Alyssa
What is a good first step to take when you realize the field you got your Bachelor's Degree in has a low demand job wise in the job market?
Alyssa.24. Currently employed in the Legal/Law Field. Recent College Graduate. #college #careers
4 answers
Jyoti Rao, MS, CMS
Jyoti’s Answer
Alyssa, I always tell students to find their passions first, then look at matching careers. Consider asking yourself what was your passion when you selected your major? Has that changed? Consider an alternate career where you will still be passionate about the work you do. Unless your major was a vocational program (all classes were for a specific job), chances are you gained the following excellent skills that all employers are looking for in new hires: how to conduct research using valid sources; creating and executing quality written communication utilizing correct grammar and citing academic sources; global awareness including cultural differences and implications of diverse thinking and viewpoints, and much more. These may have come from your general education classes and can be used in all industries. Additionally, if you were involved in student organizations or campus programming or class projects, all of these experiences have given you skills in: working within a team to collaborate and achieve goals; communicating with others using professionalism and respect, etc. Also, consider the strengths of your personality traits to identify employment opportunities where you have a better connection to that role or field due to your personality strengths. For example if you're a strong and confident communicator to large groups, then a role where you'll engage in community outreach to support a company's mission and goals would be a great fit. If you dig a little deeper on what your college experience did provide, coupled with your passions and personality traits, then you may uncover a lot more qualifications you have now than you originally saw before. I also encourage alumni to seek professional development opportunities that are free to enhance a subset of basic skills such as in the areas of technology as that's most readily available online. Sources like www.lynda.com or even tutorials on www.youtube.com can provide a few additional skills to learn for free. There are other paid sources like Ed2Go or even by Groupon that provide subset skills and trainings to enhance your resume and employment chances. But I would not do any of that additional studying/training until you have a better idea on what careers you want to go into now, as a recent alumni. First, find your passion- the career will morph and change as time goes on, but your passions are more connected to our inner thoughts which tend to drive people further than external influences. Your college alumni network and career services center is a fantastic resource for all of these things I mentioned plus many more resources will be provided to you so please do make an appointment to connect with them. College and universities are always responsible for providing support for their alumni so you will be welcomed with open arms. Good luck!
Ken Simmons
Ken’s Answer
All is not lost.
The first step is to talk to the head of alumni relations at your school to arrange to meet other graduates of your school in your major to see what they are doing and how they got there and what advice they might have.
80% of people find jobs that way.
More people find jobs through the head of alumni relations than through career services.
Here are some good tips on networking to get great information and create helpful relationships:
http://www.wikihow.com/Network
https://www.themuse.com/advice/nonawkward-ways-to-start-and-end-networking-conversations
Let me know if and how this might help. Keep me posted. I would like to follow your progress.
Shiri Fitzgerald
Shiri’s Answer
Like some of the other professionals said, you can utilize your network (maybe through Linkedin, or just your friend group) and the school's alumni to look into potential jobs for you. It's all about who you know, and who knows you. You also said you're currently employed, would you have potential for advancement in your current company? If not, then you would need to look for another company.
You could also always pivot the the workforce, and have a number of options. You can go back to school and get a Master's degree in a field completely different than the one you went to undergrad for, something with more job demand. Or you can take certification exams or courses to build knowledge in your next desired field.
Eric Mensah
Eric’s Answer
I think, when you realize that the field you obtained your Bachelor's Degree in has limited job prospects in the current market, a good first step is to assess your transferable skills. Take the time to identify the skills and knowledge you gained during your degree program that can be valuable in other industries or roles. Consider the core competencies you developed, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, research abilities, communication, or project management skills. Next, research industries or sectors that align with your transferable skills and interests. Look for emerging fields, growing industries, or areas where your expertise can be applied in a different context. Explore additional education or training options that can complement your existing degree and make you more marketable in your chosen field. Networking with professionals in the industries you're interested in can provide valuable insights and potential opportunities. By leveraging your transferable skills, adapting to new industries, and expanding your knowledge, you can take an important first step towards finding a career path that aligns with your aspirations and the current job market demands.