No degree is truly useless, but some may pose more difficulty in job hunting than others. After you finish your schooling and experience the excitement of graduation, you should, ideally, not feel the need to worry about finding a job.
Listed below are some degrees that make finding a well-paying career a little difficult. Please Note: it's not to say that finding a good job in these fields is impossible — it is simply more difficult — especially without the proper resources.
Worst Degrees to Get
Following is a list of degrees that may make your job hunting process a little more strenuous.
If your major is on this list and you truly love it, don't be discouraged. Do, however, seek out resources to ensure you are heading in the right direction. Speak with an academic advisor, seek out career placement services and/or internships that your school offers.
1. Archeology: Maybe you were always fascinated with archeology. It is an interesting discipline to pursue; plus it has shaped our understanding of humans and different cultures throughout differing time periods. However, it is hard to find a job with simply a bachelor's in archeology, and the demand for archaeologists is only expected to increase by 500 job openings by 2030 (bls.gov) nationwide. If you are interested in becoming an archeologist, you will need at least a Master's degree in the field.
2. Fine Arts: Your passion for the arts shouldn't diminish just because it is listed here. Understand, however, that making a name for yourself as an artist requires time, experience, and usually some connections. You are unlikely to have high earning potential your first few years with a fine arts degree. Yet, you have options. You could use your degree and pursue a job in education, or work at an art museum or gallery. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that fine arts majors will see a projected growth rate of 6 percent by 2030.
3. Music: You might be really passionate about music, and your talent can reflect that. However, the music industry can also be very competitive. If you are majoring in music, do your best to stand apart from your competition in the job market in any way you can. Perhaps get an internship at an esteemed conservatory, or seek out a specialization such as "music production". In such a competitive market, you will want to distinguish yourself.
4. Exercise Science: The broader degree of exercise science, again, may lead to obstacles in the job market. While exercise scientists may qualify for a range of jobs, from physical education, to being an athletic instructor, a fitness consultant, or a personal trainer, these will mainly be confined to fitness centers or gyms. If you are looking for a degree that leads to a more versatile field, you may want to major in the related field of exercise physiology instead.
5. Creative Writing: Although you are passionate about creative writing, it may be difficult to break into the industry at first. In addition, if you would like to become a published author or poet, you may need to work another job to generate supplemental income while waiting for your work to be published (it can be a very long process). If you have a teaching certificate, you could work toward becoming a creative writing teacher; it may be a great way to share your passion and to secure some stability in your career.
6. Art History: While an art history major can be interesting, it is important to understand that you may be limited in terms of career options. You may be better suited if you decide to earn a Master's degree so you can work as an archivist or curator. Or, you might enjoy working at an art museum or gallery — if this is the case, art history may provide an ideal background for you. You just may not earn much money in an entry-level position.
The job market can be stressful — especially with entry-level positions. The intent of this list is not to discourage, but rather, educate. If a major you love is on the list, don't worry, instead plan ahead to ensure you will be ready when the time comes to find a job.
If you are still deciding on a college to go into, consider looking at a community college to save some money. There are some lucrative careers you can enter with just an associate degree. Read about high paying jobs with an associate degree alone!
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