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What's a good major to pursue if I want to have a "back up" career?
I want to study psychology, criminology, marketing/accounting, or sociology. Eventually I want to become an FBI Agent. I know there are people who don't stay in the same career all their life or sometimes their careers even fail. What's a good major I can pursue that will guarantee me a job in the workplace? Especially somewhere in the law enforcement or business world. I love dealing with people. I just don't want to pick a major that can affect my future financial stability. #money #financial-stability #career-choice #choosing-a-major #fbi-agent #law-enforcement #women-in-business #psychology #social-media-marketing #sociology
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Kim’s Answer
Hi Jennifer!
As you start out on your career journey, there is no telling where you will end up, even with all the planning in the world! I want to encourage you to re-think the words that you use when having these thoughts. Don't think about careers "failing" or having a "back-up career." Think of it in terms of developing "transferable job skills" and "cross-marketable majors." It sounds a lot more positive, because it is!
No major will "guarantee" you a job in the workplace. I have worked with clients who should easily be able to obtain jobs, but they can't. Why? Because they lack one required component of the job description, or, worse, because of their personality - they are not a pleasure to be around. For example, if someone wants to be an Air Force pilot, a position which has certain height requirements due to the size of the aircraft cockpit, and they don't fall within the parameters, they won't get the job.
You like being around people, but are afraid of picking a low-paying major. It is not the major that determines your pay - it is the job! So, if you major in psychology/sociology, AND go into social work, you might not be happy with the pay. However, you don't have to go into social work. There are all sorts of jobs out there that want a degree - ANY degree, and, they pay rather well. You could have a career in banking or sales (such as selling funeral plans, or doing business to business sales, etc.)
Many people change jobs every 2-5 years, creating their own career progression as they go. In fact, some employers consider workers who stay with one job too long to be "stagnant," staying in their comfort zones because they are afraid to take chances. When you decide to apply to a different type of job than the one you had before, you will work on your resume, re-wording it to put emphasis on those skills acquired in the previous jobs that pertain to the one you are applying for. It's not nearly as difficult as it sounds!
My favorite example has to do with a customer whose experience was in fast food, but she wanted to work at a doggy day care facility. The job duties were going to involve a lot of cleaning. So, since she worked the overnight shift, she was accustomed to doing heavy cleaning, and that was what she emphasized.
Once you start working, keep your resume current, and stay alert for other opportunities. You don't want to be a job-hopper, but, at the same time, if a real good opportunity comes along, you will want to consider it.
A factor that definitely contributes to success in the workplace is what is called "Emotional Intelligence." It has to do with knowing how to navigate interactions with others, being sensitive to their feelings, and the ability to make them feel good about themselves when they are around you. If you are not familiar with this, I would encourage you to do some research on it.
I think it is great that you are researching these concerns now! Let me know if I can be of further help.
Kim
As you start out on your career journey, there is no telling where you will end up, even with all the planning in the world! I want to encourage you to re-think the words that you use when having these thoughts. Don't think about careers "failing" or having a "back-up career." Think of it in terms of developing "transferable job skills" and "cross-marketable majors." It sounds a lot more positive, because it is!
No major will "guarantee" you a job in the workplace. I have worked with clients who should easily be able to obtain jobs, but they can't. Why? Because they lack one required component of the job description, or, worse, because of their personality - they are not a pleasure to be around. For example, if someone wants to be an Air Force pilot, a position which has certain height requirements due to the size of the aircraft cockpit, and they don't fall within the parameters, they won't get the job.
You like being around people, but are afraid of picking a low-paying major. It is not the major that determines your pay - it is the job! So, if you major in psychology/sociology, AND go into social work, you might not be happy with the pay. However, you don't have to go into social work. There are all sorts of jobs out there that want a degree - ANY degree, and, they pay rather well. You could have a career in banking or sales (such as selling funeral plans, or doing business to business sales, etc.)
Many people change jobs every 2-5 years, creating their own career progression as they go. In fact, some employers consider workers who stay with one job too long to be "stagnant," staying in their comfort zones because they are afraid to take chances. When you decide to apply to a different type of job than the one you had before, you will work on your resume, re-wording it to put emphasis on those skills acquired in the previous jobs that pertain to the one you are applying for. It's not nearly as difficult as it sounds!
My favorite example has to do with a customer whose experience was in fast food, but she wanted to work at a doggy day care facility. The job duties were going to involve a lot of cleaning. So, since she worked the overnight shift, she was accustomed to doing heavy cleaning, and that was what she emphasized.
Once you start working, keep your resume current, and stay alert for other opportunities. You don't want to be a job-hopper, but, at the same time, if a real good opportunity comes along, you will want to consider it.
A factor that definitely contributes to success in the workplace is what is called "Emotional Intelligence." It has to do with knowing how to navigate interactions with others, being sensitive to their feelings, and the ability to make them feel good about themselves when they are around you. If you are not familiar with this, I would encourage you to do some research on it.
I think it is great that you are researching these concerns now! Let me know if I can be of further help.
Kim
Updated
Carrie’s Answer
One highly transferrable skill you could develop is writing. No matter where you land, or what path you take, the ability to express your ideas clearly and persuasively will give you a real advantage. I'd suggest you take some writing classes, and focus on strengthening your skills, no matter what your major or eventual career path. As you grow and gain more knowledge and experience, the ability to communicate that knowledge clearly will serve you well.
Welcome to the group Carrie! You are definitely right about writing -clear and concise writing has opened doors for me! Kim
Kim Igleheart
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Excellent question, Jennifer! It is always good to have a backup skill set in case you find law enforcement is not for you, you get injured, life happens, or any number of unforeseen circumstances. I always tell people to pursue something they have a passion for. It all depends what motivates you the most; money, service, job satisfaction, status, etc. Look at all the stories of people who were infinitely successful in the corporate world to walk away and become a barista at Starbucks and have never been happier. I can tell you that what you think is important now may not be the same as what you think is important ten or twenty years from now. Most people that follow their passion live without regret. In my experience, individuals with great people skills can always find a job.
Updated
Christina (Tina)’s Answer
Hi Jennifer! Many people have no idea what they want to do when they start college. I have a daughter who is a Sophomore in college and her current degree is Psychology although she would tell you that she is not certain if she will continue in that major. If you complete college and decide on something different, you can always look for continuing education classes that will more than likely compliment your current degree, yet give you the credentials needed for the new career path. Don't let the hesitation slow you down! Continue on your current path and take it one day at a time. My current position is in Finance but my degree is Computer Information Systems and I never would have imagined that I would follow this path.