According to a study conducted by the Ministry of Education, students opting for arts and humanities increased from 31% in 2012 to 40% in 2022. With a higher number of students opting for arts every year, it becomes essential to acknowledge some key skills that can help you build a successful career in the field without getting lost in the competition.
While most people believe that a career in the arts and humanities domain requires very few skills and expertise, this is untrue. To build a strong arts career you need to hone the six key skills we’ve discussed below:
Critical thinking and analysis
Subjects taught in a humanities course, like political science, sociology, and history, encourage learners to think critically. Developing critical thinking ability can help you identify and solve problems in the real world. Critical thinking is based on the idea that you do not take information at face value. Instead, you analyse the problem and question assumptions. For instance, if you are a political analyst who is examining policy reforms, critical thinking allows you to analyse how this reform fits into the historical context and what will be its socio-economic effects. Critical thinking and analysis help you develop independent conclusions by challenging biases and incorrect assumptions.
How to develop this skill?
- Engage in research projects, debates, and case study analysis.
- Read and analyse political, philosophical, and literary texts critically.
Research
Most people assume research skills are only valuable and mandatory for those pursuing a science career. This is untrue. While career pathways in humanities are not all research oriented, research is still an essential skill for several careers within this field. For instance, journalists conduct research on fact-check the information from their sources to draft pieces, while historians investigate historical records to verify their accuracy. Similarly, those working in policy making also have to conduct research to gather, analyse, and interpret data before drafting policies. Social scientists and those engaged in academia must consistently use qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to publish papers and ensure credible support for their theories. Therefore, research skills are highly valuable if you wish to build a career in the arts.
How to develop this skill?
- Learn to use academic archives and databases.
- Develop referencing, citing, and fact-checking skills.
- Conduct research independently or work on a collaborative basis to gain real-world experience in data analysis.
Communication skills
In order to progress your career in the arts, you must have good communication skills. Professionals in humanities fields have often had to speak and present ideas to different audiences, which requires strong communication skills. For instance, if you are an arts teacher in a school, you are required to clearly communicate theories and explain concepts to students. Similarly, as a journalist, you must be able to present the facts of the matter in a clear and concise manner to the audience. Given the relevance of these skills, most employers in the arts field look for employees with strong spoken and written communication skills.
How to develop this skill?
- Practice public speaking and debates to hone communication skills.
- Learn a foreign language to secure an edge in the competitive market.
Interpersonal skills
When it comes to an arts career, most employers focus on certain essential soft skills. These soft skills like teamwork, flexibility, motivation, and empathy, can be broadly classified under the interpersonal skill category. Interpersonal skills refer to those skills that help you connect and collaborate with others. Whether you are a journalist interviewing sources or an HR representative dealing with an aggrieved employee, strong interpersonal skills are the key to doing your job well. These skills help you build trust with the other parties involved and resolve conflicts. In certain professions like law, interpersonal skills can even impact negotiation possibilities.
How to develop this skill?
- Practice active listening to develop good listening skills.
- Work on developing empathy and emotional intelligence.
- Engage in cross-cultural communication exercises.
Writing skills
Writing is yet another skill required for a successful career in arts and humanities. If you are working as a journalist, lawyer, policymaker, or social scientist, you will have to engage in writing projects to communicate your ideas and arguments. Learning how to convey information in a clear, concise, and structured manner is critical for an arts career. For instance, if you are a social science researcher, you must be able to clearly outline the problem you are studying, define your methodology, and communicate findings from the research and it’s possible impact.
How to develop this skill?
- Practice structured writing when drafting essays and research proposals.
- Engage in continuous reading to enhance your vocabulary and writing style.
- Use academic, journalistic, or creative writing exercises to better hone your skills.
Creative thinking
Humanities subjects emphasise the importance of creative thinking. Instead of encouraging rote learning, these subjects push learners to think outside the box and analyse issues to draw their own conclusions. This same skill is critical for a career in the arts as well. Most employers seek creative thinking individuals who can propose creative solutions to problems. For instance, if you are working as a marketing analyst and consultant, you will have to tap into your creative thinking faculties regularly to come up with new and innovative campaigns for brand promotion.
How to develop this skill?
- Read different literary works and gain an understanding of different cultures.
- Spend time brainstorming ideas.
- Challenge assumptions to seek alternative viewpoints and creative solutions.
Conclusion
Building a career in the arts may seem easy, but it requires certain nuanced skills. Possessing critical thinking capabilities, research skills, interpersonal skills, communication skills, writing abilities, and creative thinking is critical if you wish to stand out in your arts career.
While most of these skills are learned and developed during the course of your school and university years, it is never too late to relearn and polish them. For instance, you can find various courses on quantitative research listed on online marketplaces. If you are short on cash, you can always take a professional loan from banks and NBFCs to finance your upskilling endeavors.