Just One Word: PLASTICS

DEAR BABS: I am really feeling the lack of creativity in my current occupation as a therapy/social worker, and am seeking to return to my passions and study either art history, curation, or some combination of the two in graduate school, which I hope will provide me with the time and resources to dedicate myself to something I’m truly interested in and passionate about. In research I’ve found the only career that makes less money than social work is art history. I’ve got great taste! I’m wondering what viable career paths could come from studying art history or curation in graduate school? Is this a pipe dream or should I listen to my inner voice?
—Kelly Cole, San Francisco

Dear Kelly: Let’s first be practical. A graduate degree in art history will open up opportunities to teach art history at community college level, private and public art schools. You will need your doctorate to teach art history at a university level. A masters degree in curatorial studies can land you curator positions at museums and other art institutions. Also curators do quite well freelancing, once they become established.

With this degree, you can make a living and live comfortably. You will not become rich teaching art history, writing books about art history, or even curating important art shows, but you will be doing what you want to do, and that is so important to your mental health and well-being.

That said, watch your budget for graduate school. Don’t get caught with student loan debt. Many graduate programs offer scholarships and teaching stipends. Make sure to look into this when applying to different schools. Be willing to relocate and even go to a smaller school if funding is available. I caution you about this because it’s not like investing in law school or medical school, where your school loans get more easily paid off with the higher income those professions make.

So follow your gut, your inner voice. It’s always the one you should listen to. It knows you more than anyone else. And don’t listen to Mr. McGuire, when you be sure to watch The Graduate again, since it seems you need some inspiration in following your heart.