Jobs for degree holders in the U.S.

[keysjangle 145]

If you have a degree, a BA specifically, what kind of work did you find? I'll be getting mine in a double major of English and Book & Media studies and living in HI.

I assume most people get a really basic job at first just to start getting and income, but after that, what has your experience been looking for a job that you know will fully appreciate your degree?

Or if you haven't found it yet, what are you looking for?

Personally, I want to get into printing or publishing specifically; I'm a dying breed

Edited December 1, 2010 by Gervl

[Inky 1,111]

Have not found a job in a year and 3 months of living here. I live in Nebraska.

Degree for Veterinary Tech / Assistant.

Looked at Vet Clinics across my entire state even up to an hour drive away.

Applied to petsmart, petco and other pet stores for retail positions and nothing.

Applied to other retail stores for GENERAL RETAIL and SHELF STOCKING. Nothing again. (stores like JCP, halmark, target etc )

My resume is on 5 different websites which I constantly check and update. I have walked around handing out TONS of them, Iv called places that I handed them out to and never get returned phone calls. Havent even had ONE interview booked.

Signed up with a company to help me find a job and nothing!

I just recently re-applied at pet stores through online application as well as in person to the store and nothing yet from them ( been a week )

[KittyPollitt 284]

Most of my coworkers hold Bachelor's degrees. I work at Pizza Hut. Maybe try to work on a Master's when you're here.. A Master's in the new Bachelor's. And I'm not even trying to be funny.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

A Bachelor's degree, with very few exceptions, is nothing but proof that you have a solid general education background. You are not a complete ididot, you can read and write English at an acceptable level, can compute, know a second language, and have been introduced in various fields of human knowledge. The Bachelor's is a preparation for the path of higher education. Due to the current economic situation, many people with a B.A. or B.S. work entry-level jobs and are glad that they are able to make any money at all. In order to get a decent job, a Master's or Doctorate degree is required. It's true, the Master's is the new Bachelor's and today's Bachelor's is about to become the place holder for yesterdays' High School Diploma.

[Gemmie 142]

I'm not sure if 'the MA is the new BA' so I can't comment on that.

The job I applied to was asking for a HSDiploma and because I had a BA, they upped my pay.Plus I really believe you need a BA to do this job anyway (medical research) but as it's funded by grants, I think it was the company's way of reducing costs.

[keysjangle 145]

I know that in bigger cities, a BA is slowly being pushed out of the picture by MAs.

I've considered going the college route in the U.S. (since college/university are different here - for me, a college offers more hands on and experience based knowledge vs. theory) but I don't think I'll be able to afford it, plus to keep my future husband and I on our feet I would want to start working asap.

I'm happy with entry level if its in a field I wish to work in. Also fine with an initial retail/barista job in the beginning, but I don't want to become complacent and let my degree go to waste.

I should probably look around online to see what sorts of opportunities are around for little ol' me

[-teRe- 9]

Is it hard to get work related to law in the States? I want to take masters studies when i get there, but also want to work at the same time.

[Boiler 45,657]

Look for an internship?

One of the difficulties for long term retail etc jobs is that they know you will move on as soon as you can, not so much an issue for short term holiday jobs.

[Hugglebuggles 60]

My advice would be not to close yourself off to jobs in your specific degree field. There are a lot of entry level positions in a number of industries that simply require a BA of any kind. Any job that helps you establish yourself professionally is a step forward, and maybe eventually you can work your way up to your dream field. I have a BA in Political Science and currently work as an Insurance Agent. It is definitely not related to my degree, but its a job I enjoy and I'm making decent money. It's definitely not where I want to be in 10 years, but at 23 I feel pretty good about what I'm doing.

[-teRe- 9]

My advice would be not to close yourself off to jobs in your specific degree field. There are a lot of entry level positions in a number of industries that simply require a BA of any kind. Any job that helps you establish yourself professionally is a step forward, and maybe eventually you can work your way up to your dream field. I have a BA in Political Science and currently work as an Insurance Agent. It is definitely not related to my degree, but its a job I enjoy and I'm making decent money. It's definitely not where I want to be in 10 years, but at 23 I feel pretty good about what I'm doing.

Good to hear that, like you i also have a Political Science degree and at the same time Bachelor of Laws degree so i would really like to practice my profession although i know i need to take further studies when i get there then if all things will go as planned then take the state bar, but as what you said i'm not closing my doors to any possibility for a starter, wish me luck! Thanks for the info.

[SpelaD 4]

i am a registered nurse

[Tuanv 2]

My advice would be not to close yourself off to jobs in your specific degree field. There are a lot of entry level positions in a number of industries that simply require a BA of any kind. Any job that helps you establish yourself professionally is a step forward, and maybe eventually you can work your way up to your dream field. I have a BA in Political Science and currently work as an Insurance Agent. It is definitely not related to my degree, but its a job I enjoy and I'm making decent money. It's definitely not where I want to be in 10 years, but at 23 I feel pretty good about what I'm doing.

How did you get into the insurance industry? I was looking into it but was a little confused. Apparently, one needs insurance-related experiences to become an agent.

[Boiler 45,657]

It varies by State.

Usually each State has its own exams which are not that difficult.

Usually the State Farms etc of this world are always advertising. If you are an Agent rather than an employee you are self employed. More sales than technical.

[Jenn! 918]

I work in auto/home insurance (as an actuary, which btw does not require any degree beyond a bachelors to make very good money as long as you're willing to study to pass the credentialing exams) and we are always hiring customer service representatives. Those with the motivation to do so will usually progress through the different areas of the company - sales, claims, underwriting, etc. Some will leave to work for independent agents elsewhere.

[Tuanv 2]

It varies by State.

Usually each State has its own exams which are not that difficult.

Usually the State Farms etc of this world are always advertising. If you are an Agent rather than an employee you are self employed. More sales than technical.

Are there book to prepare this kind of exam? What kind of subject does it cover?