Should we be limited to pursuing a career based on our degree?
By smints8985
@smints8985 (1594)
United States
April 27, 2007 5:25pm CST
One thing that I have noticed here in the US is the diversity not only with the people but also with the career opportunity. It is very evident here that people work jobs that sometimes totally doesn't have any relation to their said educational degree.
The career opportunity is very extensive, and it gives you the freedom to do and work a job that is of your interest as long as you have the skill to do so.
The problem in the Philippines, where I live is that, there is this seclusion in the work aspect, it is almost an obligation to work as what you have studied for.
I think it doesn't give that much chance for growth in the part of the employee, what if you suddenly realize that you have the talent for such industry that you can actually harnest with training? Even if it has totally nothing to do with what degree you have earned.
I took up Advertising and I have worked in a design studio for 3 months, it wasn't that bad but it also wasn't the best there is.
But now, I am thinking of a career change, but then I am afraid that the situation just would not allow because of the cliche regarding the degree and profession.
So, in your case, do you have a job that is related to what you took up in college? Are have you found a new interest in something after college? And is now pursuing a different career? Please share your story.
1 person likes this
5 responses
@r0131n (357)
•
28 Apr 07
I studied business studies and media at university here in England. I got high marks in my chosen degree. I wanted to get in to marketing after finishing my degree but the competition for good jobs and companies are fierce. 3 months on and I became desperate so I looked at other jobs that my degree is related to. I got a job as a financial consultant. The money was really good but there was so much pressure with the job that I began to hate it. Money was the only thing that's keeping me interested in the job so I quit after a year. After all money is only a means to an end.
I got a job as a bars manager which I'd say is the best job I ever had. Although it was fun, I could not really see myself in this industry for the rest of my life. Whilst working as a bars manager, I decided to pursue my interest in computing and make that into a career. I studied again during my days off and spare times until I got a job in a technical call center. I used this as a stepping stone to gain experience as well as doing some more studies. I finally got to where I am now working as a systems engineer in a very good company. I'm really glad things turned out the way it did as I'm happy where I am now. I think us Filipinos know the value of education and will always be deteremined to pursue higher goals.
Decide which career path you'd like to move to first. I would then suggest to take up night classes or even do some self studies on your days off or spare time like I did. Changing career takes a long time especially if you're doing it while working so make sure that you're going to be happy with the job you're going to pursue. Good luck on your career move. Take care and God bless. :o)
@smints8985 (1594)
• United States
28 Apr 07
Thank you, it was nice to hear from your experience. I am actually putting into consideration on whether or not to study again, a second degree maybe. But then the time that it will take me to complete that degree is giving me the scare, I feel like if I still go back to school and time is running, I might be running late to start a career. It really is a dilemma.
@r0131n (357)
•
30 Apr 07
A friend of mine once told me "you're never too old for education". I took that to heart that's why up to now, I'm 35, I'm doing self studies. I want to expand my knowledge in my current work. I'm also learning Spanish while driving using audio books. There's just so much time wasted on journeys to and from work. Time is definitely too short so I'm trying to make the most of what I've got. :o)
@smints8985 (1594)
• United States
30 Apr 07
You are very motivated in what you do, and I admire that. You know what you want and how to work towards achieveing it.. I wish I was somewhat like that.. I guess it takes a lot of determination.
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
28 Apr 07
One of the nice things in the US is the opportunity to do what you want. If you studied to be an artist you can be a business executive if you have the ablity, drive and motivation. I would hate to be locked into a career.
@smints8985 (1594)
• United States
28 Apr 07
Yes I definitely agree with that. It is so great that here, people get to work a job based on what they like to do. And it is somewhat frustrating that back home, it doesn't work the same way..
@tigerdragon (4297)
• Philippines
5 May 07
i took ab general a pre requisite for law but changed course to dentistry and i ended up working as a marketing dude for pizza hut,then came to be marketing and sales manager for a travel agency then a label manager or an a&r (artist & repertoire) manager for different recording companies in the music industry and most of my co employees finished science courses.a friend of mine graduated with honors as a philosophy major and now he is the top guy for hagan das philippines.and the list of my friends as well.
@im2good4u (566)
• Philippines
28 Apr 07
In my opinion it doesn't matter if its based on my degree or not, whats important for me is to get a high earning job that i LIKE.
@easy888 (10404)
• Australia
28 Apr 07
Hello.smints8985,I think most of the people will not have their job related to their study,I am workign in retail and it is of course not related to my study because it is not a professional job,only those study medicine,accounting may have their career related to their studies.
I am quite interested in investment and i would like to learn something more about it and change to the investment industry, i know it is hard but i will try.
