14 answers
THOMAS’s Answer
If you study architecture, medicine, dentistry, 3D game development, tv/music production, things like this, then the chances of you sticking with that field are naturally high. How many people study for 7 years to be an architect, stick with it the whole time, and then give up. They would likely give up before completing the 7 years and do something else.
At the other end of the scale, if you study latin, history, maths or similar then it is super common to go down a completely different path. Some of the smartest people I know in my industry (high-tech) studied something like this.
Then in the middle you have broader degrees like business and marketing. The reality is that these would be leveraged in almost any career - everything from working for a large enterprise to being a social media influencer.
If you are worried about being in the latter two groups and being concerned it won't lead you to a good role/career then I wouldn't worry. Good employers favour potential capability and attitude over what your degree says - unless you want to be a vet of course :).
Chris’s Answer
My advice is to explore the opportunities which are available to you at that time, take the experience from them which will help in future.
Post Graduation, I failed to land a role in IT so took a role in IT recruitment. My thinking was that at least I would be involved in the industry in some way. I picked up so many skills in those 2 years, which are still key to my day to day activities.
I still kept my long term objective of moving into a technical role, but I genuinely believe the confidence and business acumen gained in those 2 years helped me get over the line in the interviews.
Adam’s Answer
Wenge,
that is true. College education is meant to give you the basis for rational and logical thinking. Once in college try to focus on that and think beyond grades and pass the exams. And I think once you master that, you will never find any problem finding job and working on a different field than your major.
Thanks,
Jackie’s Answer
Starting small is a great way to get your foot in the door, plus you may find other things that you enjoy that you didn't know before. If you're someone who is studying education, it is hard to find teaching positions so quickly and usually have to wait until your 3rd year of college, however, don't let that stop you from working at a bookstore, restaurant, hotel, nursing home, or wherever you would like to work.
Scott’s Answer
Ahmad’s Answer
Zineb’s Answer
Hello,
It's quite normal. I'm going to talk about my experience. I have an degree in Automation and Industrial engineering with a masters degree in Renewable energies. what do i do now for a living? I'm a Data Analyst and i love my job because it allows me to embrace my geeky side while supporting Sales people which is pretty great for developing project management skills and grow as a young professional. I also work for a company that loves to give back to the community which is always a++ for me. My advice is to never stay in your comfort zone, explore your horizons.
Connor’s Answer
It is extremely common for your first job to not relate to what you studied at university. Your undergraduate degree is about learning - that learning can take place in the classroom, athletic pitch, or in the community. Most of your learning is usually on soft skills that form the base foundation layers of your value as an employee. You will need these skills for every job, no matter what industry.
The technical skills needed for your job are often learned at your job or through a secondary graduate degree. I have found that learning how to learn quickly is an invaluable skill and allows you to walk into jobs that you might not be totally prepared for and still get up to speed quicker than others.
Jackie’s Answer
There can be multiple reasons behind this:
The job market for your subject might be depressed at the time that you graduate
The subject you are qualified in may not have turned out to be right for you - That's ok, it is possible to change course, many skills learnt in a subject are transferrable.
As the previous answer suggested you might be looking for a foot in the door. This works surprisingly well, but don't be too up front with your recruiter, they are investing time in recruitment, they want it to be worthwhile.
Charlotte’s Answer
The important thing is to make sure you get work experience in parallel. If you want to be in a sales role after graduating think about selling tickets to nightclubs whilst at uni, if you fancy a career in hospitality look at getting a job in a local bar, perhaps you want to be a vet- how about a Saturday job in the survey? All of these things will help shape your career once you graduate.
Pamela’s Answer
Jacobo’s Answer
You will work in a lot of things do you in your work life where you don't necessarily have the aptitude but you do have the motivation and the right Attitude to learn the job. The competencies can be learned and thought but motivation and passion can not be thought. You either have it or not.
Good luck!
Jacobo
Simeon’s Answer
Carol’s Answer
It is common, but a lot of times, the job you get out of college could lead you to the skills you learned in college. For example, I studied bus mgmt in college. I worked in a hotel as a desk clerk/ reservationist during and directly after college. I was able to move up in the hotel business in jobs such as front office mgr, rooms division mgr because I had both the college and front line experience.
My advice is be open minded. Sometimes you don't realize the opportunity that is there.