Where do you work now and what does your job entail?
I'm a self-employed musician. I was always in bands during my literary studies, and after finishing my MA (which I did in Utrecht) I quickly realised that I couldn't apply for a full-time job because my bands were already taking up so much of my time. I ended up pursuing that and now I make most of my income playing music and working on my bands.
Why did you choose to work in this field?
I turned my passion into my job. It was kind of inevitable, really. I remember showing up to my classes carrying instruments because I had rehearsals right after my classes.
What did you learn during your studies that you now use in your work?
I learned how to write lots of text quickly and adequately, which is very useful when I write lyrics for my songs, content for the Patreon of one of my bands, or artist interviews or press releases. Many of my musical colleagues struggle with text for hours while I can get it done in minutes.
I also understand the field of cultural production and the position of the artist in the world on an academic level. And I was also allowed to study the relationship of an artist with their art. All of these things are not only fascinating, but I'm now also able to create my own art with more knowledge and in a much healthier way.
How did you experience this programme at Radboud University? In your opinion, what made this programme special?
I remember fondly that the programme allowed me to really see what kind of academic careers and options there are. I could often see what's out there and what kind of specialties I could pursue. It doesn't keep you confined in the academic bubble but shows you the possible doors to the real world.
What would you recommend to future students when they go to choose a study?
Don't worry about what kind of job you'll get out of it. A study gives you many different skills that are all widely applicable in a vast number of different fields. I was 18 years old when I started my BA and that's way too young to have a path figured out. Your study allows you to get in touch with a variety of career paths and you'll figure out what's for you in time.
Parents and family members often obsess over your career and want you to know where you're heading. It's difficult to give them "I don't know yet" as an answer. But I found that that's the reality for most students that start a BA: they don't know yet and they often don't figure it out until late in their MA's, like myself.
As for me, I wasn't cut out for a conservatory or anything like that, and my studies gave me many skills that I can now use in my bands. I can read, write, and think about text quicker than most of my bandmates, and I also understand art and the field of cultural production in a unique way. It often gives me useful perspectives to offer for creative or business decisions.
So in conclusion: don't worry about it. You'll figure it out. And don't worry about your family that is stressed about you not having it figured out yet.