If everybody got their degree in something that was almost guaranteed to land a job then there would be a glut of programmers and not enough jobs for them. It’s the thinking that you need to get a degree in a field that has a lot of demand and you will be rewarded with a high paying job right out of college.
While this isn’t bad advice, there are some people who have no interest in that subject. Which begs the question, should you follow your passion and study something you love or go for the guaranteed job route?
In this article, we will go over some things to think about when it comes to following a passion vs following the right career track.
Go to a good school
When you are pursuing a job that has high demand then it almost doesn’t matter what school you go to. If you do the right internship, get good grades and work on projects in your own time then you should be able to get the job you’re looking for regardless of where you went to school.
However, when it comes to following a passion then choosing the right school is essential. This is particularly true if you are looking to get into anything related to academia.
Make sure to do your research into the best schools that focus on your interest and choose wisely. Even though you are following a passion, you do still want to be able to find work when you’re done. Make sure to talk to some advisors who will give you tips on how to get into the best schools.
Be engaged
A big benefit to studying what you are passionate about is the fact that you are more likely to be engaged in it. If you study something you’re not particularly interested in just because it seems like the best path then you are likely to go through the motions. And this leads to mediocrity that may hinder your chances at such a job anyway.
Study something you are interested in and be engaged in it. It goes beyond just getting the right GPA to put on a resume. You’ll be more involved in many aspects of the subject and can create a name for yourself that will help you land a job after graduation doing something that you love.
Doors will open
There is a stigma with certain subjects that they have no path to a career when you are done. This really isn’t the case even with the most niche degree. The reality is that many doors will open up for you based on your degree especially if you are graduating from a top tier school.
You may have studied English literature but your job has nothing to do with academics, for instance. This is a degree that teaches you to have good communication skills which can open the door to a career in public relations, publishing, or media if you don’t want to become a professor.
