Choosing a Bachelors Degree
With how expensive college is now and how uncertain economic opportunity is, it is critical for young people to make a smart choice in what Bachelors degree to pursue. Unfortunately, many bachelors degrees are relics of a time gone by when college was seen as a privileged opportunity of the elites to expand their cultural knowledge of the world around them. Other bachelors degrees are equally unhelpful because they are in areas that demand at least a masters degree in order to practice them professionally. Few high school counselors or college advisers (I know of none!) are correctly informing prospective students of the lack of job opportunities that await them after their bachelors degree in certain areas. I have seen too many go to college and exit with debt and no area-specific job prospects because they chose to study something that does not directly lead to a career. It is with this sobering reality that I write the following.
Are you ready?
I only encourage those to pursue a bachelors degree if they have a clear vision for a career that demands it. Otherwise, the financial outlay is just not worth it. One option for those who have not yet figured out what career they would like to pursue in 4 years is to spend a year working and taking CLEP exams. CLEP exams are tests you can study for on your own and take in order to get college credit. Almost all colleges will accept 24 to 30 credits worth of CLEP exams, which is the equivalent of your first year of college that is dedicated to fulfilling general education requirements. Another option is to spend a year in service. Or start with a short career prep type of program you can do at the Community College.
During your year of working, CLEPing or service, take time to talk to adults in different fields and see if you can shadow them. Research careers till you find one that fits your strengths (notice I didn't say your interests). You may discover that you don't even need a bachelors degree for your best-matched career! Maybe a 2-year degree or apprenticeship is for you.
Start with the End in Mind.
Once you have a career path clearly picked out, look that job up on Indeed.com and see what bachelors degree requirements satisfy that career. You might discover that your chosen career requires additional licensing and or a masters degree in order to start practicing.
Is Graduate School in your Future?
If your chosen career only allows you to practice with higher level degrees, DO NOT major in that field. I repeat, DO NOT major in that field. Instead, major in a career-driven bachelors that fits your strengths AND fulfill all the pre-requisites for the Master's Degree.
For example, say you have set your heart on being a doctor, so you know you will have to go to medical school. I promise you, medical schools are not looking for people to have majored in Biology. They are looking for people who have taken all the pre-requisites for medical school. You can major in ANYTHING and go to medical school as long as you have done the pre-medical requirements. If your parents are not doctors, you have a very slim chance of getting into medical school the first time you apply. Why not get a career-driven bachelors degree that can support you while you work on getting into medical school? It is so sad to meet young people still working at Starbucks who have bachelors degrees that don't pay them any return on investment while they are trying to do graduate school.
For example, say you have set your heart on being a doctor, so you know you will have to go to medical school. I promise you, medical schools are not looking for people to have majored in Biology. They are looking for people who have taken all the pre-requisites for medical school. You can major in ANYTHING and go to medical school as long as you have done the pre-medical requirements. If your parents are not doctors, you have a very slim chance of getting into medical school the first time you apply. Why not get a career-driven bachelors degree that can support you while you work on getting into medical school? It is so sad to meet young people still working at Starbucks who have bachelors degrees that don't pay them any return on investment while they are trying to do graduate school.
Minor in your interest if it does not lead to a career-driven bachelors degree.
I am sure many young people reading this have discovered that their chosen bachelors degree does not lead to any particular career or the career demands a master's degree or higher in order to practice it. I hope you will consider just minoring in that area of interest. College is too expensive to finish and not be able to get a good paying job with your degree.
List of Career Driven Bachelors Degrees
Below is a non-comprehensive list of Bachelors degrees that directly lead to well-paying area-specific careers upon graduation. Use this degree to support yourself living independently or to support your future studies.
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Become a Teacher at the Elementary or Secondary Level
Become a Health Professional
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Become an Engineer
Become a Business or Financial Professional
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