When you think of careers that utilize the "left side of the brain," jobs like artist, designer, and filmmaker probably come to mind. But jobs that tap into the "left brain" are not as narrow of a category as you might think — there are a variety of roles across industries that require imagination and creativity.
We live in an interdisciplinary era. Professionals are expected to cultivate a wide range of skills and pull from their knowledge bank to contribute to their industries. Fostering interdisciplinary skills inspires creativity, innovation, and human-centered thinking, which are all invaluable skills in today's job climate.
So, let's explore some professional roles that require an interdisciplinary mindset, critical thinking, and creative expression — as well as the degree you will need to break into each respective field.
1. Organizational Change Consultant
Change is constant — especially for businesses that are always looking for more innovative, efficient ways of driving growth. But with change comes the potential for confusion and errors. For that reason, organizational change professionals fill a critical need to assess how proposed improvements might affect business processes and implement change strategies that make business transformation initiatives seamless.
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Learn more about WVU's Master of Business Administration — a graduate business program for future leaders who want to cultivate the professional skills needed for career advancement.
2. Branding Strategist
Often working under the direction of a digital brand manager or a digital marketing manager, branding strategists craft consistent and integrated brand messaging across a myriad of media channels.
A branding strategist must also have a solid understanding of SEO, web development, graphic design, and social media. Since branding strategists take responsibility for understanding an organization's overarching brand, creative thinking and problem-solving skills are imperative for success in this role.
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Learn more about WVU's Master of Science in Data Marketing Communications — a graduate degree for storytellers, creatives, strategists, and problem-solvers alike.
3. Video Game Designer
A career that is focused on game design, game theory, and game production, a professional video game designer creates games that run on computers and other digital gaming consoles. They may even develop storyboards, write code, or fix glitches.
Video game designers are also qualified to work in the gamification industry, which has a wide range of employers, from banks to educational software developers.
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Learn more about WVU's Master of Arts in Game Design — a graduate program for emerging game designers who would like to expand their conceptual, production, and project management skills.
4. Robotics Engineer
Robotics is a sophisticated branch of engineering technology that blends disciplines like computer science, engineering, and cyber-physical systems to create, evaluate, and utilize intelligent machines that are capable of working in tandem with or in place of humans.
Robotics engineers can be employed in a diverse number of fields, such as agriculture, exploration, mining, healthcare, public safety, and the military.
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Learn more about WVU's Robotics program — a department with multiple graduate programs that serves as a hub for research, knowledge-sharing, and data-driven innovation.
5. Content Creator
Brands of all kinds need content creators who can produce well-written, authentic content that will effectively drive the conversations unique to each industry. Content creators may work on consumable content, such as blog posts, white pages, eBooks, email campaigns, or social media.
As a content creator, you could be the "chief writer" on an editorial team, responsible for driving strategy and enforcing the tone of your team's brand.
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Learn more about WVU's Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing — a graduate program for future storytellers who want to master their craft.
6. Industrial Safety and Health Engineer
Professionals working in safety management all pursue a common mission: to lead efforts to preserve and protect the people, property, and business efficacy of an organization. Industrial safety and health engineers are specifically responsible for inspecting work sites to determine safety hazards, minimize risk, and comply with safety regulations.
Industrial safety and health engineers exercise critical thinking by conducting research at a high level in addition to implementing creative safety programs.
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Learn more about WVU's Master of Science in Safety Management — a graduate program for professionals who want to respond to the needs of the public, inspect hazardous situations, and administer government regulations.
7. Software Developer
If you enjoy problem solving, technology, coding, theory, and computer systems, then pursuing a career in software development could be a good fit for you. Software developers use a combination of creative and technical skills to conceive, design, program, and test various software components.
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Learn more about WVU's Master of Science in Computer Science — a graduate program aimed at preparing students for careers in software design and technical leadership.
Obtain a graduate degree at WVU that will inspire you to secure a creative job.
West Virginia University is a highly respected institution with dozens of impactful graduate programs to choose from. And as one of the few R1 status institutions in the country (and the only R1 institution in the state of West Virginia), we are dedicated to producing graduates who will go on to make the world a better place through research and leadership.
As you consider your next academic venture, we invite you to take advantage of a few of our resources: read more stories, subscribe to our podcast, and visit our resource library to learn more.
Feel free to request more information while you explore our programs, or if you're ready to apply, you can start your online application today.
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