This AMGT Student Fiza Batool has a lifelong passion for the arts, which led her to pursue the Arts Management BAM/Accelerated MA program, a decision shaped by her desires to build a meaningful career in the creative field. After exploring various pathways, including education, she discovered Arts Management through inspiring mentorship and coursework.
Q: Why did you decide to study arts management and apply for the BAM/Accelerated MA program?
A: My passion for the arts has been a constant since childhood, and I have always envisioned pursuing higher education in Fine Arts, to eventually build a career in the creative field. Like many art students, a key concern throughout my academic journey has been the uncertainty of career opportunities post-graduation, often leading to the assumption that a career in education is the most viable option. I thoroughly enjoyed my coursework and was certain I wanted to pursue a Master’s degree.
By Spring 2023, I had set my sights on a Master's in Arts Education, which prompted me to begin working as a substitute teacher. However, after several challenging classroom experiences, I realized that teaching was not the long-term path I had envisioned. This realization led me to explore alternative graduate degree options. During the Spring 2024 semester, I enrolled in AVT-101: New Majors Colloquium with Professor Yi, where Eric Thornton was invited as a guest speaker to introduce the Arts Management program, and I loved his lecture and passion for the Arts Management. Initially unfamiliar with the field, I took the opportunity to conduct further research and consulted with my advisor, Professor Yi, about my interest in the program. He recommended I meet with Professor Dawn-Mackay, which I did, and after our discussion, I decided to apply to the Arts Management BAM/Accelerated MA program. And here we are.
Q: How did the program help you with your first job?
A: When I began the Arts Management BAM/Accelerated MA program, I was already employed as a Substitute Teacher. However, the skills I acquired in my Arts Management such as strategic management, public relations, and community engagement greatly enhanced my effectiveness in the classroom. The program also sharpened my writing and presentation abilities, enabling me to communicate with greater clarity and confidence. As a result, I was able to deliver lessons more effectively and engage with students in a more meaningful way.
Additionally, the program’s focus on project management, critical thinking, and leadership taught me to plan lessons more efficiently and approach challenges with a strategic mindset. It also gave me a broader understanding of the educational and arts sectors, allowing me to see my role in a more holistic context. Overall, the program refined my professional skills and prepared me for future career opportunities.
Fiza Batool’s journey into the Arts Management BAM/Accelerated MA program is a reflection of her deep love for the arts and her desire to make a lasting impact in the creative world. With the guidance of inspiring mentors and hands-on learning experiences, she gained valuable skills like strategic management, public relations, and leadership that have already made a difference in her career. More than just professional growth, the program has helped Fiza see the bigger picture of how the arts can shape communities, and she’s excited to keep building a future where creativity thrives.