Picture this: you spend four (or more!) years working your tail off, rack up thousands of dollars in student loans, and finally snag that shiny degree. But the job market isn’t quite what you expected. It turns out that some degrees simply don’t translate into the dream career you envisioned.
Don’t get us wrong! College and pursuing a degree can be amazing. But the key is choosing wisely. Sadly, there’s a mismatch – some fields are overcrowded, or the jobs themselves might pay peanuts compared to your student debt. Additionally, there are a lot of careers that are better built with real-life experience and on-the-job training.
Before you commit to a major, let’s dive into 19 degrees that might leave you wishing you’d chosen a different path.
1. Anthropology
Anthropology is awesome if you’re genuinely fascinated by the study of humans, cultures, and ancient societies. But it might not be the most practical path unless you’re aiming for an academic career (and those professor jobs are scarce).
Many anthropology grads struggle to find jobs directly related to their degree. If you love it, consider a double major or minor. Pairing it with fields like business, marketing, or healthcare can open more career paths. Also, explore “applied anthropology,” where you use your knowledge to solve real-world problems for businesses or organizations.
2. Philosophy
Sharpening your mind with the works of Plato or debating big questions is intellectually stimulating. However, a philosophy degree alone might not open many doors job-wise.
Don’t despair if you already have this degree! It teaches valuable critical thinking skills sought after by many employers. But you may need to market yourself creatively or pair it with additional training for lucrative roles. Look for jobs emphasizing analysis and research. Graduate law, business, or public policy programs might be a good fit if you’re looking to specialize.
3. Fine Arts
Are you considering a painting, sculpting, or ceramics degree? Following your artistic passion is admirable. But breaking into a professional art career is notoriously tough (and doesn’t necessarily require a degree). Expect to hustle with side gigs or freelance work.
This path is for the dedicated. If you’re super talented and business-savvy, you can make it work. For many, art might be better off as a fulfilling hobby alongside a more stable income stream. Or skip the schooling and dive head first into an apprenticeship and other real-world experiences.
Hone your business and marketing skills! Learn about online platforms for selling your art, building a clientele, and managing commissions.
4. Religious Studies
This path often leads towards clergy work, which can vary drastically in pay depending on the denomination. If you’re set on a religious career, this could be the perfect degree. Otherwise, consider pairing it with another discipline like social work or non-profit management.
Get practical experience by volunteering or interning with faith-based organizations, social service agencies, or chaplaincy programs. If you want to specialize in a specific area of religious work, explore graduate studies.
5. Culinary Arts
The reality of professional kitchens is often grueling, with long hours and relatively low pay for entry-level chefs. It’s possible to rise through the ranks in the restaurant world, but burnout is common.
If you love the food industry, consider the business side – management or entrepreneurship might be a better move in the long term. Get hands-on experience while in school. Intern at different types of restaurants or food businesses to find your niche. Consider specializing in a particular cuisine or area (like bakery or catering) where you can stand out.
6. Gender Studies
Jobs directly tied to a gender studies degree can be limited. This degree, however, fosters strong research and critical thinking abilities, skills that can be valuable in fields like law, human resources, or social work, often with further training.
Look for internships with advocacy groups, non-profits, or even in the HR departments of large companies focused on diversity and inclusion. Explore graduate degrees to specialize in specific areas like conflict resolution, public policy, or counseling.
7. Film Studies
If you’re a movie buff, analyzing classic films and learning about cinema history is awesome. However, breaking into the film industry is highly competitive, and most jobs are freelance or project-based.
Studying film develops strong visual storytelling and critical analysis skills. But it’s often not enough on its own to land your dream job as a director or screenwriter. Build your portfolio! Write your own scripts, shoot short films, and learn about editing and production techniques. Network within the industry and consider a specialized graduate program if you have a specific career area in mind.
8. History
Career paths for history majors aren’t always clear-cut unless you’re aiming for teaching or academia. Studying history teaches valuable research, analysis, and communication skills. But you might need to think outside the box for job applications.
Consider government or museum work, historical preservation societies, or research-based roles at non-profits. If you’re open to tech-adjacent fields, pair this with skills like data analysis or digital presentation.
9. Political Science
If politics is your passion, a political science degree can provide a solid foundation in government and policy analysis. But competition for those coveted political jobs is FIERCE.
Be prepared to build experience and network heavily to break into the field. Intern with campaigns, government agencies, or think tanks. Consider graduate studies in public policy, law, or international relations. Look beyond the obvious political roles to jobs in lobbying or advocacy.
10. Sociology
Studying societal patterns and social issues is fascinating. However, jobs specifically requiring a sociology degree can be limited.
Sociology fosters research, analysis, and understanding of human behavior. These skills translate well into many fields, but you may need to tailor your job search accordingly. Seek out internships and volunteer work related to social services, market research, or data analysis. Consider pairing your degree with psychology or social work for specialized career paths.
11. Foreign Languages
Being multilingual is a fantastic skill in today’s globalized world! However, a degree in a foreign language alone might not be enough to land your dream job.
It’s often better as a complement to another skill set. Consider what else interests you and how you can leverage your language ability in that field. Seek certification to prove your proficiency. Consider translation or interpretation work. Combine your language skills with another field like international business, tourism, or teaching.
12. Graphic Design
Graphic design might seem like a great option if you love expressing yourself visually. However, the field is becoming increasingly saturated, and finding well-paid work can be competitive.
The rise of DIY design tools means clients might try to lowball you. You need to prove your value beyond just technical ability. Build a rock-solid portfolio that showcases unique projects. Specialize in a niche within graphic design (UI/UX, branding, etc.) to stand out. Learn the business side of freelancing or working with agencies.
13. Fashion Design
The fashion industry is notoriously tough to break into. Competition is fierce, and those starting out often struggle to make a decent living.
Fashion design fosters creativity and attention to detail. But success will likely require more than just your degree – you need business sense and a strong work ethic. Intern with established designers or fashion houses to get real-world experience. Develop entrepreneurial skills and explore ways to sell your creations online or through local boutiques.
14. Journalism
The career landscape in journalism has changed dramatically. Traditional newspaper jobs are declining, and freelancing is often the norm for those starting out.
Strong writing, research, and communication skills are always in demand. However, you might need to adapt to digital platforms and build your personal brand as a journalist. Start writing NOW! Build a portfolio of published clips, even if it’s for a school paper or your own blog. Get comfortable with social media and multimedia storytelling, and learn to pitch your work to editors.
15. Environmental Studies
Job growth has been somewhat slower than expected in this field, and pay can be low, especially in the non-profit sector.
Understanding environmental science and policy is important. However, many employers prefer candidates with additional technical skills for specific roles. Look for internships or entry-level jobs with environmental consulting firms, government agencies, or sustainability-focused businesses. Specialized certifications or graduate studies could boost your career prospects.
16. Physical Education
Those aiming to be PE teachers might find job competition to be strong, depending on their location. Promoting physical health and fitness is always a good thing! But job stability might be an issue, especially if you’re tied to a school system with potential budget cuts.
Get certified in additional fitness areas, such as personal training or specialized sports coaching. Consider expanding your job search to fitness centers, athletic clubs, or recreation programs.
17. Psychology
A bachelor’s degree in psychology alone often doesn’t lead directly to becoming a therapist or counselor. Psychology can be valuable in many fields, but further specialization is usually necessary for career advancement.
If you’re passionate about mental health, explore graduate programs leading to specific licensed careers like social work, counseling, or clinical psychology. Alternatively, look for jobs in human resources, marketing, or research where understanding human behavior is an asset.
18. Marketing
Junior-level marketing roles often involve a lot of grunt work and might not be as glamorous as you think. Plus, the field is evolving rapidly with the rise of digital marketing.
Understanding marketing principles is valuable for virtually any business. But you need to stay on top of current trends and be willing to learn new digital tools. Build your digital marketing skills! Take online courses, experiment with social media campaigns, learn about SEO, and seek out internships. Specializing in a niche or specific platform can make you more marketable.
19. Photography
With everyone owning a decent smartphone camera, it’s harder than ever to make a living as a professional photographer. The market is saturated, and clients often undervalue your work and time.
If you have genuine talent and an eye for great shots, don’t let this degree stop you! But you’ll need to hustle, market your services, and specialize to stand out from the crowd. Find your niche – weddings, product photography, portraiture, etc. Develop strong business and marketing skills, build an online portfolio, and be prepared to freelance your way to success.
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With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
