Does Your College Degree Matter for Your Career? Debunking the Myth
When it comes to the importance of a college degree for career success, many hold the belief that it must be directly related to one’s professional field. However, the reality is often more nuanced. For instance, in fields such as nursing, teaching, and certain professions in healthcare, a degree is practically a necessity and can ensure licensure and prepare individuals for professional tests. Yet, for many other fields, your degree's degree of relevance to your work can be less critical than one might think.
Is Your College Degree Relevant to Your Career?
When examining career paths, a common misconception is that your college degree must be closely aligned with your professional field. However, less than 50% of people are working in a field related to their degree five years after graduation (Case in point: a neurologist with a degree in Classical Literature, a cardiologist with a history degree, a bank president with a Fine Arts background, and a florist with a business administration degree).
The diversity of career paths can strengthen your skills and showcase your versatility to potential employers. A neurological background in classical literature may indicate that you possess strong reasoning skills, and a gambit of subjects studied during an undergraduate program can lead to success in business, public relations, art, and other fields that do not require advanced degrees like law or medicine.
Your education, regardless of its specific field, can provide you with essential critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are highly valued in various industries.
Archeology as a Career Path
Archeology, for instance, can be a rewarding and diverse career path. Archeology is much more than just digging in the sand; it involves a wide range of skills and is applicable in various roles, from academia to private sector and even in non-profit organizations.
My Bachelor's in Philosophy has provided me with excellent reasoning skills that have benefited me in many professional contexts. Similarly, my Ph.D. in Interactive Storytelling has proven to be directly applicable to my current work. However, my graduate degree in Management with an emphasis on Human Resources (MBA) has also been a useful tool in my career as a recruiter.
Becoming a Recruiter: A Layered Experience
My experience in becoming a recruiter highlights both the benefits and challenges that come with choosing a career path. Although my MBA with an emphasis on HR is related to my current role, it has not been straightforward. I initially envisioned myself working in a corporate environment, but circumstances led me to game development for several years.
Subsequently, my decision to work from home as a stay-at-home mom turned out to be challenging due to unforeseen circumstances, such as being unable to have children. However, my primary regret is not conducting more thorough research before making my career move.
The role of a recruiter is multifaceted, and the challenges lie in maintaining a thick skin, not caring about what others think, and delivering for clients. My experience as a recruiter has shown me the importance of being realistic about your career goals and conducting comprehensive research before embarking on a new path.
Conclusion: The Importance of Realistic Research and Career Goals
Ultimately, the relevance of your college degree to your career comes down to your goals and the research you do. Understanding your reasons for choosing a particular path and conducting thorough research can significantly enhance your chances of success and happiness in your chosen career.