Besides healthcare, what can I study to gaurantee my employment when I graduate?

Question

I currently have a B.A. in mathematics and work as an Estimating Manager. I want to further my education at the Masters or PHD level, but don't want to study something that will leave me without a job when I graduate. I want something in very high demand. Besides heathcare, what should I study?

Answer 1

I know it sounds stupid, but believe me it is almost a lost art. The ability to type and spell and punctuate is in such high demand, that people like me easily knock off $60k as an Executive Assistant just for being able to type and write English well.

I understand you have a BA, etc., but if you want something that is job-gettable that is fool proof, you can't beat being able to type.

And just so you don't think I'm a total dolt, my very best friend was a career diplomat who speaks seven languages fluently. He had a degree in International Law but found it very difficult to get a job, lawyers being found on every street corner. He complained to me about not being able to find work; I got him a job as an Executive Assistant in my international company. It helped to tide him over until he got the job he wanted -- at $45,000/year. It took him nine months to find a job that suited him, but because he knew how to type, he didn't have a nine-month hole in his resume.

I know that's not what you were looking for, but it is true and applicable just the same.

I've gotten better, higher paying jobs knowing how to type than my degree ever got for me.

Answer 2

First look in the mirror and study yourself. Your question is superficial. Consider what things you're willing and unwilling to do. Would you be willing to run an nuclear power plant or a metropolitan waste disposal system? Next take a look at problems today. There are two groups. One's that are full blown right now and need big solutions. These will certainly persist into the future. The other problems are new and will need even more work to resolve. Most college degrees are only good for a little while, so don't be surprised when you find yourself being asked to work in an area not strictly aligned with your degrees. The good news is that when that happens it means people have found out that you can think independently.