Special Talk: Path to The Future Careers for Arts Students

The Wiman Bangphli Room at Assumption University of Thailand (AU)' s The Cathedral of Learning Building , Suvarnabhumi Campus was buzzing with anticipation as Arts students gathered to hear from one of their own. K. Phumjai Krisintu, an alumnus of the Theodore Maria School of Arts and now the Asia Pacific Regional Leader for Social Impact at PepsiCo, returned to his alma mater to offer insights on the winding journey from university to the corporate world.

His talk, part of AU's Empowering Self Series 2024, was a compelling mix of personal reflection and practical advice. K. Phumjai's rise to a leadership position at one of the world's largest corporations might seem like a leap from his studies in Business French at AU. Still, as he recounted, the lessons learned in critical thinking, communication, and adaptability were central to his success.

"In the corporate world, it's not just about what you know—it's about how you use what you've learned to solve new problems," K. Phumjai explained as students scribbled notes and nodded in agreement. His career trajectory, from AU classrooms to global leadership at Pepsi Co, provided a powerful reminder that an Arts education can open doors far beyond the classroom.

K. Phumjai stressed the importance of soft skills, such as effective communication and leadership, in navigating today's dynamic job market. "Technical skills can get you started, but it's the ability to think creatively, adapt, and connect with people that will really take you forward," he said.

The talk, organized by the Theodore Maria School of Arts, was aimed at showing students how their degrees could be a foundation for diverse career paths. The takeaway was simple but profound: an Arts education, far from being a limitation, can be a toolkit for navigating an increasingly interconnected world.

Students left the room with a sense of optimism. "It's encouraging to see how someone from our faculty has made such an impact," said one attendee. "It shows that the skills we're learning now can take us anywhere."

As the event wrapped up, K. Phumjai's parting message was clear: "Your degree is only the beginning. What you build from it is entirely up to you."