Career Planning & Exploration: Life After College

Previous information has dealt with making decisions concerning what to major in, the different types of degrees you can seek, or the registration process. But what happens after all of this is done? You have worked hard, have a degree, and are done with college. Now it's time to USE that degree and go hunting for a job!

Not to scare you or anything, but job hunting can be almost as stressful as college. Writing and sending resumes, calling prospective employers, traveling, interviewing, etc. What a pain! Hopefully the job of your dreams is the end product. However, sometimes that dream job is only reached after wading through some - less desirable - positions. But how can this be? I HAVE A DEGREE IN (Insert Major)!

As mentioned in an earlier section, many people end up in a career that is either not related to their degree at all, or the degree they hold and the work they do are only partially related. Nothing to worry about. We all have to start somewhere. The important thing to remember is that you do have a degree and it is going to be beneficial to you, regardless of where you start. This has happened to other people, and things turn out fine. Here are some examples of people you might recognize:

Teri Hatcher (A.K.A. "Lois Lane") earned a degree in mathematics and engineering. Although not closely related to her career as an actress, I'm sure this background was very helpful in dealing with "Superman."

 

Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon, of the excellent and renowned group of "Simon & Garfunkel" (Sorry, I'm dating myself) did not major in music. Shocking, but true. Garfunkel majored in mathematics and Simon majored in English. Granted, it helps in singing if you have proper English, but it is not necessary. For example, Spice Girls, Puff Daddy, Vanilla Ice, etc. Need I say more?

 

David Duchovny (A.K.A. "Agent Mulder) of the X Files was an English major. If he ever does "find the truth," this might be helpful in writing about it! Other English majors you might recognize include: Chevy Chase (National Lampoon's "Vacation"), Christopher Reeve (the other Superman), Sigourney Weaver (Aliens), Alan Alda (M.A.S.H.), Michael Eisner (CEO-Walt Disney), Jodi Foster (Contact, Silence of the Lambs), and Carol Browner (E.P.A. Director).

 

Michael Jordan started in Math, but switched majors his Junior year. My information says he finally ended up with a degree in either Criminal Justice or Geography. The math was not a waste though - he can use that to keep track of his millions!

 

Ronald Reagan majored in Economics. This is not too surprising considering where his career ended up, but remember where he started - as a radio sports announcer. Other Economics majors include: Mick Jagger (Rolling Stones), John Elway (Go Broncos!), Mario Van Peebles, Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon), Lionel Ritchie, and Michael J. Fox (Spin City, Family Ties).

 

Arnold Schwarzennegger majored in International Business. Coming from his background and the success of his career, this is not surprising. But it is quite a ways from "Conan the Barbarian!"

As you can see, working in a career that is directly associated with your major is not always going to work out. But that doesn't mean you are not successful. The one thing that sticks out is that your chances of being an actor/actress appear to be slightly higher if you major in English!

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Ron Vick, MA, LPC
Counselor / Academic Advisor
Int'l Student Advisor