Listen to this blog
Graduating with a background in Arts is only a boon in every sense, as the road leads to diverse creative and highly lucrative career opportunities that go way beyond conventional roles. You will never run out of options. From law, journalism, and psychology to graphic design, fashion, and UX/UI, you can move forward in any field that interests you both personally and professionally.
And, if the choice is too overwhelming to make, this blog here helps you make an informed decision by thoroughly reviewing the various career options in the Arts that you can consider after a qualification in the stream.
Why Choose Arts as a Career Stream?
For Arts students, career options in diverse areas that open up after completing studies in the stream aren’t the only reasons to take up the stream in the first place. The wide range of social skills that Arts students are equipped with (creativity, empathy, out-of-the-box thinking) that help them excel in various areas of their lives is also an attraction. Here are some popular reasons why choosing the Arts stream for your studies is a good choice:
- Facilitates entry into high-growth industries: These include creative work arenas, such as media or digital design, which are emerging as multibillion-dollar industries. A background in the Arts stream can be very helpful in gaining entry into these industries.
- Serves as a pathway to competitive exams: Many subjects in the Arts stream, such as History, Political Science, and Economics, help students build strong foundational knowledge for competitive and government service exams such as the UPSC and SSC.
- Ideal for specialized career roles: A background in Humanities provides just the right foundation for various specialized and niche career options for Arts students. These include specific roles that require a deep understanding of human culture, such as those of social workers, curators, and foreign language experts.
Scope of Arts in Today’s Economy
Owing to the emergence of a dynamic creative economy driven by online media, branding, and digital marketing, there is increasing demand for skills such as empathy, creative thinking, and critical thinking. All of these skills are typically covered in the Arts stream, thereby increasing the availability of career options in the Arts stream and the demand for Arts graduates across various sectors, making them key drivers of both employment and GDP in today’s economic landscape.
- Arts graduates are highly sought after for high-demand, high-paying roles across various sectors of the economy. Some of these include UX/UI Design, Digital Marketing, Corporate Law, and the like.
- There is consistent growth in the “creative and cultural economy,” with significant demand and expansion across sectors such as fashion and design, media and entertainment, and art management.
- This creative economy is a significant contributor to the country’s GDP, providing employment to numerous Arts graduates and encouraging the trend of a freelance and gig economy.
Career Options In Arts After 12th
There is no dearth of Arts careers for students in this stream to explore today. Some of the best options are outlined below for your easy reference:
1. Corporate Legal Advisor
Some of the most promising career opportunities in the Arts stream can be found after pursuing a 5-year integrated undergraduate program in law and legal studies. They are responsible for providing legal counsel to businesses and ensuring compliance with applicable corporate laws.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (approx) | INR 10.5 LPA |
| Eligibility | LLB or BA LLB with at least 50% in 10+2 (depending on organization) |
| Duration | 3-5 years (depending on course) |
| Hiring Industries | BFSI, Judiciary, Media, and Publishing Houses |
| Skills Developed | Critical thinking and analysis, problem-solving, ethics, and time management |
Source: Glassdoor
2. Policy Analyst
This is yet another popular Arts-related career that students can pursue. They research, evaluate, and design policies to address complex economic, social, and environmental issues across government, NGOs, and private enterprises.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (approx) | INR 6 LPA |
| Eligibility | 10+2 in Humanities (depending on organization) |
| Duration | 3 years (depending on program) |
| Hiring Industries | MNCs, government, NGOs |
| Skills Developed | Research, data analysis, diplomacy, communication |
Source: Glassdoor
3. Copywriter
Advertising and PR is a highly lucrative career for Arts students, offering high-paying, creatively satisfying roles across varied sectors. Brand management and marketing communication are the core responsibilities of copywriters.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (approx) | INR 5 LPA |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with at least 50% aggregate (depending on organization) and a strong command of English |
| Duration | 4 weeks-3 years (depending on course) |
| Hiring Industries | Digital Marketing, PR firms, and event management companies |
| Skills Developed | Copywriting, visual storytelling, consumer analysis |
Source: Glassdoor
4. Fashion Designer
For those seeking creative careers in the Arts field, a B.Des degree is an ideal undergraduate program that prepares students for roles such as Fashion Designers who conceive, sketch, and manufacture footwear, clothing, or accessories for a wide range of clientele.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (approx) | INR 4.6 LPA |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with at least 50% aggregate (depending on organization) |
| Duration | 1-4 years (depending on program) |
| Hiring Industries | Fashion, Retail, Manufacturing |
| Skills Developed | Visual communication, aesthetics, design thinking |
Source: AmbitionBox
5. Business Development Executive
This is one of the most popular roles after completing 12th and one that leads to a rewarding career in the Arts stream. Business Development Executives can assume positions in marketing, business administration, and HR.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (approx) | INR 4 LPA |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with strong communication and negotiation skills (depending on organization) |
| Duration | 3-5 years (depending on program) |
| Hiring Industries | Retail & E-Commerce, Business Consulting, HR |
| Skills Developed | Leadership, management, marketing, time management, and organizational ability |
Source: AmbitionBox
Career Opportunities in the Arts After Graduation
There are plenty of options for Arts students seeking careers, as the list doesn’t end with just completing class 12 but continues through undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Arts for learners seeking professional advancement in their fields of work. Outlined below are the top 5 career options to explore after completing an undergraduate degree in Arts:
1. Journalist
They research, report, and write news stories, articles, and blogs for print, broadcast, and digital media. It is one of the highly sought-after career options after Arts for students aspiring to high-paying, public service roles.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (approx) | INR 4.6 LPA |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Journalism or Mass Communication (depending on organization) |
| Duration | 3 years (depending on program) |
| Hiring Industries | Digital Media, Broadcast Media, Print Media, Advertising & PR |
| Skills Developed | Gathering information, reporting, newswriting, editing, and media ethics |
Source: AmbitionBox
2. Graphic Designer
One of the most popular job opportunities for Arts students is graphic design. Aspirants can pursue a BA in Fine Arts or Design and assume relevant roles in publishing, advertising, and marketing firms.
| Items | Detaiks |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (approx) | INR 4.5 LPA |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or Visual Communication (depending on organization) |
| Duration | 3-4 years (depending on program) |
| Hiring Industries | Advertising, Marketing, E-Commerce |
| Skills Developed | Typography, prototyping, and visual communication |
Source: AmbitionBox
3. Litigation Lawyer
One of the highly prestigious career options in the Arts, these professionals represent clients in civil or criminal disputes. Pay scales can be rather attractive depending on specialization and experience.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (approx) | INR 4.5 LPA |
| Eligibility | LLB from a BCI-recognized university (depending on organization) |
| Duration | 3 years (depending on program) |
| Hiring Industries | Law firms, NBFCs, and Real Estate |
| Skills Developed | Legal research, analytical thinking, and persuasive communication |
Source: AmbitionBox
4. HR Executive
They are responsible for handling everyday HR operations and serve as a liaison between management and employees to ensure a productive, compliant workspace. The career scope after a BA in HR seems quite promising, as HR executives are in high demand across industries.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (approx) | INR 4 LPA |
| Eligibility | Any Bachelor’s degree, preferably in HR, Business, or Psychology (depending on organization) |
| Duration | 6 weeks – 2 years (depending on program) |
| Hiring Industries | Manufacturing, IT & Technology, and Pharma and Health |
| Skills Developed | Data analysis, conflict resolution, communication, and interpersonal skills |
Source: Glassdoor
5. Teacher
Many students opt for this career after Arts graduation, as a BA offers a broader knowledge of various disciplines and domains, which can be quite handy for teaching. With a fair understanding of various fields of study, teachers can choose the specific area they wish to specialize in or teach to students after completing a B.Ed.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (approx) | INR 4 LPA |
| Eligibility | B.Ed. or B.El.Ed (depending on organization) |
| Duration | 2 years (depending on program) |
| Hiring Industries | Education, EdTech, Corporate Training |
| Skills Developed | Assessment, empathy, leadership |
Source: AmbitionBox
Career Options in Arts After Postgraduation
The Arts students’ career options and growth opportunities continue to expand after graduation as they choose to specialize in a field of interest and pursue higher education. Listed below are some rewarding career roles to expect after postgraduation in Arts:
1. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager
They are responsible for designing and executing initiatives that align a company’s business practices with its overall environmental, social, and ethical responsibilities. This is a highly preferred career in the Arts stream among several PG graduates.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (approx) | INR 12.2 LPA |
| Eligibility | MBA in CSR or a related field (depending on organization) |
| Duration | 2 years (depending on program) |
| Hiring Industries | IT services, manufacturing and heavy industry, BFSI |
| Skills Developed | Innovative thinking, legal compliance, and data analysis |
Source: AmbitionBox
2. Digital Marketing Manager
This is yet another rewarding career option in the Arts stream for postgraduates, leading to senior managerial roles in high-demand industries. They design and implement comprehensive online strategies to build brand presence and boost revenue for different organizations in varied industries.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (approx) | INR 7 LPA |
| Eligibility | PG Diploma/MBA in Marketing/Digital Marketing (depending on organization) |
| Duration | 1-2 years (depending on program) |
| Hiring Industries | Saas, E-Commerce, FinTech |
| Skills Developed | Social Media Marketing, Data Analytics, Marketing Automation |
Source: Glassdoor
3. Researcher
One of the high-profile and preferred career opportunities in the Arts stream after postgraduate studies, specifically in the government and public sector, is that of a Researcher. These are highly qualified professionals who apply theoretical, scientific, and practical methodologies to gather, research, and analyze data for solving problems.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (approx) | INR 7 LPA |
| Eligibility | MA/MSc in a relevant field with at least 55-60% aggregate (depending on institution) |
| Duration | 1-6 years (depending on program) |
| Hiring Industries | Deep Tech, AI & ML, Pharmaceuticals |
| Skills Developed | Independent analysis, critical thinking, specialized technical expertise |
Source: Glassdoor
4. Public Relations Specialist
One of the most promising career options for Arts students after PG courses, these skilled professionals are responsible for managing and improving the public image of individuals and organizations.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (approx) | INR 6 LPA |
| Eligibility | MA/PG Diploma/MBA in PR or a related field (depending on organization) |
| Duration | 1-2 years (depending on program) |
| Hiring Industries | PR agencies, consulting firms, and healthcare |
| Skills Developed | Media relations, strategic communication, and digital skills |
Source: AmbitionBox
5. College Lecturer
The next on our list of Arts careers after postgraduation is the role of a College Lecturer. They are responsible for developing the course curriculum, instructing UG students, and carrying out evaluations.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (approx) | INR 4.4 LPA |
| Eligibility | Master’s degree in the relevant subject with at least 55% aggregate (depending on institution) |
| Duration | 2-5 years (depending on program) |
| Hiring Industries | Public and private universities, community colleges, and nursing schools |
| Skills Developed | Classroom management, curriculum development, and conflict resolution |
Source: AmbitionBox
Government Job Opportunities for Arts Students
Those aspiring to a more stable and secure career in the Arts stream can opt for government and public-sector jobs after completing the relevant course. Some of the top job roles in this domain are outlined below:
| Job Role | Sector | Average Salary (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Stenographer | Central Government | INR 5.4 LPA |
| Forest Guard | State Government | INR 4.8 LPA |
| Ticket Clerk | Railways | INBR 4.7 LPA |
| Constable | State Government | INR 4.4 LPA |
| Data Entry Operator | Central Government | INR 4 LPA |
Source: AmbitionBox
Career Options in Arts vs Science vs Commerce
There is undoubtedly a horde of career opportunities in the Arts stream, as this blog shows. However, to make an informed decision on choosing the stream, it helps to conduct a thorough analysis, comparing Arts with the other streams on offer (Science and Commerce) and the potential career opportunities each offers students.
| Features | Science Stream | Commerce Stream | Arts Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Career options | Doctor, Engineer, Data Scientist | Investment Banker, Chartered Accountant, Business Analyst | Psychologist, Civil Servant, Journalist |
| Hiring industries | Healthcare, IT, R&D | Banking, Consulting, Startups | Education, Media, NGOs |
| Skill development | Problem-solving, analytical thinking, and technical expertise | Business acumen, financial literacy | Critical thinking, communication, and creativity |
| Earning potential | Relatively higher (particularly in medical and tech fields) | High (management and entrepreneurial roles offer strong growth) | Moderate to high (depending on specialization) |
How to Choose the Right Career After Arts?
When looking for suitable careers in the Arts field, make sure to align your personal interests with high-growth sectors, such as design, media, or civil services. Additionally, keeping the following pointers in mind can help make an informed decision to choose the best career among the wide variety of options available for Arts students:
- Assess your strengths and align them with the current industry demands.
- Review the field’s future scope and its relevance in the near term.
- Explore various areas by studying their career roles and the corresponding salary packages.
- Seek expert guidance for the best decision.
Future Scope of Arts in India
The future scope of the Arts field remains reassuring and promising, as the pathway incorporates emerging tech trends to stay up to date with the latest industry developments. The table summarizes the future scope of the domain through the table below:
| Discipline | Expected Job Roles | Future Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Creative & Design | Graphic Designer, Fashion Designer, Animator | Growing demand for animation, UX/UI Design, and multimedia |
| Psychology | Therapist, Clinical Psychologist, Counselor | Growing mental health awareness is resulting in a high demand for therapists and counselors |
| Education | Language Expert, Teacher, Trainer | Increasing demand for translators and specialized educators |
| Legal | Legal Advisor, Corporate Lawyer, Civil Services | High demand for corporate legal advisors and specialized legal services |
| Travel | Event Planner, Hotel Manager, Travel Consultant | Growth in corporate event management and luxury tourism |
Conclusion
The Arts domain offers diverse, promising paths to graduates, ranging from journalism and law to design and management. The discipline helps students develop critical thinking, creativity, and technical skills, enabling them to secure lucrative roles in high-growth creative sectors. You can now pursue an Online BA with Sikkim Manipal University on the Online Manipal platform, gaining complete knowledge of the field from the comfort of your home.
Sources:
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/corporate-legal-advisor-salary-SRCH_KO0,23.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/copywriter-salary-SRCH_KO0,10.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/fashion-designer-salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/policy-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/business-development-executive-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/journalist-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/graphic-designer-salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/hr-executive-salary-SRCH_KO0,12.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/teacher-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/litigation-lawyer-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/public-relations-specialist-salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/digital-marketing-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/lecturer-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/manager-csr-salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/researcher-salary-SRCH_KO0,10.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/stenographer-salary/bangalore-location?page=10
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/indian-railways-salaries/clerk
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/forest-guard-salary?campaign=desktop_nav
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/government-of-india-salaries/data-entry-operator
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/police-constable-salary
Prepare for your next career milestone with us
