Where can my major get me?

Career Opportunities & Internships
1

<p>I'm in the process of earning a BS in Development Sociology. For those unfamiliar with the major, it is similar to rural sociology, but more internationally focused. Along with sociology, my major covers some demography and GIS techniques. I'm also working on minors in South Asian studies as well as international trade and development (a business minor). I'd really love to work somewhere in Asia, but mostly I just want to be able to find a steady career. I have absolutely no idea where I should even start looking. </p>

<p>My dream would be to work for the asian development bank, but all there positions seem to require advanced degrees or significant experience.</p>

<p>Any ideas on what I can do with my degree?</p>

2

<p>you could do tons of stuff… UN, State Dept, World Bank, Amnesty International, International charities, USAID, etc etc etc</p>

<p>Most majors do not lead directly to a career. They allow you to build the critical skills that many jobs require, such as reading, synthesizing information, giving presentations, and writing. Most likely the first thing that will happen when you get a job is that you will go through significant training, either formally or informally.</p>

3

<p>Good advice from soccerguy315. An MBA would likely be a major enhancement, but you should try to find a way to get a few years of experience before applying.</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the advice guys! Just wondering, why do you think an MBA would be more beneficial then say a masters in Econ or some sort of development related subject?</p>

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<p>I really don’t like it when I see people ask the question “What can my major do for me?” “What will my major help me get in terms of a job?” “What can I do with my major” </p>

<p>The answer is almost always ANYTHING</p>

<p>Get work experience / Internship experience WHEREVER you feel like you would like to work. Almost any major can be catered to work for almost any organization in one way or another. Intern where you want to work, network, make connections, talk to people, socialize, participate in events, be part of the “in-group”. This will do a lot more for you in terms of jobs prospects than your degree or where you studied will. </p>

<p>I know a guy who majored in Latin American studies, got an internship with a local newspaper, that opened the door for him to do a 6 month internship in New York, he met a guy who worked for the times at a coffee shop, got the mans card, called him up, interned with the times, and a year later he is making bank. </p>

<p>This with a degree from a State university in Latin American studies of all things. </p>

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<p>The main reason people in Ivy league schools usually get higher paying jobs than those in public universities is networking opportunities. For example, if you go to Harvard you may have “Guest lecturer today, Bill gates” or “Guest speaker, Steve jobs” or “Special seminar by Stephen Hawking” you can guarantee that if you can network with powerful, important people you will have a better shot at a higher paying job. Now if you go to a state school you usually get the CEO of Costco, or if you are really lucky some higher ups from local businesses around your city. </p>

<p>Bottom line, Network, network, Network! </p>

<p>Internships, Internships, Internships!!!</p>

6

<p>Its all about what your goals are and what kind of experience/additional course load you prepare yourself with that goal in mind.</p>

<p>I majored in sociology at the University of Michigan and always had an interest in consulting and marketing research. After preparing myself for that, I landed a job at a prestigious consulting firm in New york city once I graudated. </p>

<p>Remember, when it comes to employment, experience and preparation trumps what your transcript says.</p>