14 answers
p
Student
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
2
Questions
Updated
1543 views
Help me find a Job.
I recently completed my Master’s in Economics, and I am currently feeling quite lost about what direction to take.
While people often assume that completing a master’s degree means having a clear career path, I honestly do not feel that way right now. My course was largely theoretical, and I have realized that I lack many of the practical and quantitative skills that seem to be expected in today’s job market.
Initially, I wanted to become a professor. I genuinely enjoy teaching, and the idea of being in academia, doing research, and engaging deeply with a subject is something that still interests me. However, I have not been able to clear the exams required to become eligible for teaching positions, and it has made me question whether I should continue pursuing this path or consider other options.
I want to clarify that my goal has always been to become a professor rather than simply take up teaching as a job. At the same time, I am now open to exploring other career paths if they align with my background and interests. The challenge is that I do not know where to start.
If I decide to switch roles or move into a different field, I feel like I would be starting from scratch. I do not have a strong practical or quantitative skill set, and I am unsure about what I should learn, how to learn it, and which career paths would actually be realistic for someone with my background.
Before suggesting internships or entry-level roles as the first step, I want to mention that I have already tried applying for them. Unfortunately, I have struggled to even get interview opportunities, which has made me realize that I may need to first build the right skills and profile to become a stronger candidate.
For people working in economics, research, data, consulting, academia, or related fields, I would really appreciate your advice:
* What skills should someone with a theoretical economics background build to become employable?
* Should I start with quantitative tools like statistics, econometrics, Python, R, SQL, etc.? If yes, what would be the right order to learn them?
* What career options are realistic for someone with a Master’s in Economics but limited practical experience?
* Is it possible to transition into research-oriented roles, and what steps would help make that happen?
* If I decide to move away from academia, what fields would make sense to explore?
I would genuinely appreciate guidance from individuals who have experience in this area or have undergone a similar transition.
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14 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1420
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi P,
First, I want to say that you're not as far behind as you think. Many graduates with a Master's in Economics reach this point. They have a solid understanding of economic theory but realize that employers are looking for evidence that they can apply that knowledge using data, software, and real-world analysis.
The encouraging part is that these are skills you can learn.
If I were in your position, I would focus on building practical skills in a structured way rather than trying to learn everything at once. Statistics should come first because it strengthens your understanding of data analysis. From there, I'd learn Excel at an advanced level if you haven't already, then move on to SQL for working with databases, followed by either Python or R. Both are widely used in economics and research. Python tends to have broader applications across industries, while R is especially popular in academic research and statistical analysis. Learning data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau can also make your profile more attractive to employers.
Don't stop at learning the tools. Use them to create projects. Analyze public datasets, answer economic questions, and publish your work on GitHub or in a portfolio. A well-documented project often tells employers much more than a certificate.
You asked about realistic career options. With a Master's in Economics, you could look at roles in economic research, policy analysis, market research, business intelligence, data analysis, consulting, government agencies, financial services, and think tanks. Some of these positions will require additional technical skills, but your economics background provides a strong foundation.
If your long-term goal is still to become a professor, I wouldn't give up on it just because you've had setbacks with qualifying exams. At the same time, there's nothing wrong with building industry experience while you continue preparing. Research experience in government, nonprofit organizations, consulting firms, or research institutes can strengthen both your practical skills and your academic profile.
One thing I'd encourage you to change is how you think about "starting from scratch." You're not. You already have a graduate-level understanding of economics. What you're missing is the bridge between theory and practice. That's a much smaller gap than starting over in a completely different field.
Keep your learning focused and intentional. It's far better to become proficient in a handful of tools and demonstrate what you can do with them than to collect a long list of certificates without practical experience. Over time, that combination of economics knowledge and technical skills will open far more doors than either one on its own.
Many successful economists have taken this same path from theory to practice, and there's no reason you can't do the same.
Best wishes!
First, I want to say that you're not as far behind as you think. Many graduates with a Master's in Economics reach this point. They have a solid understanding of economic theory but realize that employers are looking for evidence that they can apply that knowledge using data, software, and real-world analysis.
The encouraging part is that these are skills you can learn.
If I were in your position, I would focus on building practical skills in a structured way rather than trying to learn everything at once. Statistics should come first because it strengthens your understanding of data analysis. From there, I'd learn Excel at an advanced level if you haven't already, then move on to SQL for working with databases, followed by either Python or R. Both are widely used in economics and research. Python tends to have broader applications across industries, while R is especially popular in academic research and statistical analysis. Learning data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau can also make your profile more attractive to employers.
Don't stop at learning the tools. Use them to create projects. Analyze public datasets, answer economic questions, and publish your work on GitHub or in a portfolio. A well-documented project often tells employers much more than a certificate.
You asked about realistic career options. With a Master's in Economics, you could look at roles in economic research, policy analysis, market research, business intelligence, data analysis, consulting, government agencies, financial services, and think tanks. Some of these positions will require additional technical skills, but your economics background provides a strong foundation.
If your long-term goal is still to become a professor, I wouldn't give up on it just because you've had setbacks with qualifying exams. At the same time, there's nothing wrong with building industry experience while you continue preparing. Research experience in government, nonprofit organizations, consulting firms, or research institutes can strengthen both your practical skills and your academic profile.
One thing I'd encourage you to change is how you think about "starting from scratch." You're not. You already have a graduate-level understanding of economics. What you're missing is the bridge between theory and practice. That's a much smaller gap than starting over in a completely different field.
Keep your learning focused and intentional. It's far better to become proficient in a handful of tools and demonstrate what you can do with them than to collect a long list of certificates without practical experience. Over time, that combination of economics knowledge and technical skills will open far more doors than either one on its own.
Many successful economists have taken this same path from theory to practice, and there's no reason you can't do the same.
Best wishes!
Debra Steppel
Coach jobseekers and university applicants
5
Answers
Reston, Virginia
Updated
Debra’s Answer
Apply for jobs to teach at a community college.
Teach at a community college
Debra recommends the following next steps:
John Woollard
General Manager
60
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
John’s Answer
You asked specific questions, so let me answer them directly, but first two questions back for you.
How close have you been on the exams? There is a big difference between missing by a few marks and missing by a wide margin. Since being a professor is what you actually want, it may be worth some intensive preparation and another serious attempt before you pivot away from it. A hard gate is not the same as a closed door.
Also, how many roles have you applied to? If it is twenty, that is a small sample. If it is two hundred with no interviews, that points at the resume and the skill set rather than the market.
On what to learn and in what order. Start with SQL, since it is fastest to learn and a common skill that will go far. Then Python, but this can go in a lot of directions, so just make sure your learning is specifically focused on your work. SQL and Python are both fairly simple to learn.
Data analyst is the most common landing spot for economics graduates without practical experience. Beyond that, economic consulting, market research, and business or financial analyst roles all take economics backgrounds.
On research roles. Research assistant positions at universities, think tanks, and central banks are real options, and they usually want exactly the tools above. That path also keeps academia alive rather than closing it off.
You are not as far behind as you feel. The theory is real. What is missing is the practical layer, and that part is learnable.
How close have you been on the exams? There is a big difference between missing by a few marks and missing by a wide margin. Since being a professor is what you actually want, it may be worth some intensive preparation and another serious attempt before you pivot away from it. A hard gate is not the same as a closed door.
Also, how many roles have you applied to? If it is twenty, that is a small sample. If it is two hundred with no interviews, that points at the resume and the skill set rather than the market.
On what to learn and in what order. Start with SQL, since it is fastest to learn and a common skill that will go far. Then Python, but this can go in a lot of directions, so just make sure your learning is specifically focused on your work. SQL and Python are both fairly simple to learn.
Data analyst is the most common landing spot for economics graduates without practical experience. Beyond that, economic consulting, market research, and business or financial analyst roles all take economics backgrounds.
On research roles. Research assistant positions at universities, think tanks, and central banks are real options, and they usually want exactly the tools above. That path also keeps academia alive rather than closing it off.
You are not as far behind as you feel. The theory is real. What is missing is the practical layer, and that part is learnable.
Shelly Lin
Forensic Consultant
81
Answers
Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Updated
Shelly’s Answer
Based on what you've shared, I would first recognize that you are not starting from scratch. A Master's in Economics has already given you strong analytical, research, and critical thinking skills, but it sounds like the gap is in demonstrating practical application. To my knowledge, building quantitative skills such as Excel, statistics, SQL, Python or R, and econometrics would strengthen your profile and open opportunities in research, data analysis, consulting, public policy, financial services, and economic analysis. Rather than trying to learn everything at once, I would focus on one skill at a time while applying it through small projects that you can showcase to employers. If academia remains your long-term goal, you can continue working toward it while also developing practical skills that broaden your career options. Many professionals begin with one career path and transition into research, policy, consulting, or industry over time, so I would view this as an opportunity to expand your options rather than as a setback.
Liam Rielly
Data Center Technician
195
Answers
Manassas, Virginia
Updated
Liam’s Answer
I often have the same sort of questions and I have watched a few videos that addressed the 'how' and 'what' parts of your question.
https://www.youtube.com/live/2uFclxPrw5Q
https://www.youtube.com/live/JxNp01jim24
https://www.youtube.com/live/kyaBBn7nF-0
https://www.youtube.com/live/nnJoNIpZdM0
This insight into how people are selected for jobs is really helpful. The parts on what qualifications mean to what employers is helpful as well. I hope these are worth the watch for you!
If your goal is to become a professor, maybe try to lean into a different field where it is easier to become one. Just a thought, not an absolute. If you want to work in economics so you can be a better professor later on, I think that's a great idea. Focus on one goal for now setting up steps for the other later.
https://www.youtube.com/live/2uFclxPrw5Q
https://www.youtube.com/live/JxNp01jim24
https://www.youtube.com/live/kyaBBn7nF-0
https://www.youtube.com/live/nnJoNIpZdM0
This insight into how people are selected for jobs is really helpful. The parts on what qualifications mean to what employers is helpful as well. I hope these are worth the watch for you!
If your goal is to become a professor, maybe try to lean into a different field where it is easier to become one. Just a thought, not an absolute. If you want to work in economics so you can be a better professor later on, I think that's a great idea. Focus on one goal for now setting up steps for the other later.
Luke Robertson
Software Engineer
3
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Luke’s Answer
All of the practical advice above is great and I'd echo all of it.
My journey was a little different but has a lot of parallels so I'll share to hopefully give you some comfort in knowing that this happens to a lot of people. I studied Economics and Finance with the full belief I'd go on to work in the city in London at a big firm. After a couple of years at University that interest had faded, and by the time I graduated I knew I wasn't going to be doing anything Econ related, but had 0 idea what that meant.
In the end, I returned back to my real interest which was computers - I started from scratch entirely and began my career as a 1st line support technician after some self study. I worked hard for some years and paid my dues, and I now work as a senior software engineer in London. It can feel like you are "starting from scratch" but the skills you've learned in your degree are utilised constantly in your working life.
All this to say, it is normal to feel a bit lost - there's no standard operating procedure for what your career/ life will look like and you're not locked into anything!
My practical advice would be that you probably have a gut feeling on what you want to do and which areas you're most interested in. Do some research into those areas, see which skills you need to improve alongside those which you have and try and find anything that would be suitable as experience (could be an internship, contract work, entry level job etc.). My first job paid minimum wage and required unpleasant working hours, but it was invaluable as a starting point in real world experience and somewhere to learn on the side.
My journey was a little different but has a lot of parallels so I'll share to hopefully give you some comfort in knowing that this happens to a lot of people. I studied Economics and Finance with the full belief I'd go on to work in the city in London at a big firm. After a couple of years at University that interest had faded, and by the time I graduated I knew I wasn't going to be doing anything Econ related, but had 0 idea what that meant.
In the end, I returned back to my real interest which was computers - I started from scratch entirely and began my career as a 1st line support technician after some self study. I worked hard for some years and paid my dues, and I now work as a senior software engineer in London. It can feel like you are "starting from scratch" but the skills you've learned in your degree are utilised constantly in your working life.
All this to say, it is normal to feel a bit lost - there's no standard operating procedure for what your career/ life will look like and you're not locked into anything!
My practical advice would be that you probably have a gut feeling on what you want to do and which areas you're most interested in. Do some research into those areas, see which skills you need to improve alongside those which you have and try and find anything that would be suitable as experience (could be an internship, contract work, entry level job etc.). My first job paid minimum wage and required unpleasant working hours, but it was invaluable as a starting point in real world experience and somewhere to learn on the side.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2674
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about to continue doing research in universities, work in research department of financial institutions, banker, economic teacher, finance journalist, etc. There are many careers related to economics
2. Find our more in these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Seek guidance from professors ans alumni
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers yiu would like to pursue
5. Explore any intern opportunities in the careers
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almight God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about to continue doing research in universities, work in research department of financial institutions, banker, economic teacher, finance journalist, etc. There are many careers related to economics
2. Find our more in these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Seek guidance from professors ans alumni
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers yiu would like to pursue
5. Explore any intern opportunities in the careers
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almight God bless you!
Yoav Traeger
Bid Manager
152
Answers
Kiryat Ono, Tel Aviv District
Updated
Yoav’s Answer
Transitioning from theoretical academia to the job market is a hurdle so many brilliant people face, but your deep understanding of economic concepts is a massive asset that you aren't starting from scratch with. To bridge the gap, you don't need to learn every tool at once; start simply by mastering SQL, which is the most sought-after skill for accessing data, and then pick up either R or Python for analysis, as this order will instantly make your theoretical background highly marketable. Since you love research, teaching, and deep thinking, you should look into roles like policy analyst, economic consultant, or research associate at think tanks and non-profits, where your ability to translate complex ideas is valued just as much as hard coding. You can build up your profile and get noticed by taking a couple of public datasets, doing a small analysis project, and posting your findings on LinkedIn or a personal blog, which shows employers your practical skills in action far better than a standard resume. You have built an incredible foundation of knowledge already, and with just a few practical adjustments, you are going to find a path that truly fulfills you. Keep believing in your journey, take it one step at a time, and I wish you the absolute best of luck in finding the perfect career path.
Robiah Thabit
Operations Support
16
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Robiah’s Answer
I don’t think you’re starting from scratch. A Master’s in Economics has already helped you develop valuable skills like critical thinking, research, and problem-solving.
Your willingness to reflect and adapt is commendable. That mindset is a strength. Whether you decide to continue pursuing academia or explore another path, building practical experience through projects, certifications, volunteering, or freelance work can help strengthen your profile and make you more competitive.
Also, don’t see moving away from academia as giving up on your dream. Many professionals gain industry experience first and later return to teaching or research with broader perspectives and practical insights.
I hope you find a path that aligns with both your interests and strengths. Wishing you all the best in your career journey.
Your willingness to reflect and adapt is commendable. That mindset is a strength. Whether you decide to continue pursuing academia or explore another path, building practical experience through projects, certifications, volunteering, or freelance work can help strengthen your profile and make you more competitive.
Also, don’t see moving away from academia as giving up on your dream. Many professionals gain industry experience first and later return to teaching or research with broader perspectives and practical insights.
I hope you find a path that aligns with both your interests and strengths. Wishing you all the best in your career journey.
Valerie Buxeron
Project Manager
11
Answers
Little Elm, Texas
Updated
Valerie’s Answer
Congratulations on earning your Master's Degree in Economics! That's a big achievement in a tough field. With your degree, you now have strong skills in analysis and decision-making, which are valuable in many areas like finance, business, technology, government, healthcare, and nonprofits. If your dream is to become a professor, go for it! Check out job postings for professor roles to understand what employers are looking for. Compare their needs with your skills. If you find an area where you need more knowledge or skills, seek out ways to improve. Keep pushing forward, and you can reach your goals!
ANTHONY SYLVESTER
School counselor
33
Answers
Onitsha, Anambra, Nigeria
Updated
ANTHONY’s Answer
From a counselor's perspective, I would first acknowledge that what you are experiencing is both understandable and more common than many people realize.
Completing a master's degree is a significant achievement, but it does not automatically provide clarity about your future. Many graduates experience a period of uncertainty, especially when the realities of the job market differ from what they expected during their studies. Feeling "lost" at this stage is not a sign of failure,it is often a sign that you are transitioning from an academic identity to a professional one.
What stands out in your reflection is that you have already engaged in healthy self-assessment. You recognize your strengths (interest in teaching, research, and theoretical thinking) and your current gaps (practical and quantitative skills). This level of self-awareness is an excellent starting point for career development.
Here are some counseling insights:
Separate your identity from one career goal. Your dream of becoming a professor reflects your passion for knowledge, research, and mentoring. Those values can also be fulfilled in research institutes, policy organizations, think tanks, development agencies, consulting firms, and data-driven organizations. A change in career path does not mean abandoning your passion,it may simply mean expressing it differently.
Avoid seeing yourself as "starting from scratch." You already possess valuable skills: critical thinking, analytical reasoning, academic writing, research methodology, problem-solving, and communication. These are transferable skills that employers value. What you need now is to complement them with technical competencies.
Focus on growth rather than comparison. Many professionals in economics, data analytics, and consulting began with limited programming or statistical knowledge. The difference is that they committed to continuous learning. Your career is not a race against others; it is a journey of building competence step by step.
Build your skills strategically. Rather than trying to learn everything at once, consider this progression:
1. Strengthen statistics and econometrics.
2. Learn Excel at an advanced level.
3. Learn SQL for working with data.
4. Learn Python or R for data analysis and research.
5. Build a portfolio by analyzing real-world datasets and documenting your projects.
Consider realistic career options. With a Master's in Economics, you could explore:
Economic research
Policy analysis
Data analysis
Market research
Monitoring and evaluation (M&E)
Banking and financial analysis
Public sector research
International development organizations
Business intelligence
Consulting
If research still excites you, don't abandon it. You can strengthen your profile by participating in research projects, collaborating with academics, publishing articles, attending conferences, or volunteering as a research assistant. Research careers exist both inside and outside universities.
Finally, I encourage you to replace the question, "What career should I choose?" with "What kind of problems do I enjoy solving?" Careers evolve over time, but your interests, values, and strengths often remain more consistent. When you build your skills around those, opportunities become much easier to recognize.
Your current uncertainty is not a dead end,it is a transition point. With deliberate skill development, practical experience through projects, and persistence, you can create a career that aligns with both your academic background and your personal interests. Many successful professionals have stood exactly where you are today. The important thing is not having every answer now, but taking consistent, purposeful steps toward the future you want.
Completing a master's degree is a significant achievement, but it does not automatically provide clarity about your future. Many graduates experience a period of uncertainty, especially when the realities of the job market differ from what they expected during their studies. Feeling "lost" at this stage is not a sign of failure,it is often a sign that you are transitioning from an academic identity to a professional one.
What stands out in your reflection is that you have already engaged in healthy self-assessment. You recognize your strengths (interest in teaching, research, and theoretical thinking) and your current gaps (practical and quantitative skills). This level of self-awareness is an excellent starting point for career development.
Here are some counseling insights:
Separate your identity from one career goal. Your dream of becoming a professor reflects your passion for knowledge, research, and mentoring. Those values can also be fulfilled in research institutes, policy organizations, think tanks, development agencies, consulting firms, and data-driven organizations. A change in career path does not mean abandoning your passion,it may simply mean expressing it differently.
Avoid seeing yourself as "starting from scratch." You already possess valuable skills: critical thinking, analytical reasoning, academic writing, research methodology, problem-solving, and communication. These are transferable skills that employers value. What you need now is to complement them with technical competencies.
Focus on growth rather than comparison. Many professionals in economics, data analytics, and consulting began with limited programming or statistical knowledge. The difference is that they committed to continuous learning. Your career is not a race against others; it is a journey of building competence step by step.
Build your skills strategically. Rather than trying to learn everything at once, consider this progression:
1. Strengthen statistics and econometrics.
2. Learn Excel at an advanced level.
3. Learn SQL for working with data.
4. Learn Python or R for data analysis and research.
5. Build a portfolio by analyzing real-world datasets and documenting your projects.
Consider realistic career options. With a Master's in Economics, you could explore:
Economic research
Policy analysis
Data analysis
Market research
Monitoring and evaluation (M&E)
Banking and financial analysis
Public sector research
International development organizations
Business intelligence
Consulting
If research still excites you, don't abandon it. You can strengthen your profile by participating in research projects, collaborating with academics, publishing articles, attending conferences, or volunteering as a research assistant. Research careers exist both inside and outside universities.
Finally, I encourage you to replace the question, "What career should I choose?" with "What kind of problems do I enjoy solving?" Careers evolve over time, but your interests, values, and strengths often remain more consistent. When you build your skills around those, opportunities become much easier to recognize.
Your current uncertainty is not a dead end,it is a transition point. With deliberate skill development, practical experience through projects, and persistence, you can create a career that aligns with both your academic background and your personal interests. Many successful professionals have stood exactly where you are today. The important thing is not having every answer now, but taking consistent, purposeful steps toward the future you want.
Tony Roig
Volunteer
92
Answers
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Updated
Tony’s Answer
In response to your inquiry, allow me to suggest another activity I would encourage you to conduct in addition to the other fine suggestions you have already received. As I'm a strong believer in the benefit of doing comprehensive assessment, why not use AI tools like chatgpt or Career Village's Coach app to help you find and barrow down direction by suggesting career choices based on your preferences, interests, personality "transferable skills" along with your clear interest an competency in quantative analysis and economics. It will help you determine "best fit" occupations to improve your likelihood of success, satisfaction and fulfillment in your career and validate the things you and others probably know and/or told you. Along with your own research, and all the other sources that provide you direction (market demand, industry growth, etc and more focus on what to pursue. My own preferences for industries are life sciences, specific technologies and life sciences.
Best wishes ,
Tony
Best wishes ,
Tony
Helena Camenzind
Aspiring Entrepreneur in International Sustainable Business development and artist
4
Answers
Hillsboro, Oregon
Updated
Helena’s Answer
Hello!
I see you are from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. That's so cool and being a Economics major is perfect. India is quickly becoming one of the best global economies in the world - you are mighty.
Okay, on to the advice. First of all, be proud you got a Master's degree in Economics. That's a major accomplishment! Not many people can say they pursued higher education that far AND that is valuable. If you want to be a professor, be a professor. The only person who is holding back is yourself. The key is believing that you are qualified and worthy of such a position. Why do something that you don't love? Life is too short and that's pointless.
Going along with Debra's advice; consider teaching at a community college to start. Then continue to build. As long as you work hard, put in the time and energy you will see results. Believe me.
Read some self-development books and build some confidence!
Apply to teach at a local community college
Teach and gain lots of experience :)
Reach out to me again once you are a professor and tell me how you've inspired your students
I see you are from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. That's so cool and being a Economics major is perfect. India is quickly becoming one of the best global economies in the world - you are mighty.
Okay, on to the advice. First of all, be proud you got a Master's degree in Economics. That's a major accomplishment! Not many people can say they pursued higher education that far AND that is valuable. If you want to be a professor, be a professor. The only person who is holding back is yourself. The key is believing that you are qualified and worthy of such a position. Why do something that you don't love? Life is too short and that's pointless.
Going along with Debra's advice; consider teaching at a community college to start. Then continue to build. As long as you work hard, put in the time and energy you will see results. Believe me.
Helena recommends the following next steps:
Steward "Tony" Pacheco
Minister, USMC Vet, John C. Maxwell Cert. Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Teacher, Straight Shooter
208
Answers
Kyle, Texas
Updated
Steward "Tony"’s Answer
Your education does not make you the king of the hill. What make you the "Go To" guy is the experience in real world environments. though you may not want to start at the bottom, you may have to start lower than what originally was your intent.
As a retired head hunter, I have helped many find jobs that lead to career paths and those who learn an industry from the inside have better results in the future. How does one teach if all they have done is learn? That would make them more a parrot than someone who can add value to those they teach from real world experience.
Paying Your Dues is not the same as paying for university. It takes some bumps and bruises, some deflated egos, some humble pie to fully grasp any industries intricate bugs and fixes. Pick an industry and get in a door, before AI erases any opportunity once available.
As a retired head hunter, I have helped many find jobs that lead to career paths and those who learn an industry from the inside have better results in the future. How does one teach if all they have done is learn? That would make them more a parrot than someone who can add value to those they teach from real world experience.
Paying Your Dues is not the same as paying for university. It takes some bumps and bruises, some deflated egos, some humble pie to fully grasp any industries intricate bugs and fixes. Pick an industry and get in a door, before AI erases any opportunity once available.