Why Arts?

Arts cultivates the skills that employers are looking for:

• Communication
• Decision-making
• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Global competency
• Ethics
• The ability to apply your knowledge in real-world settings

In today’s workplaces where job-specific skills can change rapidly with technology, employers want post-secondary graduates who have the skills needed to learn, adapt and solve problems.

Increasing demand from employers

In a Conference Board of Canada report released in February 2015, 73 percent of the 854 BC employers surveyed identified a deficit in critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Thirty-eight percent identified a need for oral communication skills, and 33 percent cited working with others. Arts graduates' skills are increasingly in demand in BC, opening up a broad range of career possibilities.

Opportunities for work experience

Arts at TRU — including humanities, social sciences and fine arts — offers a wide selection of high quality, flexible and innovative academic programs and learning options. In a job climate where employers want entry-level candidates with some work experience, TRU ensures you have hands-on experience and the ability to communicate your skills to potential employers.

• Experiential learning
• Undergraduate research
• Co-op placements
• Practicums and field schools
• Service learning
• Study Abroad

Good survey results

TRU’s BC Student Outcomes survey results from 2009 through 2013 show about 75 per cent of arts graduates found employment. About 90 per cent said their education developed the necessary skills for the workplace, skills like communication, critical analysis, problem-solving, self-learning, and working with groups.

No matter what major ignites your passion, your arts degree gives you the lifelong abilities, attitudes and adaptability you need in the workplace, in society, and in life.