I got my college degree in (insert major)! Now what?

[Retoxification]

So I pose the issue of what most people in my position are thinking. No I didn't graduate right before, during and after the recession a few years back. I'm actually a sophmore at the moment in the field of anthropology. And a few of my friends have expressed this to me, who are juniors and sophmores, that they don't know what they are doing after college. Lets face it unless you have a science, math or computer related major, there really isn't a defined path as to what to do next. I know that an anthro grad school and some field work will get me at least going somewhere but its kinda daunting of the "well what do I do if I get my grad degree and don't get anything." I really do love anthropology and plan to go to grad school and do field work. But honestly it's really when I get out of school that I'm worried about. I have a 3.7 gpa which all things considered, for me is good enough. I'm finally getting off academic prohbation and a lot of things are turning around as of late. So I'd say I'm well off with school. I think the part of my worries spawn from my family, who are very education oriented and all ask me what the market is like after school(Indian if that helps you understand the type.) All my cousins are well off, or just about to be, because they have their med degree or are applying to med schools or joining major corps. and landing 100k jobs in this shitty economy. Basically I'm just curious what it's like once you have your masters.

 

[Changed]

I got my BA in English, a useless fucking degree if there ever was one. I applied to grad school in English but decided not to go; instead, I bummed around with friends for two years, enjoying the college lifestyle (that they still lived) while working just enough to pay for rent, food, and tons of alcohol. Two years was enough partying, so I decided to go to grad school. As soon as school started I realized I hated it and was doing it simply because it was expected of me. I dropped out a couple weeks ago and now I've got $8k in debt for nothing. The point I'm trying to make is: don't go on to grad school unless you really have a burning passion for that field-- if you feel pressured by your family to do something you don't want to do, tell them to fuck off (or at least explain civilly that you are going to do what you want, even if you don't know what it is yet).

 

[stonerish]

Idk...

Im a philosophy major and a sociology minor...I have no clue what to do lol...grad school is an option, but it just seems so...dull...maybe i should move...meh

 

[Jerry Atrick]

...The point I'm trying to make is: don't go on to grad school unless you really have a burning passion for that field-- if you feel pressured by your family to do something you don't want to do, tell them to fuck off (or at least explain civilly that you are going to do what you want, even if you don't know what it is yet).

I agree completely. I'm wrapping up my first semester of grad school. I expected it to be like an extension of undergrad...boy was I wrong. It's hard as fuck and I have no life outside of writing papers and reading every night (including weekends). If I wasn't so motivated for the outcome, I would have dropped already.

To the OP, don't compare yourself to other people in your family. Just be you. To echo Changed, if you really want to be an archaeologist, then go ahead and go to grad school. If all you want to do is satisfy your parents or compete with your cousins, you may find yourself hating grad school and regretting the decision to go. Undergrad is where you find yourself, by the time you go to grad school you should already know exactly what you want to be when you grow up.

 

[capRx]

I got a degree in General Science and am now in Pharmacy School.. I would stay in school for as long as you can.. the job market is brutal, I can't compete with anyone with just a bachelor's degree! (especially with one in GenSci..ha)

 

[llama112]

It's the difference between college and university in Canada. Here at college, we have jobs for us right after. In university, you have more school.

 

[Swerlz]

I have a degree in Computer Science.. Now what? Oh wait.. I'm set

 

[Changed]

I have a degree in Computer Science.. Now what? Oh wait.. I'm set

This helps the OP out tremendously!

Since this thread is already on its way to the shit-heap: what sort of job do you have? CS is a pretty broad area...

 

[purple_cloud]

I don't know if I have much to add but...
I got my BA in Linguistics - Honors Language Structure and Theory...and then decided to get an MA in General Linguistics which I finished up yesterday technically. Grad school was interesting, a lot of work but you meet a lot of like-minded people. If it makes you feel any better, I'm the first person out of all my blood relatives to get a BA, nevermind an MA --- but I was never pressured. I did pretty well, my overall GPA no matter what I did whether grad or undergrad is a 3.5 or so, and I was always told "do the best you can." I knew I wanted a Masters degree but now I am also pretty lost. Guess I'll have to see what's out there for me --- I'm sympathizing with you OP more than giving advice I suppose :/

 

[Changed]

Even starting your MA in linguistics means you planned on becoming a professor of linguistics, right?

What else can you do with an advanced degree in linguistics? Maybe aid some archeologists or communications researchers in their research?

 

[Cohesion]

But honestly it's really when I get out of school that I'm worried about. I have a 3.7 gpa which all things considered, for me is good enough. I'm finally getting off academic prohbation and a lot of things are turning around as of late. ... Basically I'm just curious what it's like once you have your masters.

An acquaintance of mine is in Anthro MA program. I have observed her facebook updates; she just finished her 2nd semester. Not much to report, though she indicated that she will definitely be going into teaching. As an accomplished student (you), continuing school is most comfortable/expected/easiest (etc.) route, yeah? (It is for me. With Carpul tunnel syndrome by age 27 says to me: "Get a job already!")

While I concur with

don't go on to grad school unless you really have a burning passion for that field

, on the other hand, I see this--> if you are still feeling lost, what are your thoughts on continuing to Grad school; Teaching is now your default career. And while you're immersed in grad studies your mind will be constantly prowling for potential paths to make, or choose..

On the other hand, when do you get your Bachelor's?
If you chose to take a random job, you now gain capital in the sense of intellectual space(!) This way you might find time to read extensively on your areas of interest, looking for more related jobs, etc., while conveniently earning some amount of money.

And teachers do research, too

WDYT?

 

[Cherry67]

I'm thinking about majoring in accounting. My dad's an accountant and he is ballin'! Might do online though, save up the $ for another year or two. I found http://www.accountingdegree.com which is pretty helpful in case anybody else is interested in following in my footsteps. ha ha ha