8 answers
CareerVillage Office Hours
Student
Palo Alto, California
475
Questions
Asked
1550 views
If I can't find a job related to my major? Where do I work?
This is part of our professionals series, where we ask professionals what they think students should know
Login to comment
8 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6181
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello,
Exploring Alternative Career Paths When Your Major Doesn't Lead to a Job
If you're struggling to find a job that directly corresponds with your major, it's crucial to consider other career avenues that could utilize your skills, interests, and ambitions. The following sections offer a variety of career possibilities to contemplate:
Industrial-Organizational Psychology: This area merges psychology and business concepts to enhance workplace atmospheres and boost employee productivity. Professionals here often serve as consultants, aiding companies in enhancing employee contentment, efficiency, and overall triumph.
Human Resources: HR experts manage employees, ensure adherence to labor laws, and supervise recruitment and hiring procedures. A foundation in psychology or a similar major can be advantageous in comprehending employee behavior and formulating effective workplace regulations.
Marketing: A career in marketing entails researching, advertising, and selling products or services to consumers. Communication, research, and analytical skills can be utilized in numerous roles within the marketing sector, like market research analysts, social media managers, or content developers.
Non-Profit Organizations: If you have a fervor for a specific cause or issue, you can contribute to non-profit organizations that tackle these matters. Roles can vary from fundraising and event organization to program administration and public relations.
Education: A psychology degree can be useful in the education field, as it offers insights into student behavior and learning mechanisms. Teachers, educational advisors, and school administrators can all gain from a psychology background.
Healthcare: A psychology degree can be employed in diverse healthcare environments, including mental health counseling, patient assistance, and case management. Professionals here can guide individuals through complicated healthcare systems and ensure they receive the necessary support.
Research: If you have a penchant for conducting research and uncovering new concepts, a research career could be an excellent match. Psychology graduates can contribute to academic, government, or private research institutions, investigating a variety of topics related to human behavior and cognition.
By investigating these alternative career routes, you can effectively use your psychology education and discover a rewarding career that matches your skills and interests.
Resourceful Reference Titles
Occupational Outlook Handbook - The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, offers extensive information on a range of occupations, including job responsibilities, education and training prerequisites, employment forecasts, and average salaries.
Psychology Careers Guide - The American Psychological Association’s (APA) Psychology Careers Guide provides a plethora of information on diverse psychology-related careers, including job profiles, educational necessities, and career trajectories.
MyPlan.com - MyPlan.com is an exhaustive career exploration platform that provides details on various occupations, including job profiles, necessary skills, and education and training prerequisites. The site also offers self-evaluation tools to assist individuals in identifying their career preferences and abilities.
Remember to check out my autobiography for a list of foods that are rich in nutrients essential for academic and physical performance. Thank you.
May you be abundantly blessed in ways only possible by divine intervention. Thank you,
James Constantine.
Exploring Alternative Career Paths When Your Major Doesn't Lead to a Job
If you're struggling to find a job that directly corresponds with your major, it's crucial to consider other career avenues that could utilize your skills, interests, and ambitions. The following sections offer a variety of career possibilities to contemplate:
Industrial-Organizational Psychology: This area merges psychology and business concepts to enhance workplace atmospheres and boost employee productivity. Professionals here often serve as consultants, aiding companies in enhancing employee contentment, efficiency, and overall triumph.
Human Resources: HR experts manage employees, ensure adherence to labor laws, and supervise recruitment and hiring procedures. A foundation in psychology or a similar major can be advantageous in comprehending employee behavior and formulating effective workplace regulations.
Marketing: A career in marketing entails researching, advertising, and selling products or services to consumers. Communication, research, and analytical skills can be utilized in numerous roles within the marketing sector, like market research analysts, social media managers, or content developers.
Non-Profit Organizations: If you have a fervor for a specific cause or issue, you can contribute to non-profit organizations that tackle these matters. Roles can vary from fundraising and event organization to program administration and public relations.
Education: A psychology degree can be useful in the education field, as it offers insights into student behavior and learning mechanisms. Teachers, educational advisors, and school administrators can all gain from a psychology background.
Healthcare: A psychology degree can be employed in diverse healthcare environments, including mental health counseling, patient assistance, and case management. Professionals here can guide individuals through complicated healthcare systems and ensure they receive the necessary support.
Research: If you have a penchant for conducting research and uncovering new concepts, a research career could be an excellent match. Psychology graduates can contribute to academic, government, or private research institutions, investigating a variety of topics related to human behavior and cognition.
By investigating these alternative career routes, you can effectively use your psychology education and discover a rewarding career that matches your skills and interests.
Resourceful Reference Titles
Occupational Outlook Handbook - The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, offers extensive information on a range of occupations, including job responsibilities, education and training prerequisites, employment forecasts, and average salaries.
Psychology Careers Guide - The American Psychological Association’s (APA) Psychology Careers Guide provides a plethora of information on diverse psychology-related careers, including job profiles, educational necessities, and career trajectories.
MyPlan.com - MyPlan.com is an exhaustive career exploration platform that provides details on various occupations, including job profiles, necessary skills, and education and training prerequisites. The site also offers self-evaluation tools to assist individuals in identifying their career preferences and abilities.
Remember to check out my autobiography for a list of foods that are rich in nutrients essential for academic and physical performance. Thank you.
May you be abundantly blessed in ways only possible by divine intervention. Thank you,
James Constantine.
Chirayu Rupani
Data Analyst
295
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
If you can't find a job related to your major, there are several options you can consider - Consider looking for jobs in fields that are related to your major. For example, if you majored in marketing, you could look for jobs in advertising, public relations, or digital marketing. You may have gained skills in your major that can be applied to other fields. For example, if you majored in history, you may have strong research and writing skills that can be applied in fields like journalism, research, or content creation. Consider volunteering or interning in fields related to your major to gain relevant experience. This can also help you network with professionals in your field and potentially lead to job opportunities. If you are passionate about your major, you may want to consider further education or training to gain additional skills and make yourself more marketable to potential employers. Consider looking for jobs in industries that interest you, even if they are not directly related to your major. You may find that your skills and interests align with a different industry, and you can still find fulfilling work.
Cameron Statton
Strategy Manager
3
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Cameron’s Answer
Think outside the box! Majors are just the end to a beginning of one step in a much longer career. A few questions to ask yourself:
1) Why did I pick this major and are there other types of jobs that align with my interests?
2) What skills did I learn with this major that I can apply elsewhere?
3) What am I looking for?
Try searching and looking for things that align with the general scope of your major but don't feel required to have that in the title. For example, you can become a Project Manager, Strategy Manager, Business Development Manager, Data Scientist, Engineer, etc. all from the same major of Biomedical Engineering - just depends what you want to focus on! If you're still in school, see if you can build your class schedule to take classes to explore a few different potential career paths (eg. can you take classes at both the engineering and the business school?).
1) Why did I pick this major and are there other types of jobs that align with my interests?
2) What skills did I learn with this major that I can apply elsewhere?
3) What am I looking for?
Try searching and looking for things that align with the general scope of your major but don't feel required to have that in the title. For example, you can become a Project Manager, Strategy Manager, Business Development Manager, Data Scientist, Engineer, etc. all from the same major of Biomedical Engineering - just depends what you want to focus on! If you're still in school, see if you can build your class schedule to take classes to explore a few different potential career paths (eg. can you take classes at both the engineering and the business school?).
Tricia Timmons
Sales
25
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Tricia’s Answer
What is your ideal job? If you don’t know, work with a career counselor (or school counselor) to help you get clarity. Once you have that, determine which major would be best for you to focus on. Ask someone with the job or search for those with the job you want and see where they went to school (LinkedIn) and what they majored in. Your school counselor or a career coach can also help. Investigate if there are (paid) internships as you make your way through college. My major required I complete an internship to graduate. It paid (thankfully), but the biggest value was gaining experience, figuring out if I liked it, and wanted to continue to pursue it, made contacts within the field, and became a known quantity — meaning, there were people who knew my work, professionalism, and other strengths, and they were willing to help me (either connect with others, give a job referral, be a reference, etc.).
Jamie Meyer
Strategist. Methods Analyst. Interdisciplinary Specialist. Social Architect.
12
Answers
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
A better question is what do you want to do with that major? What about that major interested you and how did you hope to apply it?
A big problem with majors is that they create a tunnel focus for career application, job and industry potential. Consider what interested you about your major, how you wanted to use that major and how it can be applied across different sectors. Put your own personal spin and interest on what you've learned. Take it somewhere unexpected and use it in a different way than the general path leads you to.
You can always invent a way to use it. Explore potential applications that do not exist. Find a gap in the industry that your major can apply to and develop something new.
If you need a job for now until you work all of that out, look for something that could add value to what you already know. Give you a different perspective to contribute to a longer-term plan.
Your major is only the beginning of your life's learning portfolio. Consider building it further before you hedge yourself into one space. Taking a major isn't a production line, it doesn't make you and 300 more students in your graduating class a number in one of many. It is a building block for you to discover your version of that knowledge, your perspective, understanding and unique application of that knowledge. Think outside the box, speak to people, and read about people you admire. Read about the industry you majored in. Design an idea of your own, how you can use your unique version of that major to get a job, build a career or business for yourself.
A big problem with majors is that they create a tunnel focus for career application, job and industry potential. Consider what interested you about your major, how you wanted to use that major and how it can be applied across different sectors. Put your own personal spin and interest on what you've learned. Take it somewhere unexpected and use it in a different way than the general path leads you to.
You can always invent a way to use it. Explore potential applications that do not exist. Find a gap in the industry that your major can apply to and develop something new.
If you need a job for now until you work all of that out, look for something that could add value to what you already know. Give you a different perspective to contribute to a longer-term plan.
Your major is only the beginning of your life's learning portfolio. Consider building it further before you hedge yourself into one space. Taking a major isn't a production line, it doesn't make you and 300 more students in your graduating class a number in one of many. It is a building block for you to discover your version of that knowledge, your perspective, understanding and unique application of that knowledge. Think outside the box, speak to people, and read about people you admire. Read about the industry you majored in. Design an idea of your own, how you can use your unique version of that major to get a job, build a career or business for yourself.
Adrian Santos
Marine Security Guard
161
Answers
Lome, Maritime Region, Togo
Updated
Adrian’s Answer
If you can't find a job related to your major, there are a few things you can do:
Broaden your search: Consider looking for jobs that may not be directly related to your major, but still draw on some of the skills and knowledge you have gained. For example, if you majored in communications, you may be qualified for a job in marketing or public relations.
Consider further education or training: If you're struggling to find a job in your field, it may be worth considering additional education or training to help you stand out. This could include pursuing a graduate degree or a professional certification.
Build your skills and experience: Look for ways to build your skills and gain experience, even if it's not in a traditional job setting. This could include volunteering, internships, or freelance work.
Network: Networking can be a valuable tool for finding job opportunities and making connections in your field. Attend networking events, reach out to alumni from your college or university, and consider joining professional organizations related to your field.
Be patient and persistent: Finding a job in your field can take time, so be patient and keep applying for positions that interest you. It's also a good idea to stay informed about trends and developments in your field, so you can be well-prepared for job opportunities as they arise.
Broaden your search: Consider looking for jobs that may not be directly related to your major, but still draw on some of the skills and knowledge you have gained. For example, if you majored in communications, you may be qualified for a job in marketing or public relations.
Consider further education or training: If you're struggling to find a job in your field, it may be worth considering additional education or training to help you stand out. This could include pursuing a graduate degree or a professional certification.
Build your skills and experience: Look for ways to build your skills and gain experience, even if it's not in a traditional job setting. This could include volunteering, internships, or freelance work.
Network: Networking can be a valuable tool for finding job opportunities and making connections in your field. Attend networking events, reach out to alumni from your college or university, and consider joining professional organizations related to your field.
Be patient and persistent: Finding a job in your field can take time, so be patient and keep applying for positions that interest you. It's also a good idea to stay informed about trends and developments in your field, so you can be well-prepared for job opportunities as they arise.
Inura De Zoysa
Backend Software Engineer
1
Answer
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Inura’s Answer
The skill you learn in your Major are transferable to other domains. I was also in a similar boat, and decided to look at other jobs that people who did similar degrees to me. By asking around I was able to find a list of potential companies I could work on and do something similar to what I had learnt.
I also found that just asking around can help you find companies. Especially for me, I did a very niche field and I found out that a lot of people weren't actively looking for someone with my major, but if they had the chance they would have quickly offered me something. Following on from this, networking events can be a great way to find these kinds of people. I would recommend conferences, societies and meetups as a great way to find other people in the industry you want and if they have opening they will tell you about it.
I also find that sometimes opportunities just come out of no where and you can just seize them. I know many people who ended up doing things very different to their major because they saw a chance and took it. These have been drastic changes sometimes that have changed their entire career path.
I also found that just asking around can help you find companies. Especially for me, I did a very niche field and I found out that a lot of people weren't actively looking for someone with my major, but if they had the chance they would have quickly offered me something. Following on from this, networking events can be a great way to find these kinds of people. I would recommend conferences, societies and meetups as a great way to find other people in the industry you want and if they have opening they will tell you about it.
I also find that sometimes opportunities just come out of no where and you can just seize them. I know many people who ended up doing things very different to their major because they saw a chance and took it. These have been drastic changes sometimes that have changed their entire career path.
Matthew Bruzzese
18
Answers
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Oh boy, I don't know if I know anyone who still "works in their major". Usually it's what starts your path but the further you go down that road your career will be driven more by what your innate skills are, changing professional desires and often just luck. I have an engineering degree and have never done anything related to engineering but so much of what I learned to get the degree I still apply today. Definitely be open to starting somewhere that you may be able to apply skills you learned rather than the specific knowledge. Many job openings appear to have specific "requirements" and people who look at them and think they only meet a few of them don't apply, which is a mistake. If you meet just a few and it seems to be an interesting thing to do, go for it!