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What did you do after graduating from college with your degree/major? Or how did you choose the path after college?
I'm currently a junior who is expected to graduate a semester early. I'm a communications major with an interest in sports/entertainment. My original plan was to do a masters for sports management abroad to get into motorsports. Now, I'm unsure what I really wanna do. I was originally a vocal student before college and thought I would continue with that.
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12 answers
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Neli’s Answer
I have a bachelor's in Japanese studies. After graduating, I started working in education but quickly realized this is not what I wanted to do. I started a master's program in International Business and applied for an internship with HP Inc. They hired me as Supply Chain Planning Intern and I loved it (in high school I wouldn't believe it if someone told me I will love working an office job, let alone working with excel and data tools). My internship ended more than a year ago and I still work at the same company. I guess my advice is that you can try different things, and, in the process, you'll see what works for you. Having the soft skills, you mentioned will totally be an asset in different fields, you don't have to latch onto one single option.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Jisan Selina
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Michele’s Answer
I got a BS in mathematics and wanted to be a computer programmer. I was fortunate to have a degree that is broad enough to be applied in any industry. I found a position in the healthcare payer arena and stayed there for 8 years. I found I love the logic but also the concepts in healthcare and realized there is an entire business side that supports the caregivers (doctors and RNs). I have made the rest of my career in various positions in healthcare organizations that support those clinicians.
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Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question.
Below are my suggestions:
1. You may have to find out what careers you have interest, eg Sports Journalist, Sports Team manager, Sports Teams Public Relationship, Sports Brand Marketing or public Relationships, etc. you can find out more online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Seek guidance from professors and alumni
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore any intern opportunities
6. Decide you would like to continue postgraduate degree first or work in the industry some time first
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. You may have to find out what careers you have interest, eg Sports Journalist, Sports Team manager, Sports Teams Public Relationship, Sports Brand Marketing or public Relationships, etc. you can find out more online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Seek guidance from professors and alumni
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore any intern opportunities
6. Decide you would like to continue postgraduate degree first or work in the industry some time first
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Updated
Jing’s Answer
Hi Selina,
Thank you for your questions.
Different people have different choices, especially facing different realities, challenges and opportunities, but with your major and advantage, there are some tips for your reference.
First, you can try internships in sports marketing, motorsports events or entertainment media to verify if the sports management path is suitable for you. And if you feel uncertain about studying abroad for a sports management master, you might delay the decision and accumulate relevant industry experience at this moment.
In addition, actually vocal background is one of your great advantage which can help you stand out, so the idea to you is to consider how to leverage your dual strengths, such as whether can combine your communications major with vocal training to target sports media roles, for example, sports host, event emcee, sports content creator etc., which perfectly fits your interest in sports.
Best wishes to you and good luck.
Thank you for your questions.
Different people have different choices, especially facing different realities, challenges and opportunities, but with your major and advantage, there are some tips for your reference.
First, you can try internships in sports marketing, motorsports events or entertainment media to verify if the sports management path is suitable for you. And if you feel uncertain about studying abroad for a sports management master, you might delay the decision and accumulate relevant industry experience at this moment.
In addition, actually vocal background is one of your great advantage which can help you stand out, so the idea to you is to consider how to leverage your dual strengths, such as whether can combine your communications major with vocal training to target sports media roles, for example, sports host, event emcee, sports content creator etc., which perfectly fits your interest in sports.
Best wishes to you and good luck.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Jisan Selina
Wendy Glavin
Marketing, AI, Writing, Networking, Agencies, Entrepreneurship, Public Relations, AI, Jobs, Careers
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Wendy’s Answer
Being a vocal student gives you an advantage; combined with sports, you can be a broadcaster, sideline reporter, sports commentator, podcast host, and more. Most importantly, after college, companies look for things you've done rather than grades. At school, you can cover sports activities, be a sports editor, create a club, team PR manager, coach, or team captain.
Since we're living in an AI-generated environment, it's important to be digitally literate. There are free courses on Coursera, such as "AI for Everyone" by Andrew Ng. To be competitive, focus on honing your soft skills. Some 90% of employers are looking for people with soft skills because they're innate and can't be taught like finance, accounting, coding, and other industry sectors. Soft skills include emotional intelligence, adaptability, problem-solving, creativity, and communication. Some activities you can do now or in the fall include a weekly sports recap, interviewing athletes, managing a team's social media, and starting a podcast.
If you're still considering marketing, take courses in marketing, business analytics, statistics, entrepreneurship, copywriting, and public relations, rather than taking "general" courses. Try to be more specific to set yourself apart. Pursue your passion and, as Steve Jobs said, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." Marketing sing careerdevelopment
If you have more questions, please reach out. Good luck!
Since we're living in an AI-generated environment, it's important to be digitally literate. There are free courses on Coursera, such as "AI for Everyone" by Andrew Ng. To be competitive, focus on honing your soft skills. Some 90% of employers are looking for people with soft skills because they're innate and can't be taught like finance, accounting, coding, and other industry sectors. Soft skills include emotional intelligence, adaptability, problem-solving, creativity, and communication. Some activities you can do now or in the fall include a weekly sports recap, interviewing athletes, managing a team's social media, and starting a podcast.
If you're still considering marketing, take courses in marketing, business analytics, statistics, entrepreneurship, copywriting, and public relations, rather than taking "general" courses. Try to be more specific to set yourself apart. Pursue your passion and, as Steve Jobs said, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." Marketing sing careerdevelopment
Wendy recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for the advice! I'll definitely look into these other opportunities to see how I can get a mix of both worlds!
Jisan Selina
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Andrew’s Answer
Hi, I was an Economics major and I was always interested in Consulting.... I started off in health and benefits consulting, but quickly realized I wasn't interested in the domain area. I took a year off to explore non-profit work and journalism while tutoring on the side. I ended up going into data analytics with the intention to become a journalist, but realized quickly that wasn't the path for me so I pivoted. I used the data analytics background to get into HR - which was an area I was always interested in. I found myself reading consulting white papers around organizations, the future of HR and the future of work for fun. (And it's not entirely common for someone to be reading these white papers for fun lol.... so that was a signal for me to get into Human Capital Consulting.) So I eventually moved into the human capital consulting world.
I think career paths might have some degrees of linearity for some people, but for the majority of people I've met, we've found the things we love by trying a lot of things. Most people I come across started in one area and are now on their second or third careers. They bring experience and knowledge from one industry to another and that brings innovation and expertise if you're able to apply that experience well.
But the biggest advice I would have is do everything at 100% and be great to work with. That's how you really develop experience, expertise and great relationships/networks that you can call on.
I think career paths might have some degrees of linearity for some people, but for the majority of people I've met, we've found the things we love by trying a lot of things. Most people I come across started in one area and are now on their second or third careers. They bring experience and knowledge from one industry to another and that brings innovation and expertise if you're able to apply that experience well.
But the biggest advice I would have is do everything at 100% and be great to work with. That's how you really develop experience, expertise and great relationships/networks that you can call on.
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Gaia’s Answer
Hi Vera!
Here’s my advice. I’m 24, and almost as soon as I graduated from college, I started sending out my CV on LinkedIn. Six months later, I got hired—indirectly—by HP as an international sales representative, working in B2B sales with a set client portfolio.
I studied economics, which touched on sales but not in great depth. Still, my best advice is simply to try. LinkedIn is the best platform for job searching: you can set filters for job roles, locations, work settings, and more. And remember, when you apply for jobs, you’re also evaluating the company. During interviews, pay attention to the interviewer and the environment they describe. It becomes easier to imagine yourself in that role, and that helps you decide whether it’s the right fit or if you should keep looking.
I’m sure you have some inner spark that pulls you toward a certain path. You’ll discover what that is through different experiences—often outside of work—and once you find it, you’ll know.
I’m still figuring out what I want in life too. This is my first real job, and it has helped me grow immensely. Don’t forget that you’re young and you don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Even if you’re not 100% convinced after interviews, just try. Life is all about trial and error. If you never make mistakes, it means you’re not trying. When an opportunity appears, go for it. Even if it doesn’t seem exciting at first, it might turn into something great.
My life motto is: “From something, anything can be born.” If you get the chance to open a door for yourself, don’t close it. It’s always worth giving it a try.
Here’s my advice. I’m 24, and almost as soon as I graduated from college, I started sending out my CV on LinkedIn. Six months later, I got hired—indirectly—by HP as an international sales representative, working in B2B sales with a set client portfolio.
I studied economics, which touched on sales but not in great depth. Still, my best advice is simply to try. LinkedIn is the best platform for job searching: you can set filters for job roles, locations, work settings, and more. And remember, when you apply for jobs, you’re also evaluating the company. During interviews, pay attention to the interviewer and the environment they describe. It becomes easier to imagine yourself in that role, and that helps you decide whether it’s the right fit or if you should keep looking.
I’m sure you have some inner spark that pulls you toward a certain path. You’ll discover what that is through different experiences—often outside of work—and once you find it, you’ll know.
I’m still figuring out what I want in life too. This is my first real job, and it has helped me grow immensely. Don’t forget that you’re young and you don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Even if you’re not 100% convinced after interviews, just try. Life is all about trial and error. If you never make mistakes, it means you’re not trying. When an opportunity appears, go for it. Even if it doesn’t seem exciting at first, it might turn into something great.
My life motto is: “From something, anything can be born.” If you get the chance to open a door for yourself, don’t close it. It’s always worth giving it a try.
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Vianne’s Answer
When I graduated with my health communications degree, I was honestly in a similar headspace of feeling unsure. I came in with a pretty clear idea of wanting to lean into a specific interest area, but once I started getting closer to graduation, I realized I was more drawn to the *people-facing, support, and storytelling side* of my work experience (especially from working with youth and community settings) than sticking strictly to one linear career path. What helped me figure out my next step wasn’t forcing myself to lock into the original “perfect plan,” but giving myself space to test things in real time. I started paying attention to what parts of my experience actually energized me versus what just sounded impressive on paper. For example, I realized I liked roles where I was communicating, organizing, and working closely with people more than trying to specialize too early. That shifted my focus toward roles that kept doors open instead of narrowing them too quickly. If I could go back and tell myself anything, it would be this: it’s okay if your path doesn’t look like a straight line from degree → dream job. A lot of people with communications backgrounds end up in really different spaces (sports, entertainment, nonprofits, mental health, PR, etc.) because the degree is flexible on purpose. Your vocal training and sports/entertainment interest aren’t “lost paths” either, they’re just pieces of your skill set you can still weave into what comes next. The goal after college isn’t to have it all figured out, it’s to pick a direction that keeps you curious and let clarity build as you go.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Jisan Selina
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Edith’s Answer
I earned a bachelor's and master's degree with a focus on theater, and one big lesson I learned was how flexible my career could be. It didn't have to be just in theater. I could use my skills in many different ways. I graduated in 2019, right before the pandemic, which closed many doors and made it hard to get back on track. I still love theater and the excitement it brings, but I realized my journey was going to change. I enjoyed working on projects that brought the community together and shared our neighbors' stories. However, I decided not to continue in theater. I wanted more balance in my life for personal reasons. This isn't the right choice for everyone, but in my career change, I discovered that business has creative roles that need a fresh approach. This has opened up more opportunities and helped me grow as I shape my career. I even got to do more community work, just like I wanted. Sometimes, it's okay to start over. I was in theater from age 16 to 29, and at 30, I began a new career, far from theater. You don't always have to stay on the same path you started on.
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Theron’s Answer
My undergraduate and graduate studies were in accounting and finance. I started my career in a traditional audit role, but today I work in strategy and operations with a focus on technology implementation. I have not done direct accounting work in more than eight years. Even so, my education gave me a strong foundation in how to think, learn, and solve problems, which has helped me adapt to new roles and new technologies.
I believe you can change your career as many times as you want, whether the shift is big or small. The key is building a solid foundation first. More than any one subject or job title, learning how to learn is what will help you grow, adapt, and succeed as you move into different career paths.
I believe you can change your career as many times as you want, whether the shift is big or small. The key is building a solid foundation first. More than any one subject or job title, learning how to learn is what will help you grow, adapt, and succeed as you move into different career paths.
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Deepali’s Answer
To figure out what you want to study for your master's, try getting some hands-on experience in short-term roles you think you might enjoy. This will help you discover what you love and set a solid base for your master's program and future career.
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Zakari’s Answer
A masters in sports management abroad would be an incredible experience and motorsports specifically is a growing industry that needs people who understand media branding and communications. Your degree actually sets you up well for that.
But I also hear you on the music side. If vocal performance is something that still lives in you it does not have to be either a or.
But I also hear you on the music side. If vocal performance is something that still lives in you it does not have to be either a or.
Thank you for the advice, Zakari.
Jisan Selina