So I’m currently an intended speech and hearing science major but I’m starting to reconsider. I love art and writing and I really want to do something that reflects that. I’ve been thinking about arts management because it really sounds like something I’d be passionate about but I’m just not sure what my job prospects would look like. I’ve heard that people who are interested in business related jobs shouldn’t just get a bachelors in business and expect to get a job so maybe this is the same type of thing? Would it be better to go to a specialized school close to NYC with hopes of internships and volunteer opportunities or should I pick a more generalized undergrad major and then just go to grad school? I could also probably do a sort of create your own major and combine some art history and some business management classes. What major would be helpful? Any information about this subject would be so helpful.
I see arts management people with all kinds of undergraduate degrees - business, hospitality management, art history, anthropology, you name it. You could look on linkedin at profiles of people currently in arts management to get a sense of their backgrounds.
I think getting experience through internships is very important. These can be done during the summer so you don’t need to restrict your location to NYC. Besides, there are museums and arts organizations everywhere. Many of the internships are nonpaying as they are for nonprofits.
That said, it tends to be a low paying career and job opportunities can be very competitive. Just go in having realistic expectations.
Good luck!