Many times when students are attending college they are forewarned about pursuing a major that does not provide ample career opportunities. Majors like history, art history, child and family studies, and religious studies come to mind when discussing this topic. Often times when you pursue one of these majors, the career opportunities after graduation are slim. However, there are some excellent entry level careers that will consider a broad range of majors. You just need to know where to look.
1.) Sales
Entry level sales jobs are plentiful, and can be very lucrative if you perform well. They will also consider multiple majors, since a successful salesperson needs to be skilled in multiple areas. Just make sure that when you are negotiating a starting package, the base salary is a livable wage. Don’t rely on commissions alone to pay your expenses unless you are confident that your sales volume will be at or above the company average. Sales reps earn an average of $64,000 per year.
2.) Internet Marketing / SEO
It does help to have a degree in Marketing or Business, but many internet marketers and search engine optimization professionals are self-taught. Having a degree in anything is usually enough to pursue a career in this industry. The average internet marketer earns 62,000 per year, but these numbers can increase significantly with experience. Just make sure that you are keeping up with industry trends and current best practices, because they change regularly.
3.) Copywriter
Typically copywriters have degrees in English, Marketing, Business, or Journalism. However, if you are an excellent writer and have a college degree, there is likely a career waiting for you. Copywriters are responsible for coming up with creative content in the advertising industry, and as they progress through their careers, they can end up managing entire advertising campaigns. The entry level salary for copywriters is $41,000 per year, but these figures will increase significantly with work experience.
4.) Human Resources
Some colleges offer a major in Human Resources, but they will also consider many other college degrees. A liberal arts degree should be enough to break into an entry-level role. Once you get your foot in the door, you will be in the running for a promotion to human resources manager. Just get some work experience under your belt and apply for the position when the time is right. The average salary for a human resources manager is $60,000 per year, but some make six figures at larger companies.
5.) Web Design
It always helps to have a degree in Information Technology or Computer Science. However, many web designers are self-taught. Web design can start as a hobby, but quickly turn into a full blown career. If web design interests you, start creating a portfolio with all of your relevant work. When it comes time to apply for jobs, send this portfolio along with your application. Web designers earn an average of $50,000 per year. However, there is also potential for freelance work on a part time basis as well. Many web designers supplement their full time income by working in this capacity.
Choosing a college major can be difficult and stressful. It’s hard to figure out what you want to do for the rest of your life in such a short period of time. If you’ve chosen a “soft” major, you have probably been told that finding a job will be difficult. However, you just need to know where to look.
Matthew Welch
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