A 2012 HESA survey of 2011 graduates indicates that six months after completing their course, just over two-thirds of performing arts graduates were in employment in the UK or overseas, with a further 6% combining work and study. Of these, 23% were working in art, design and culture, while almost 8% were working as education professionals. 6% were working as commercial, industrial and public sector managers and just over a third were working as clerical, retail, waiting or catering staff.

Other career areas open to performing arts graduates include retail, finance, social work, marketing and travel and tourism.

Where are the jobs?

You will find that the most common employers of performing arts graduates include:

• local government;
• arts organisations;
• education institutions;
• industry;
• the National Health Service (NHS);
• leisure companies;
• voluntary organistions.

Short-term or freelance contracts, moving between different fields, generating opportunities through networking, attending auditions, collaborating with other artists and putting on your own shows are all part of a performer’s lifestyle.

Performing arts is about how you present yourself, therefore it is important to network at every opportunity and keep your finger on the pulse of the industry. There may be an opportunity for employment in the most unusual places, and by keeping your mind open and body ready you will be able to make the most of your individual talents.

Auditions are generally advertised via networking contacts and posted up at studios and centres (anywhere artists meet, take classes, participate in workshops and rehearse). It is important to regularly visit these centres while you are training and after graduation, keeping your ears and eyes open.

For an insight into more potential roles and employment areas take a look at:

• creative arts and culture
• teaching and education
• retail and sales

For further information on possibilities in other employment areas, see job sectors. 

Statistics are collected every year to show what HE students do immediately after graduation. These can be a useful guide but, in reality, because the data is collected within six months of graduation, many graduates are travelling, waiting to start a course, paying off debts, getting work experience or still deciding what they want to do. For further information about some of the areas of employment commonly entered by graduates of any degree discipline, check out What Do Graduates Do?  and your degree...what next?