6 answers
Maya
Student
Pasadena, California
1
Question
Updated
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With being an Studio Art major, is important is it for me to have this major when my dream career is being an Veterinarian?
The reason I ask this is that I came to College as Undeclared and had different choices in mind. My mind was always set on being an Veterinarian but I had other majors in mind doing like art, psychology, and criminology. When doing art class, I fell in love with the different mediums and was thinking about doing a small business. I declared my major in studio arts and minor in biology. I'm not sure if this would clear my career path and will gain the necessary skills and experience to pursue in my dream career outside my major course.
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6 answers
Mary Jane Shroyer
Director of Health Professions Career Community
116
Answers
Grinnell, Iowa
Updated
Mary Jane’s Answer
You can major in anything you want while pursuing veterinary medicine. Make sure you research the prerequisite science classes needed to apply to vet school and work with a prehealth advisor at your college to make a plan that will allow you to complete both your studio art major and your vet med prereqs. There are 2 main impediments I sometimes find with prehealth students who desire to major in studio art:
1) You may find it challenging to schedule art classes and lab science classes in the same semester because they both tend to have long meeting periods for focused, hands-on work. If that's the case at your school, you may need to consider some summer classes or classes during a gap year to reconcile scheduling conflicts arising during the school year. This can mean more time and money out of your pocket. Some students decide to shift from a major to a minor in art while others decide it's worth finishing courses outside of their 4-year plan for their major. Meeting with a prehealth or pre-vet advisor will be extremely helpful in creating a plan, staying on track, and resolving conflicts.
2) Your transcript may look "light" on science courses. I often suggest prehealth students pursuing a major outside of STEM take a couple of extra upper-level classes in biology/biochemistry that align with their career goals (microbiology, immunology, molecular genetics, etc). If you get A's in these advanced courses, it can help to make the case that you can handle the science-heavy curriculum in your first year of vet school. The biology minor sounds like a perfect plan to address this possible concern!
Good luck!
1) You may find it challenging to schedule art classes and lab science classes in the same semester because they both tend to have long meeting periods for focused, hands-on work. If that's the case at your school, you may need to consider some summer classes or classes during a gap year to reconcile scheduling conflicts arising during the school year. This can mean more time and money out of your pocket. Some students decide to shift from a major to a minor in art while others decide it's worth finishing courses outside of their 4-year plan for their major. Meeting with a prehealth or pre-vet advisor will be extremely helpful in creating a plan, staying on track, and resolving conflicts.
2) Your transcript may look "light" on science courses. I often suggest prehealth students pursuing a major outside of STEM take a couple of extra upper-level classes in biology/biochemistry that align with their career goals (microbiology, immunology, molecular genetics, etc). If you get A's in these advanced courses, it can help to make the case that you can handle the science-heavy curriculum in your first year of vet school. The biology minor sounds like a perfect plan to address this possible concern!
Good luck!
Tony Roig
Volunteer
45
Answers
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Hi Maya,
Great for you to have a specific direction already you want to pursue to obtain your dream job, as it will allow you to identify opportunities that are in alignment with your goals along your career journey. Let me just suggest to you to major in biology and minor in art. In my experiences, this will allow you to more easily have a stable income to pursue both of your passions, given the difficulty of having selling art as a main source of income. I believe veterinary type positions would also require less hours to provide you with more income to allow you more time to pursue your own business in art. I feel the sweet spot is spending the most time with work the you love to do AND are good at doing as that is typically when the money and rewards will follow. As one of your earlier replies already mentioned, you may find a niche in combining vet work with art and the clients that serve as a vet may become clients in your art business. Find a good college or university that can work with you in getting the appropriate training, experience and education to best prepare you. Good luck!
Great for you to have a specific direction already you want to pursue to obtain your dream job, as it will allow you to identify opportunities that are in alignment with your goals along your career journey. Let me just suggest to you to major in biology and minor in art. In my experiences, this will allow you to more easily have a stable income to pursue both of your passions, given the difficulty of having selling art as a main source of income. I believe veterinary type positions would also require less hours to provide you with more income to allow you more time to pursue your own business in art. I feel the sweet spot is spending the most time with work the you love to do AND are good at doing as that is typically when the money and rewards will follow. As one of your earlier replies already mentioned, you may find a niche in combining vet work with art and the clients that serve as a vet may become clients in your art business. Find a good college or university that can work with you in getting the appropriate training, experience and education to best prepare you. Good luck!
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
144
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
While majoring in Studio Art may seem unrelated to your goal of becoming a veterinarian, it can actually provide valuable skills. Art fosters creativity, problem-solving, and attention to detail—qualities that are beneficial in veterinary medicine. Additionally, your minor in biology ensures you gain the necessary scientific knowledge. Balancing both fields allows you to explore your passion for art while preparing for a veterinary career. If you pursue a small business in art, it could also serve as a backup plan, showcasing your versatility. Ultimately, your unique combination of skills can set you apart in both fields. Follow your passions!
Tony Roig
Volunteer
45
Answers
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Hello Maya,
It's fantastic that you've already pinpointed the career path you want to tread. This clarity will help you spot opportunities that align with your aspirations throughout your professional journey. My advice to you is to consider majoring in biology and minoring in art. From my experience, this combination could provide a more stable income base, considering the challenges often associated with relying solely on art sales for income.
Veterinary roles could potentially demand fewer hours yet yield a substantial income, providing you with the financial freedom to nurture your art business. The ideal scenario is to invest most of your time in work that you are not only passionate about but also excel at. This is often the key to unlocking financial success and personal satisfaction.
As previously mentioned in one of your responses, you might discover a unique intersection between veterinary work and art. Your veterinary clients could potentially become patrons of your art, creating a unique synergy. Seek out a reputable college or university that can provide you with the necessary training, experience, and education to equip you for success in your chosen fields. Best of luck on your journey!
It's fantastic that you've already pinpointed the career path you want to tread. This clarity will help you spot opportunities that align with your aspirations throughout your professional journey. My advice to you is to consider majoring in biology and minoring in art. From my experience, this combination could provide a more stable income base, considering the challenges often associated with relying solely on art sales for income.
Veterinary roles could potentially demand fewer hours yet yield a substantial income, providing you with the financial freedom to nurture your art business. The ideal scenario is to invest most of your time in work that you are not only passionate about but also excel at. This is often the key to unlocking financial success and personal satisfaction.
As previously mentioned in one of your responses, you might discover a unique intersection between veterinary work and art. Your veterinary clients could potentially become patrons of your art, creating a unique synergy. Seek out a reputable college or university that can provide you with the necessary training, experience, and education to equip you for success in your chosen fields. Best of luck on your journey!
Jacob Hostetler
Artist art teacher
3
Answers
Newton Falls, Ohio
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
As an art major, I began my journey in Graphic Design and eventually earned an MFA in Illustration. Now, I find myself teaching art at a high school. It's a great idea to have art as your major and biology as your minor, especially if you're considering starting your own business. I'd recommend taking a few business courses as electives while you're working towards your degree.
If you can, try to find a part-time job at an animal hospital or a similar veterinary location near you. This will give you practical experience in the field. Also, make sure to visit art studios during their open houses. By balancing a part-time job and visiting art studios, you'll gain real-world knowledge and be able to make more informed decisions about the direction you want to take.
Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your dreams. So, keep exploring, keep learning, and most importantly, keep creating!
If you can, try to find a part-time job at an animal hospital or a similar veterinary location near you. This will give you practical experience in the field. Also, make sure to visit art studios during their open houses. By balancing a part-time job and visiting art studios, you'll gain real-world knowledge and be able to make more informed decisions about the direction you want to take.
Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your dreams. So, keep exploring, keep learning, and most importantly, keep creating!
Kim Matthews
Graphic Production Designer and Sculptor
16
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kim’s Answer
What Angel said! Engagement in art also teaches project management and collaboration skills. Even if you never pick up a paintbrush again, the skills learned as an art major will serve you well throughout your entire life. And who knows--maybe you could be a veterinary medical illustrator, or make pet prostheses, or work with some emerging technology we haven't even dreamed of yet. You have an inquisitive mind and broad interests, and that flexibility can carry you far. Congratulations for choosing art. Students like you give me hope for the future, and I'm so proud of you all.