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College Grads with jobs not in their field.

Hello Grads, it's been a while since you graduated. But this is for those who got lucky with good jobs but where not related to anything they studied in college. Was it the pay? The field wasn't what it turned out? Did you prefer another field all along anyway? Or the college major was too far fetch?

If this is your case, tells us your story. I mean success story and how you managed to stride outside your field.

All generations invited to comment:

Network Leader: Emily Ma
Groups > College Grads with jobs not in their field.
 
Amanda Torres Any tips on how an introvert can network and feel at ease in large social settings, such as business mixers?

61 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field., GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals, Networking Tips and I am Gen Y2 more

View 7 older replies

Melissa Breau: My fav. 2 tips are: 1) prepare your answer for "what do you do" ahead of time; make it more than a one-liner, and make it something that allows ...MoreMy fav. 2 tips are: 1) prepare your answer for "what do you do" ahead of time; make it more than a one-liner, and make it something that allows the person to ask another question.

2) if you're at a loss for people to talk to, find someone who looks alone. They're prob an introvert too and will appreciate you making the first step!
61 weeks ago
Michael O'Mahony: I find that the best thing to do is look for someone else who is on their own - probably another introvert and they will gladly talk to you. Talk ...MoreI find that the best thing to do is look for someone else who is on their own - probably another introvert and they will gladly talk to you. Talk about yourself and they will open up after a while. If you can find something in common, it helps to create a bond. Another strategy is to look for the out-and-out extrovert, who will naturally tend to invite you in.
13 weeks ago
 
Marian Schembari What do you think is the major most relevant to the "outside world"? One that can be applied to everything? And p.s. English is a boring answer. Discuss.

121 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field.

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Melissa Breau: Unfortunately, I'd like to say communications but it's often looked down upon, because it's frequently done so poorly. Instead, I'll vote for ...MoreUnfortunately, I'd like to say communications but it's often looked down upon, because it's frequently done so poorly. Instead, I'll vote for business. Understanding how a company works from the top down is helpful no matter where you are on the ladder.
119 weeks ago
Tracy Lau: I know you say English is boring, but what about a double major (or major + minor) in English and Statistics? It's the best of both worlds, ...MoreI know you say English is boring, but what about a double major (or major + minor) in English and Statistics? It's the best of both worlds, considering that writing well has become increasingly important in terms of personal branding (linkedin, blogs, brazen careerist!, etc) and statistics represents the quantitative side, proof that you can work numbers. It gives enough flexibility for work options after graduation and can be completed in 4 yrs or less, which is nothing compared to 5 yrs to graduate in engineering/science (what I did).
61 weeks ago
 
ken I actually wrote a book about surviving one's twenties (career, parents, love) and the first chapter is how to interview for a job that doesn't correspond with one's major. You can actually read some of that particular chapter on the book site http://www.higheredgradbook.com/excerpt/

75 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field.

JRandom42: One more time: The only question you need to have an intelligent, coherent, comprehensive and truthful answer to is this: "Can you learn what you ...MoreOne more time: The only question you need to have an intelligent, coherent, comprehensive and truthful answer to is this: "Can you learn what you need to know to do the job effectively enough, so I won't regret hiring you?"
75 weeks ago
 
Tyler Durbin "Winning the Job Hunt" http://genyjourney.com/2010/07/20/winning-the-job-hunt/ These are 5 steps I picked up on during my job search (with over 15 companies). The list has been refined as I'm now a year into my career and observining the hiring of internships and full-time positions from the inside. I'd really like to see a great conversation get started on the blog post itself (follow the link). A lot of the readers are in the midst of job hunt's and I want to porvide them some great tips!

96 weeks ago from GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals, Brazen Undergrads and College Grads with jobs not in their field.1 more

 
Timothy Johnson III "Wanted: Creative artist for P/T in Hillsborough, NJ. Call 908.420.7295" My friend, Warren Moser, is looking to hire a creative individual at his firm, Grumpy Monkey Designs. http://bit.ly/bmYQjN Check out what he does and if you think you'd be an excellent fit, give him a call!

104 weeks ago from We're Hiring, Creatively Inspired, Jersey Pride!, JobSTART 101 and College Grads with jobs not in their field.3 more

 
Rishona Campbell Hello group! After earning an AS in Electronics, I did a short stint with a software development firm, and then I worked in title insurance for 4 years. I returned to school for my BA and I am now in an MBA program. I currently work as an administrative assistant. Still keeping my eyes peeled so that eventually, one day, I can work in the field I went to school for!

106 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field.

 
Tyler Durbin This was a must-share. A story about how my blog got me a job. It's a great story...if you're not blogging yet...get to it...there are job opportunities! "How My Blog Got Me A Job" http://genyjourney.com/2010/05/11/how-my-blog-got-me-a-job/ What cool opportunities have come directly from your blogging career?

106 weeks ago from GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals, Brazen Undergrads, College Grads with jobs not in their field., I am Gen Y and Ohio Bloggers3 more

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Patrick Pho: Ya I doubt I would have a job at this Social Media firm if I didn't have social media knowledge- my blog helped there!
106 weeks ago
Cameron Plommer: I have a very similar story: MoreI have a very similar story: http://www.econapps.com/2010/05/this-blog-got-me-my-first-job/
105 weeks ago
 
Tyler Durbin What are you thinking?Hey all...need a response ASAP! If you could ask a corporate recruiter or career coach any question what would you ask them to help you succeed in your job search?

107 weeks ago from Brazen Undergrads and College Grads with jobs not in their field.

Rebecca Thorman: A little late perhaps, but I would ask all the normal smart questions (How to show and prove value, best ways of catching attention, etc.) and ...MoreA little late perhaps, but I would ask all the normal smart questions (How to show and prove value, best ways of catching attention, etc.) and then at the end ask, Is there anything I should have asked, but didn't? I do this all the time and everyone loves it and thinks it's really smart :)
106 weeks ago
Tyler Durbin: Great questions.

Your point about asking if you missed anything is really good. I've recently switched jobs but during the process I interviewed ...MoreGreat questions.

Your point about asking if you missed anything is really good. I've recently switched jobs but during the process I interviewed with 4 different companies and I started ending my interviews with: "Do you have any hesitations with progressing me through to the next round of interviews" or "Do you feel I have all the qualifications necessary for this position? If not, is there something I can help clarify?"

Regardless of the answer, when you walk out of the interview you know exactly where you stand int the process.
106 weeks ago
 
Thao Le BS Biology/Chem Minor. I was on track to become a pharmacist, declined the schooling and spent the summer of 2008 traveling. I became a Federal Agent for one-year. Resigned on 9/11 got a job in Finance-now studying to become a registered financial rep at New England Financial. I worked as a medical caregiver for two months just to make sure I didn't miss medicine.

122 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field.

 
I've been trying to start as a Cda Drafter, since it's been this long hunting, I decided to look for different jobs, go back to school and now I'm trying to freelance.

123 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field.

 
Marian Schembari BA in Sociology and Gender Studies, got a good job in publishing which I promptly quit to enroll in culinary school to become a pastry chef. My fellow Davidson grads are impressed... in that thank-God-I'm-not-you-and-committing-career-suicide kind of way.

124 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field.

Gretchen: Marian, I admire the fact that you followed your passion even though you had a solid job....I'm trying to also do that, but this economy makes it ...MoreMarian, I admire the fact that you followed your passion even though you had a solid job....I'm trying to also do that, but this economy makes it a little difficult! Thanks for your post.
123 weeks ago
Marian Schembari: @Gretchen. Economy-schmonomy.
123 weeks ago
 
Tyler Durbin Here's a great way to be more productive and less stressed out...I'm using now. http://bit.ly/YK8Sl Let me know your thoughts....

131 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field.

 
Tyler Durbin I had some issues at work I needed to solve from last week. What do you think of the process I took? Check out how I handled it @ http://www.genyjourney.com

132 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field.

Tyler Durbin: Even though I'm not in the job I want to be in right now...I'm still make progress each day! I was able to set an appointment bright and early ...MoreEven though I'm not in the job I want to be in right now...I'm still make progress each day! I was able to set an appointment bright and early this morning as a result of my article....
132 weeks ago
 
The founder of BlueCollar and proud of it Joe Lammachia makes a point exactly on this issue on graduates not keeping interest in a major or find different jobs.

132 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field.

Tyler Durbin: It was a rough day, but I'm fortunate to be learning in a sales position. It will only help me further down the road!
133 weeks ago
 
Elizabeth Clawson BA in politics. MS in conflict analysis and resolution. Job in fundraising research. I know all the school was worth it in some way, but some days it's hard to see how.

133 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field.

 
JR Moreau Do you place more value on the subject based knowledge of your undergrad education or rather the intangible skills that you acquire along the way? How much value? Say, $100k?

133 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field.

: To me it depneds on the tangible skills that you can transfer anywhere if I'm correct. Many pick outside their field because there is more money.
133 weeks ago
 
Ryan Healy Cool group! I graduated with a degree in Accounting and Finance and now I'm an entrepreneur. The funny thing is, my original degree was a self created major called Entrepreneurship. I bailed because I was worried about graduating without a secure job. Funny how everything comes full circle!

133 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field.

: Now your in Brazen. I started this group because
133 weeks ago
: I knew there was a case where that field wasn't everywhere but far as the major, hey we ahve the education right?
133 weeks ago
 
Michelle Cagonot Thanks for creating this group! I graduated with a double major in Political Science and Sociology and am constantly bombarded with questions such as "Are you going to law school?" or "What are you supposed to do with that?" I currently intern at a magazine, but am looking to try out marketing/social media :)

134 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field.

Josh Allen: I get the same thing all the time.
133 weeks ago
: I thought of this group. I figure they were so many silent Brazens on here in this issue.
133 weeks ago
 
Amybeth Hale I earned my degree in Exercise and Sports Sciences, and now I work in recruiting with AT&T! Totally un-related field, but I love it.

134 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field.

 
I like the picture. Thanks.

134 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field.

 
I'm still hunting for a Autocad position yet I work at an OTW. See my blog casino employees.

134 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field.

 
Rebekah Powell Professional Writing degree. Now a science and social studies teacher (5th grade) who writes on the side. By the side I mean, for free.

134 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field.

 
Josh Allen Political Science. Now I'm in construction management.

134 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field.

 
Kelsey Van Dyke Degree in Family Studies (human services/social work) and I now work in research for a federal contractor. Somewhat related, but not really!

134 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field.

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