career options

While some graduates work directly in ‘art’ jobs, career possibilities are very diverse. Many Art History and Theory graduates enter careers that seek students of any discipline, but which offer ample opportunity to use their highly developed aesthetic sense, attention to visual detail, analytical and research skills and verbal, written and thinking skills. Individuals with different interests have found employment in a variety of roles such as administrator, salesperson, business management trainee, market researcher, case manager, library assistant and insurance customer service officer.

Jobs most closely related to the study of Art History and Theory, either directly after graduating or after further training and work experience, include the following: Museum or Gallery curator, Museum Education Officer, Arts Education Officer, Picture Librarian, Conservator, Archivist, Fine Arts Auctioneer or Valuer, Historic Buildings or Heritage Manager, Arts Administrator, Art Critic or Journalist, Event Organiser, Tourism Officer and Editorial Assistant. For those with strong practical art skills, other related jobs include Artist, Designer, Architect, Art Teacher and Art Therapist.

It is important to appreciate that career opportunities in some areas, and in some roles are dependent not only on applicants having certain skills and/or knowledge, but also on personal qualities and attributes such as interpersonal and leadership potential. Such qualities and attributes can have a significant influence on the entry level into a company or organisation, or career progression within it.

Types of employers

Art History and Theory graduates are employed in a variety of areas, including Museums and galleries, heritage conservation, education institutions at all levels, design businesses, media, publishing, tourism and hospitality, performing arts, insurance, marketing and sales, public relations, local and central government, library and information services, advertising, retail/wholesale, manufacturing, health and rehabilitation are all examples of sectors within the vast range of industry, commerce and service organisations suitable for Art History graduates.

Where have graduates been employed?

2006 & 2007 graduate destination information for different subject areas and qualification levels is available via the Universities New Zealand - Te Pōkai Tara website.

NZUniGradStats (published in June 2008) contains information on destinations and other outcomes from the annual survey of all graduates from the New Zealand university system.

Further study

It is possible to study at post-graduate level in subjects both directly related and unrelated to your degree. Related courses of study include the Honours degree, and studies at Masters and PhD level. This additional study can impact on the entry level of employment in industry. Carefully consider your motivation for study, how it fits in with your long-term career plans and whether it is likely to enhance your employment prospects.

Art History and Theory graduates who want to pursue work in conservation should consider the training available in Australia, the UK and the United States. At this time there are no courses in conservation available in New Zealand. Those wanting to work in the areas of Historic Places or Heritage should consider study, in addition to their Art History and Theory degree, in one or more of the following subject areas: history, archaeology, anthropology, architecture, planning, library or museum studies. Many Arts Graduates do additional training in, for example, Design, Teaching, Museum Studies, Library, Journalism or Management. The University of Canterbury offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Art Curatorship.

How can I find out more?

This should have started your thinking about your future. To follow this up and find out more information on jobs of interest, visit Careers New Zealand.

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