Navigating the Business World

People usually get excited when I tell them I’m studying Art History. Then, I get confused looks when I tell them I work as a Junior Business Analyst. Art History and Business actually go really well together (I didn’t know it either when I first started my job). My interest and curiosity encouraged me to learn of the art-business symbiosis.

In the summer of going into my third year I started working for a wealth management company in Toronto as a summer student. What did that mean? From this job I gained insight into a world beyond my own which allowed me to understand the business practice and how it could relate to art.

While working in Toronto I learned about a variety of creative jobs within a bank. I first learned what an investment portfolio was while working here. Similarly, art is another type of investment that can enhance a person’s portfolio. Like any other investment, the value of a work of art can fluctuate based on various factors; therefore, wealth advisors can choose to hire art dealers or art appraisers to help them assess a client’s art and the value it brings to their portfolio.

Additionally, many banks also have an archives collection. Banks are storehouses for works of art. There is even a job where someone picks artwork from the archives for the offices! This person maintains the database that houses all the works of art in the bank’s possession. The archives also store historical business documents such as contracts. Many of the skills you gain while studying Art History, such as analyzing and categorizing, can be applied to this job.

Art History and Business are both unique disciplines, but when combined they can form a really interesting mixture that allows for endless options. My Art History training at Carleton has prepared me to analyze visuals, interpret information, and collaborate with others, which were all really important in my business job.

Initially, I was extremely lost in this “business world” on Bay Street. I had no idea what people were saying to me! However, once I got talking to people I learned how many others had art backgrounds and how they applied it to business – especially a wealth management company. I started to navigate my way within the business world.