<p>There is a common misconception that all STEM fields have abundant well paying jobs, even though it is true that only some of them do (and the abundance of such jobs and pay levels fluctuates with economic and industry cycles). Biology and chemistry graduates have job and career prospects similar to, or perhaps only slightly better than, humanities graduates. Those who assumed that since they were studying some STEM subject that they won’t have trouble finding a well paying job at graduation are in for an unpleasant surprise.</p>
<p>In my experience, many STEM majors get excellent starting salaries, but top out pretty quickly. Moving into management requires more people skills than at least some of them tend to have.</p>
<p>Humanities majors, who make up only 3-4% of U.S. college graduates, make up some 6% of Fortune 500 executives. They are way overrepresented. </p>
<p>But if you find work that speaks to your soul - priceless!</p>
<p>However, very few people (regardless of university or major, or graduate or professional degrees like MBA or JD, for that matter) make it to the executive ranks of a large company.</p>
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<p>Well, that’s the problem that a lot of biology, chemistry, and humanities majors find – they cannot get a job in their main area of interest, so they take whatever they can get to pay the bills and student loans, even though it may not be that interesting a job for them.</p>
<p>Just to share an update. Daughter sent out about 15 resumes (most where from places she researched, decided she’d be willing to work there, emailed, asked if they had any openings and offered to send her resume along) She received 3 interview requests. Was offered all three jobs. (I asked, as far as she was able to determine, she has a very narrow specific set of skills and teaching, that not many places need or want, but for those that do, it’s hard to find that combination) at least that’s the explanation she’s offered to those friends who graduated in May and are still unemployed. </p>
<p>Downside, they were all part-time jobs, although the one she took, told her they’d guarantee part-time hours at first but that there should be no problem adding hours as the classes starting rolling. It’s at a private art school, for ages 2 to 13. (they’re looking for building space to expand to high school level classes as well). It’s not going to pay enough to live on if they don’t get her up to close to full-time quickly, probably no benefits, though I don’t know that for sure. If she gets close to full-time she can live, but it’s going to be very tight. </p>
<p>Upside, it’s what she wants to do, the environment is very cool according to her. it’ll give her experience while she waits for school hiring to start again, it’s something to put on her resume and restating the first, it’s what she wants to do. </p>
<p>I will admit to being very surprised she found a job this quickly, (not surprised in her talents and ability to interview) due to the economy, which makes me wonder, had she kept looking a little more, perhaps a better one would have been around the corner, but like most young people nowadays, she still wants everything now. Oh well, such is the enthusiasm of youth, bottom line it’s a great start.</p>
<p>Scribbulus, glad to hear the semi-good news. I spent yesterday afternoon with two unemployed kids neither of whom seem to have been looking very hard for jobs. I really don’t get it.</p>