In other words, it's not uncommon for someone to get a degree in one industry only to find out later that they're not suited for the jobs, changed their mind or chose a different profession. What percentage of college graduates actually work in the field in which they received their degree?
2007-06-17 04:27:24 · 12 answers · asked by Tony R 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Most degrees are not in "industries", so this is hard to assess. Even for those which are (mine was in hospitality), I would guess that the number who are still in the industry after a number of years is quite low. I know that most of my classmates moved on after a couple of years for higher pay, better hours, or the like. Still, I don't regret the degree. I'm not sure I would have finished my degree if it had not been in the field in which I was working at the time. Once I had the bachelor's degree, it mattered less what the degree was in than that I had it, which allowed me entree into other opportunities.
2007-06-17 05:14:52 · answer #1 · answered by neniaf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is not an answer to your question, but an answer that is relative.
I quit school and started drafting as a kid. I wound up making great money designing circuit boards, but I never loved my work.
For years I kept trying to find something I loved to do but kept going back for the money. It wasn't until I went back to school that I found it. Now I am at the beginning of my education; finishing up an associates in Anthropology. I will find work related to it because I am done working for the money.
The way things are today, education is the only way to go. When I was young it was not as important, but now you need a bachelors to work almost anywhere for above minimum wage.
The hard part is that "normal" people go to college when they are young and may not really know what they like (as I see with the young students @ the school I attend). Once you get a little experience under your belt, it is easier to know what will make you happy. I guess that is why so many people change careers mid life.
2007-06-17 05:36:09 · answer #2 · answered by crct2004 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am guessing that you made your mother nervous with your career plan. It is not the job many parents would want for their children. You need talent, heaps of training and experience, good self marketing skills, opportunity and luck. Your Mom knows that there are thousands of talented, well trained young people who want what you want. She wants you to have a comfortable life and a steady income and not many actors have that. If it is your passion and you have what it takes then you will find a way to make it happen. In the meantime do some youth theatre and learn to sing and dance. Agents won't look at you without a high skill level. Work hard and make plans and keep going with the school work as you will need a job that brings an income while you work on your dream. Good luck!
2016-05-17 22:26:19 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are probably stats available you can look up. Alas, I am one of those people. My area is FULL of people in my chosen field that have experience, and I just have a paper degree...thus, I'm not working in the field I was educated in (even though I'd like to) because of competition and nearly every job advertised requires 3 - 5 yrs experience.
I could probably move to a different area and find work in my field, but I live here because I love it here (except for the high cost of living and the job situation).
2007-06-17 04:36:47 · answer #4 · answered by . 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think anyone can give you a percentage. I think paid internships while a student is in school is a great way to test drive a career before spending all that time on that degree. I was majoring in graphic design and had a paid internship and realized that I HATED trying to extract information out of clients who knew what they wanted but could not effectively express it enough for me to understand what they wanted. It was very frustrating. After spending a summer doing that I knew it was not the field for me and I changed gears and switched majors.
2007-06-17 04:37:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure about the percentage but i do not work in my field.
HOwever, i plan on going back to school to add to my degree (not a Masters) so i can stay in a similar field.
I did Physics in University and i will be going back to school to become an x-ray technologist.
Hope that helps.
2007-06-17 04:59:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that around 85% to 90% of people actually work in the industry that they got there degree in.I know alot of younger people who went to college and then worked where ever they specialized in and changed there minds. Usually they work and go to college at night. I say go for it because You always would have something to fall back on, and if your young do it!
2007-06-17 04:31:30 · answer #7 · answered by Susy_Q 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got an advanced degree which was somewhat related to my undergraduate degree. I've been working in the field of my Ph.D. for nearly 20 years.
2007-06-17 04:31:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can only tell you what percentage of me is working in the industry in which I got my degree.
I could but I won't cause that wasn't the question.
(By the way, I use the word "working" to refer to all work done by me, not just gainful employment.)
2007-06-17 04:33:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am not, and I would guess that the the percentage of those that are is below 50%, maybe even as low as 30%.
2007-06-17 04:30:42 · answer #10 · answered by derrick j 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋