Career Planning

What is a career plan?  How do I make one?  How do I adjust when I change my mind?

What Can You Do With Your Creative Degree?

You may not realize all of the options you have with your Art, Dance, Fashion, Music, or Theatre degree.  Start with this short video (“Uncle Henry Was Wrong”) and then explore the resources below:

Craft and Fine Artists     Fashion Designers     Merchandising   Makeup Artists

Dancers and Choreographers     Actors     Musicians and Singers

Music Directors and Composers     Producers and Directors     

High School Teachers     Sound Engineering Technicians     Set Designers   

Research Your Career!

There are a number of techniques for researching a career.  Internet research, personal interviews and faculty are great resources.  Know that your “degree” may lead to several different “careers” and your “career path” may take several twists and turns along the way.  Here is some very basic information and information on related careers you can explore.  

Independent Artist Support
Check out SEA: Self Employment in the Arts

The mission of SEA is to provide educational resources to help aspiring artists gain the entrepreneurial knowledge and skills needed to establish and maintain a career as an independent artist.  SEA’s primary focus is on the undergraduate college student and programs are geared towards helping emerging visual, performing, literary, and media artists gain the resources and connections they need to be successful self-employed artists.​  Programming includes conferences, workshops, panel discussions, webinars, competitions and more.  Within these events there are a variety of activities including keynote presentations, artist-led sessions, one-on-one mentoring, round table discussions, networking events, as well as creative releases such as a gallery reception, create room, and improv. Also check out a list of books recommended to SEA by past presenters.​ The list includes titles on financial success, marketing, entrepreneurship, grants and career building.

Video Resources

Here is a sampling of video resources.  While YouTube is full of career tips, make sure you are consulting professional resources.

Guides to Careers in the Theatre - New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center and American Theatre Wing

In the Wings – Learn about the many careers behind the scenes, American Theatre Wing

Working in the TheatreAmerican Theatre Wing

Stepping Out and Growing an Art BusinessJennifer Gough

 

Have questions or need more information?  Contact LuAnn Coldwell, Career Adviser for the Visual & Performing Arts (KSU Advising, click on Career Exploration and Development).

Build a solid foundation starting today!