Fitting in a job your degree didn’t prepare you for

Most of us need to choose our college degree pretty early in life. It is anything but easy for an eighteen-year-old to decide what career path to pursue. Jobs on top of the pay scale, subjects in demand, necessary skill-building opportunities - they can all die out in just a few years due to the dynamic shifts in the job market. What's worse, many of us feel the absence of a mentor to help us choose our career paths.

Importance of a degree

If you are reading this, chances are you are looking for a job that is unrelated to your degree. Or maybe you are in a tough spot where your degree doesn't quite match the career route you're planning to take. Let us tell you why that is okay.

Your degree doesn't define you, but your skills do. As a matter of fact, only 27% of university graduates work on a job that is related to their major, according to a recent study. While a university degree is supposed to be a useful tool to work your way into a job sector you'd prefer, statistics clearly disagree.

It's not uncommon for many of us to lose interest in our major after experiencing the learning process. A lot of us have degrees that don't even have a definite career path in the traditional sense. The only solution in such a situation is a change in career, or at least start considering one.

Formal education vs skill

Your degree is a milestone in your life. For most competitive job positions, your degree will work as a prerequisite. But the field does not have to be as strictly relevant as you think.

In fact, most entry-level jobs these days require people with a bachelor's degree, good communication skills and apt knowledge of the work criterion. It is important to get a headstart and build a skillset suited for a variety of jobs, such as basic typing and editing skills and adequate tech-savviness. Building your skills is what will ultimately prepare you for a job you weren't ready for.

Know your strengths and weaknesses

While it will be hard for you to fit in a job sector that is unrelated to your degree, you need to keep an open mind.

"Read a lot of books and articles related to the career you are willing to pursue. Observe the professionals of that particular field, their success and failure and the tasks and challenges they faced. Last but not the least, study the way they overcame their hurdles," advises Taslima Mozumder, a CSE major currently working at a startup firm.

Take career assessments. Make a list of all the available options. It is important to have a career that is fulfilling. So don't make hasty decisions. Take your time. Ask a mentor if possible. And remember to network with professional people of all age groups.

Does your desired career path suit your needs?

Pursuing your passion and chasing your dreams are undoubtedly important. But looking out for the downsides of your chosen path is important as well. Money is a key factor in everyone's life.

But it's not all you should be concerned about. You can use your talents properly if you're getting enough creative freedom. If you can make a difference through your work, then why not pursue your goals? But you have to remember that it's important to work hard, no matter what goals you chase.

The 'deal makers' and the 'deal breakers'

Different people have different priorities. But most people value trust, integrity and mutual understanding. "Being in a different industry, I got myself the opportunity to learn and explore new things. After graduation, I didn't do any job related to my finance degree, but I don't regret it because I love what I do now," says. Rafia Noor, finance major working at an AI-based HR technology firm.

Having a like-minded group of coworkers help a lot. "I have an incredible team that constantly encourages me to learn and appreciate every small achievement of mine. The finance degree has given me the power to evaluate things like where we should invest and what's the most profitable investment," she adds.

There are also certain deal breakers in the workplace. If your working environment gets toxic, you should think carefully and consider switching jobs.

Patience is the key

You can't start at the finish line. You will face certain challenges no matter what career you choose. Maybe you didn't learn much about your current job field from your degree. But you cannot be that way forever.

"The human brain can be easily contoured with proper learning. If anybody finds passion in things they didn't learn earlier then it's never too late to start," says K. M. Kayes Ibne Zakir, EEE major working at a leading pharmaceutical company.

While it may be challenging to have to start from the bottom line, it is vital to gradually learn all the relevant skills. Have patience and take your time. Divide your learning goals into short steps. You will find it amusing just how fast human beings can adjust to new environments.