An Artistic Approach to MBA Education

What value does art add to a business student’s education?

According to Bauer College career experts, an appreciation for art can be the defining factor in a job search.

Diving into the creative arts can help an individual improve critical thinking skills, develop empathy and learn how to effectively communicate thoughts and ideas, says Rockwell Career Center (RCC) Graduate and Alumni Career Services Director Stacey Piefer.

In the elective “Ace Your Job Search” (GENB 7197), Piefer leads Bauer graduate students through a curriculum that prioritizes the development of soft skills that are essential in today’s job market.

“Young candidates early in their career have the technical knowledge, but where they’re missing the mark is in those people-centric skills,” Piefer said. “Leadership, communication, creativity and innovation are what employers are looking for.”

This course was developed based on feedback and insights from members of RCC’s Employer Advisory Board, who emphasized the importance of bringing human-centered skills to the workplace.

The lessons in this class center around developing students’ curiosity and creative problem solving, Piefer explained. There is a science around experimentation and play, she added, noting that she encouraged students not to be afraid to make mistakes and try something different.

Teaching these lessons required time outside the classroom, Piefer said, so she took students to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) where they could explore, connect and grow from their surroundings.

The trip marked full-time MBA student Dhruvisha Shah's first time going to an art museum. Although she didn’t know what to expect going in, she said that as her classmates began to openly discuss their interpretations of the paintings, it felt natural to engage more.

"It made me more observant,” Shah said. “It’s so important to be aware of yourself and the people you work with.”

Full-time MBA student Elizabeth Coletti said she could see herself represented in one of the paintings, particularly in how she wanted to come across as a leader.

“I picture myself as someone who is caring,” she said. “I think this just affirmed it. I want to be an empathetic leader who is relatable and is always there to help.”

"Now I know how to maneuver through challenges from an artistic point of view.”

Subhecha Niraula, full-time MBA

The course and field trip gave full-time MBA student Micah Dalacat the chance to connect with a creative side of her brain that she said she doesn’t often exercise.

“This class really taught me how to communicate with purpose and intentionality,” Dalacat said. “It also taught me how to be vulnerable.”

Full-time MBA student Shaan Muhammad appreciated the focus on storytelling and self-discovery that he can now apply to leadership.

“That feeling of connectivity is ultimately what builds the strongest leaders,” Muhammad said. “It’s not just about telling a good story; it’s showing through your actions.”

Full-time MBA student Subhecha Niraula found that the skills she learned around emotional intelligence could be applied when she has to present to an audience or expand her network.

“Having to look within and tie this almost rigid structure of the business world to something as fluid as art was really interesting,” Niraula said. “I found it difficult, but in the best way possible. Now I know how to maneuver through challenges from an artistic point of view.”

Introducing creativity to the curriculum is a great way to help business students get outside of their comfort zone and think of things from a new perspective, Piefer said. Allowing them the space to explore outside the four walls of an office or a classroom helps improve productivity, and she hopes that this is an experience they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives, she added.

“Ace Your Job Search” (GENB 7197) will be offered again in Spring 2027.