You often hear “Go to college to get a good job.” But a college degree does not guarantee that you will immediately get a high-paying position.

You need to know how to talk about the skills you gained in college and “sell” your qualifications to employers.

This is easier for people who majored in a program directly related to the type of jobs they are applying for. For example: a Computer Science graduate getting hired in Information Technology.

Some degrees don’t draw a straight line to specific careers. This can be good for graduates — if you do your homework, you might find you have more career options than you knew.

Before you choose your major or college program, find out what careers graduates from similar programs go into. Also find out what type of degree and what major employers want you to have.

Here are a few examples of careers you can do with a degree in …

Biology	Agricultural and Food Scientists Biomedical and Agricultural Engineers Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Conservation Scientists and Foresters Dental Hygienists Dietitians and Nutritionists Health Services Managers Practitioners and Nurse Midwives Occupational Therapists Optometrists Physician Assistants Postsecondary Teachers Social and Community Service Managers Speech-Language Pathologists Veterinarians
Communication	Account Executive Audio/Visual Specialist Business Analyst Communications Coordinator Community Organizer Editorial Manager Events Coordinator Government Affairs Assistant Graphic Designer Marketing Coordinator Production Director Public Education Coordinator Sales Representative Special Event Coordinator Web Manager
English	Courseware Developer Editorial Assistant Legal Assistant Marketing Writer Production Assistant Program Manager for nonprofit Project Manager Public Relations Associate Research Analyst Teacher Technical Writer
Political Science	Administrative Assistant in governor’s office Analyst for the CIA City Planner Community Affairs Manager Federal Investigator Field Organizer Foreign Service Officer Fundraiser Legislative Aide Lobbyist Paralegal Police Officer/State Trooper Project Coordinator Research Assistant Teacher
Social Science	Clergy Community and Social Service Specialists Counselors Credit Counselors and Loan Officers Human Resources Managers Lawyers, and Judges Librarians Market Research Analysts Police Officers Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists Psychologists Purchasing Managers Social and Community Service Managers Social Workers Urban and Regional Planners

 

Resources

• What Can I Do With A Major In … (MyPlan)
• Matching Careers to Degrees (CollegeBoard)
• What Can I Do with a Degree In … (Portland State University)