How their programs could have helped them more

When asked what ways the program could have helped them more, many alumni cited a need for career counseling support at a program level.  While many originally had aspirations to teach, the competitive reality of the job market was a shock to many once they finished their studies.  Many alumni interviewed held multiple jobs to cover living expenses or rely on income from partners to offset the instability of income received as a writer, adjunct professor, artist or musician.  Some who did find jobs in the creative economy were initially shocked by amount of administrative work their jobs and felt unprepared for those tasks by their programs at UMass.

“The ability to get as much practical experience as well as the educational foundation is something that is really helpful when you go out into the job market.”-Heather Haskell, Director of Springfield Museums, Masters in Art History alumna

“The theatre education was useful and I am using it now quite a bit since that’s what I do, but the business side is what I struggle with. If they had a way of putting those two together so we’re getting a little more well-rounded education.” –Erin Greene, Founder of Greene Room Productions, BA in Theatre

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