Choose a college major based on interest or employment rate?

1. 61

   Cassie Smithposted 12 years ago

   The Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce reports that newly graduated architects face the highest unemployment rate among new grads, 13.9%   Arts major face an unemployment rate of 11.1%.  Should you tell a kid going to college who will be spending thousands of dollars on that college education to choose a major where they can easily get a job or one that they really like but not an easy chance of getting a job.

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   1. 73

      Barbara Kayposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      My husband told our son he refused to help him pay for college unless he got a degree that paid well. Now at 35 he is getting the degree he wanted back then. It seems some people are called to do certain jobs.

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   2. 84

      Laura Schneiderposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      It is the choice of the individual, but if that person is smart they will consider both things and weigh the consequences and be prepared to live with them. A good-paying, easy-to-find job today may be scarce by the time the student graduates in a any case, so there's a bit of luck and course correction along the way, too.

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   3. 63

      Jynzlyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Very often or not, statistics control our personal decision-making; peer groups and social sanctions prevent us to do what we really want from our depths. Sometimes, and in the time of necessity we divert ourselves to meet necessities but in the long run this "meeting every temporal necessity" attitude wear us down and make us bitter and feeling empty. If statistics say that 99% of Arts graduates are unemployed but your child really has that 100% energy and desire for the Arts...give him a go...He may be extraordinarily talented...he may be great in the long run...life is not just to day...it s a life time experience...there is still the 1% remaining in the statistics...this could be a life time challenge but the challenge is worth the victory if your heart, mind, and everything that you are is in it...I am not saying that this is a standard for everybody to follow...some people are just gifted and are bold enough to follow their dreams. This is for them.

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      1. 72

         kschimmelposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Great insights!  After all, SOMEBODY is going to be that 1%.

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   4. 59

      freemarketingnowposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I would choose it based on interest. If you're good at what you do, you'll be fine. I started out in teaching and a lot of close friends/family disapproved. I ended up making a 6 figure salary as as administrator because I was good at what I did.

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2. 83

   psycheskinnerposted 12 years ago

   The first thing to do would be to consider what conditions might be like in four years time.  Also to seek a degree that, if not in high trade demand, is a bit flexible and can lead to other careers.

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   1. 84

      Laura Schneiderposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I agree--flexibility, in addition to some solid skills knowledge, will help balance out the employment options. Training for two or more careers wouldn't hurt.

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3. 72

   kschimmelposted 12 years ago

   Choose a major based on your gifts and interests, since economic conditions can change so quickly.  I have never regretted studying engineering, since the math and programming and problem-solving skills I learned apply to any field.  All employers want people who can communicate well and think critically, so get those skills one way or another.

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4. 63

   Jynzlyposted 12 years ago

   The choice of a degree should be based on interest. I had been teaching College for two decades and had made surveys on our graduates. Our school found out that graduates who chose their major based on interest had a higher percentage of finding a job. After all hat is employment if one has no motivation? Only those who are highly motivated can succeed in life.

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   1. 84

      Laura Schneiderposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Fascinating and well-said! You've got me thinking...

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5. 93

   lady rainposted 12 years ago

   It helps to have an interest in the subjects you want to go for. But if you have not decided on what really interests you, then use employment rate and income as a guide to lead you to your future career.

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   1. 63

      Jynzlyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with you in this Lady Rain.

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6. 50

   tashabrayposted 12 years ago

   "This is a tough question to answer. While on one hand, it’s always wiser to pick a career that interests you, on the other, if there are no jobs in the profession of your choice, then there will be no career to pursue! It’s what one calls a perfect Catch-22 situation.
   
   If I had to give this advice to someone, I would probably ask them to find a middle path. I’d ask them to shortlist three to four careers they think they’d like and be good at, do some investigation of the kind of employment opportunities, salary, growth prospects each offers, and then pick the best of them all.
   
   Another consideration would be the amount of schooling required for a profession. For example, if you are interested in a business leader role, then you should be prepared to pursue a graduate program before you can be on your way. On the other hand, if your dream job is nursing, then a Bachelor’s or even an Associate’s degree should be enough to get you started.

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