The value of an Arts degree tends to be downplayed, but those of us who’ve done them know they provide heaps of opportunities to hone your skills in a variety of different areas. While there may be some people who can’t see value in a degree that doesn’t lead to a specific career pathway, spending three years learning a range of skills and getting to know what you want from life is truly one of the best things you can do for your future.

From writing and complex analysis to learning a language, the benefits of studying Arts may just surprise you.

#1 Communication Skills

If you’ve ever looked at a position description, you’ll notice this is one attribute most employers look for, regardless of the industry. It may sound basic, but whether you’re in front of a computer or working outdoors with colleagues, you need to be able to share information, feedback, and thoughts. Having exciting ideas is great, but they might not come to fruition if you can only convey them via email at 2am in rambling, run-on sentences typed in 22-point Comic Sans.

Arts degrees help improve your written and verbal communication skills so you can be understood easily and quickly – and with confidence.

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#2 Creativity

Before you have flashbacks of Derwent pencils and paintbrushes, remember creativity doesn’t only refer to traditional art classes (but you totally can choose those as an elective if you want!). Employers in heaps of industries want someone who can think outside the box, offer an original point of view, and see problems from a range of perspectives.

Arts degrees engage the part of your brain that encourages you to start seeing things innovatively, and gives you the confidence to have faith in your ideas. Be inventive! Be curious! You got this.

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#3 Adaptability

We know employers are keen to hire people they view as “all-rounders” – folks who can take on a challenging task with an open mind, creativity, and willingness to fail (at first!). New experiences can be daunting to some, but if you think about it, we all want colleagues who aren’t rigid and set in their ways, so let’s not become those guys.

An Arts degree is a great way to nudge you out of your comfort zone and teach you to become flexible and resilient.

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#4 Good Judgement

Having good judgement is all about making informed decisions. An employer wants someone who can calmly assess all available information and make sensible choices, not someone who will panic and decide to paint the entire office pink because they skimmed an email and didn’t ask for help. You’ll learn critical thinking and research skills in Arts that will help even the most indecisive person feel confident taking action.

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#5 Being A Team Player

Okay, okay. We all know group uni assignments can be… challenging. There’s always one person who is way too bossy and conversely, one person who refuses to do any work, leaving you on read in the group chat. But, sometimes, the real world is exactly like that, too.

Working with other people actually can be really great once you learn to navigate different personality types and learn from those around you. Arts degrees encourage you to work collaboratively with peers, be accountable for your role, and importantly, learn to not sweat the small stuff.

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#6 Specialised Knowledge And Skills

We know that an Arts degree is a great launching pad for later specialisation if you choose to major in a certain area. Architecture and Law are just a couple of the varied career pathways that can all begin with an Arts degree. And even within those majors, you’ll gain tools that open you up to a variety of careers.

At the core of it, a seemingly generalist course can be a super handy foundation for a wide range of options. Just remember: not only is completing a degree a huge achievement, it’s also one of the best investments you can make in your career.

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(All images: Rawpixel)

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Gain the life-long skills employers are seeking with UWA’s Bachelor of Arts, one of Western Australia’s most diverse degrees.