We often hear how studying arts subjects can help us develop empathy. Engaging with the arts, whether through literature, languages, history, visual arts or performance, can allow us to explore different perspectives and emotions and to connect with the feelings and viewpoints of others. In doing so, it can develop our emotional intelligence and improve our ability to recognise, understand, and express emotions.

Empathy can be the key to kindness, looking after our families, and supporting others within a community. This seems obvious. However, empathy and other soft skills are increasingly seen as key to career success. For example, empathy is a key part of effective communication and teamwork; empathy helps leaders inspire, motivate and support those around them; and empathy can help to build long-term business relationships by reaching a better understanding of clients and their needs. 

Beyond specific subject knowledge, an arts education can teach us valuable career skills, even if we are not immediately aware of this. For example, critical thinking and problem-solving skills enable us to approach a problem from an unexpected angle and develop an innovative solution. If we write fiction, poetry or nonfiction texts, draw, paint or make something, the creative process will inevitably involve experimentation and failure, (which can be a great foundation for success) and this can make us resilient and adaptable. Exposure to the arts also allows us to develop sensitivity and cultural awareness, broadening our understanding of different places and histories and ensuring that we stay open minded and inclusive in our approach. 

We may become involved in the arts due to our passion for a certain area or subject, or equally we may be deterred from making such a choice because we believe that it won’t have a practical benefit or help us in our careers. Maybe we can begin to see the value of the arts in a new light. Rather than seeing the arts as less relevant to career success, we can be confident that incorporating the arts into education and professional development can help us enhance essential career skills. Simply, soft skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving are crucial in the workplace. The realisation that, by fostering a deeper understanding of human emotions and experiences, the arts contribute to more empathetic, innovative and effective professionals, is growing. We should not be surprised to find that the qualities that develop from our interest in arts subjects also make us dynamic and valuable at work.