When you have a master of fine arts degree, wondering what to do after you finish your studies is often a little confusing, especially in today's troubled economic climate.
What fine art job opportunities are actually out there?
And if there are jobs available, exactly where should a graduate with a master of fine arts be searching to find one?
What jobs need an advanced degree in the fine arts?
And what can a graduate with an MFA degree do to give themselves an edge when talking to potential employers?
First of all, the field that has probably the most job possibilities for master of fine arts graduates is education.
In the academic world, the master of fine arts is recognized as a terminal degree which not just demonstrates the degree-bearer's expert accomplishments as a working artist, but additionally attests to his or her abilities to teach in the field as well.
This is why most college and university arts teachers are increasingly expected to possess a master of fine arts degree.
And in some cases secondary teachers are finding that obtaining an MFA gives them an advantage if they are looking for arts-related positions.
At the high school level and even the middle-school level, the master of fine arts degree can open doors and give job applicants a competitive edge.
And MFA graduates who want to pursue a teaching career will learn that a number of their MFA credits can be used towards a state teaching certificate or an MA in education.
For all those MFA degree graduates who would rather "do" than "teach", acquiring an artistic mentor who's in a position to offer a paid assistant or internship position is another option.
Most established artists, actors, writers and other creative professionals understand how difficult it can be for current graduates to make a living in their chosen field and are willing to assist these up-and-coming talents get their careers off to a successful start.
A master of fine arts degree may also be utilized as the basis for a profitable career in the area of commercial art.
Museum design jobs, art gallery management, and sales and marketing and advertising for an auction firm are all possibilities for studio artists.
In applying for any of these positions, possessing a terminal degree like an MFA could possibly be an benefit over other job seekers that have a MA in art history or other non-terminal degree.
Due to the fact an MFA degree indicates that the holder is both a creative and innovative thinker and a professional in the field of fine arts, MFA graduates can discover themselves in demand in non-arts-related organizations also.
A studio artist with an MFA degree may find job openings as a graphic designer or creative director for a marketing or advertising firm.
And those with an MFA degree in theater may perhaps pursue a career as a private acting instructor, or as a public-speaking coach within the corporate world.
Similarly, skilled writers can locate many corporate possibilities to practice their craft, ranging from publicity and advertising to technical writing, marketing, and journalism.
And MFA degree graduates from a number of areas may possibly find the nonprofit sector an appealing prospect, developing careers with public arts agencies and community theaters.
Finally, even the most creative and unconventional an MFA degree-holder may find that basic administrative work in the university setting can also be an appealing solution.
The critical thing to bear in mind, however, is the fact that these non-arts jobs can provide access to significant resources like studios, rehearsal space, libraries, and galleries along with other benefits that a savvy MFA graduate can use to build a successful arts profession.
What fine art job opportunities are actually out there?
And if there are jobs available, exactly where should a graduate with a master of fine arts be searching to find one?
What jobs need an advanced degree in the fine arts?
And what can a graduate with an MFA degree do to give themselves an edge when talking to potential employers?
First of all, the field that has probably the most job possibilities for master of fine arts graduates is education.
In the academic world, the master of fine arts is recognized as a terminal degree which not just demonstrates the degree-bearer's expert accomplishments as a working artist, but additionally attests to his or her abilities to teach in the field as well.
This is why most college and university arts teachers are increasingly expected to possess a master of fine arts degree.
And in some cases secondary teachers are finding that obtaining an MFA gives them an advantage if they are looking for arts-related positions.
At the high school level and even the middle-school level, the master of fine arts degree can open doors and give job applicants a competitive edge.
And MFA graduates who want to pursue a teaching career will learn that a number of their MFA credits can be used towards a state teaching certificate or an MA in education.
For all those MFA degree graduates who would rather "do" than "teach", acquiring an artistic mentor who's in a position to offer a paid assistant or internship position is another option.
Most established artists, actors, writers and other creative professionals understand how difficult it can be for current graduates to make a living in their chosen field and are willing to assist these up-and-coming talents get their careers off to a successful start.
A master of fine arts degree may also be utilized as the basis for a profitable career in the area of commercial art.
Museum design jobs, art gallery management, and sales and marketing and advertising for an auction firm are all possibilities for studio artists.
In applying for any of these positions, possessing a terminal degree like an MFA could possibly be an benefit over other job seekers that have a MA in art history or other non-terminal degree.
Due to the fact an MFA degree indicates that the holder is both a creative and innovative thinker and a professional in the field of fine arts, MFA graduates can discover themselves in demand in non-arts-related organizations also.
A studio artist with an MFA degree may find job openings as a graphic designer or creative director for a marketing or advertising firm.
And those with an MFA degree in theater may perhaps pursue a career as a private acting instructor, or as a public-speaking coach within the corporate world.
Similarly, skilled writers can locate many corporate possibilities to practice their craft, ranging from publicity and advertising to technical writing, marketing, and journalism.
And MFA degree graduates from a number of areas may possibly find the nonprofit sector an appealing prospect, developing careers with public arts agencies and community theaters.
Finally, even the most creative and unconventional an MFA degree-holder may find that basic administrative work in the university setting can also be an appealing solution.
The critical thing to bear in mind, however, is the fact that these non-arts jobs can provide access to significant resources like studios, rehearsal space, libraries, and galleries along with other benefits that a savvy MFA graduate can use to build a successful arts profession.
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