Bridging the Gap: Where STEM meets Creative Arts
In the realm of academia, where equations and algorithms often hold dominance, a diverse group of STEM students enthusiastically embrace their studies, nurturing a passion for creativity. Each university student has a unique story behind their choice of major. It might be driven by deep interest, security, or a longing for change. Within the captivating university life, STEM students find joy in science and a desire to explore the creative world. Let’s uncover the journey of STEM enthusiasts who ventured into the creative world, discover surprising parallels, and reveal the pathway to achieving fulfillment in these two seemingly divergent realms.
Growing Up: Artistic Passions with Academic Pursuits
Many of us grew up playing instruments, dancing, or engaging ourselves in some form of art. Speaking from personal experience, I, too, grew up playing the guitar and developed an interest in writing through my love for movies. In high school, I aspired to be an English major and pursue a career as a writer. However, I ultimately chose the security of a scientific field that I still enjoy to this day, which is computer science. University life often makes us prioritize practical and academic pursuits, causing our artistic dreams to fade into the background. That being said, it’s still something we keep in the back of our minds or engage in here and there; it’s just that we don’t indulge in it as frequently. But, before we delve into broader perspectives, let’s explore how this integration unfolded through a personal journey from a science student!
Unlocking New Horizons with your Degree
Like many other second-year computer science students, I was looking and applying to internships across various industries, with no luck in sight. During the research and networking stage of my internship search, I stumbled upon a film production company offering internships in a data analytics role. Taking a leap of faith, I submitted my application, networked on LinkedIn and prepared for the interview even though my chances appeared slim. Long story short, I secured the internship and was able to apply the skills and softwares I learned in school to the workplace. This marked the start of a journey I hadn’t expected. Following my four month internship in a data analytics position, I returned to the company in a more creative role within Post Production for 12 months. This had no direct connection to my major, but it provided me with an excellent opportunity to delve into the creative industry. During my internship, I recognized a significant overlap in skills that STEM students possess and that are utilized or essential in the creative field, particularly in post production. Some of these skills are:
- Problem-Solving: In computer science, problem-solving is undeniably the most crucial skill. It’s applied to troubleshooting technical issues, creatively devising solutions and effectively articulating those solutions. In post-production, numerous technical and artistic decisions are made on the spot, further underscoring the necessity for problem solving abilities.
- Attention to detail: Meticulous attention to detail is essential for achieving top-tier results. Whether it’s in coding or creating/editing video and audio content, a keen eye for detail is essential to ensure a perfect final product.
- Programming and Scripting: Programming skills are beneficial for writing custom scripts and tools to automate tasks, improve workflow efficiency, or solve specific post-production problems.
With that being said, numerous soft and technical skills such as teamwork, communication and adaptability are acquired through STEM studies that can be applied effectively to roles in the creative field. The creative industry offers a wide array of opportunities for individuals with STEM degrees to kick-start their careers. Test the water, begin in a creative role, see if it resonates with you, if not opt to pursue a career in a creative capacity or work within a creative company while leveraging your STEM background. Alternatively, this environment provides an excellent platform to develop your portfolio and accumulate valuable experience.
Campus Life: Embrace the Arts
Say you’re eager to rediscover your artistic interests but don’t want to work in the creative industry. No problem! Those hobbies and passions you had while growing up can easily be integrated into your life while at university. On campus, there are many individuals in a similar situation as yourself. The best way to connect with fellow art enthusiasts are by joining clubs, varsity teams, or engaging in campus activities. This is a great way to de-stress, connect with like-minded people who share your hobbies and expand your social circle.
But wait, there’s more! Let’s hear it from Selena Lombardi, Indy 2T3 + PEY an inspiring UofT varsity dancer who harmoniously blends the best of two worlds.
Growing up, dance evolved from a mere hobby into a significant part of my identity. When I entered my first year of engineering at UofT, I was determined not to lose these creative and emotional qualities. I have been a proud member of the UofT Varsity Dance Team for the past five years, and although I no longer train for the 20+ hours as before, I’ve grown significantly both as a dancer and as an individual.
Dancing has allowed me to become a more focused student, as I had to learn how to manage a demanding schedule while remaining equally committed to my academics and the dance team. Furthermore, dance continues to be an outlet for self-expression and exercise, contributing to my overall happiness, empathy, and well-being. It’s also a way for me to give back to the community through my volunteer work with The Adaptive Dance Program at Canada’s National Ballet School. Lastly, through the dance team, I’ve met many inspiring upper-year STEM students who helped me secure my PEY Co-Op position, and find other meaningful student organizations, like YNCN!
There are many ways you can incorporate dance into your daily routines:
- UofT Dance Clubs & Teams | ex. Skule Dance Club, Flux, Silhouettes Dance Company, & Hart House Classes
- Drop-in Dance Studios | ex. Underground Dance Centre, Studio North, Run the Flex, DanceLifeX, Steps Dance Studio, MVP, Canada’s National Ballet School
- Watching professional dance performances
- Volunteering at local dance studios and community centers
Final Takeaway: A Path to Explore
In a world where STEM and creativity often seems miles apart, it’s crucial to remember that your choices should be motivated by your passion, not limited by your major. The boundaries of your academic pursuits should never stifle your artsy side. Embrace the journey, research your possibilities, and do what’s best for yourself. In this synergy of science and art, you’ll discover a world of boundless opportunities just waiting to be explored.
Written by Saleha Iram and Selena Lombardi.
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