Choosing a college major is a tough decision, especially if you have a variety of interests. Don’t worry too much about making the wrong choice, because you can find an in-demand job that pays well no matter what your major. Keep your options open by considering a variety of industries. You may find your dream job in an unexpected place.
Human Resources Specialist
Requirements for human resources jobs varies from company to company. A bachelor’s degree in business or the liberal arts will provide the necessary qualifications for most entry level HR positions. Further education, training and certifications can increase marketability. Visit the Society for Human Resource Management for more information.
Account Manager/Representative
Account managers, also called account representatives or account executives, manage client accounts for service businesses. Account representatives work in public relations, advertising, marketing and similar fields.
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Sales Representative
Not everyone is cut out for sales, but for those with the right personality, sales can be a very lucrative field. Sales is a profit-generating function, so employers are reluctant to layoff sales staff. Finding a position with a built-in client base is probably the best option for beginning sales representatives.
Purchasing Agent
Purchasing agents work for the federal government, local governments, manufacturing companies, corporations, service firms, contractors and hospitals. Responsibilities include purchasing quality materials for the best possible prices, preparing purchase orders, evaluating suppliers, negotiating contracts with suppliers, and monitoring shipments. Purchasing agents earned an annual average salary of $57,630 in 2008.*
Customer Service Representative
An increasing number of customer service positions require a bachelor’s degree. Although many jobs in the field are off-shored, customer service is a growing field and bilingual representatives are in especially high demand. Initial pay might not be impressive, but average annual salaries are steadily increasing.
Your degree doesn’t have to limit your career options. A degree that doesn’t relate to any specific career can offer more opportunities because you don’t have to focus on a particular industry. Taking classes in business or another technical field, or choosing to minor in a technical field, can increase your marketability.
* Salary information from MyPlan.com.