Hey all, I've been trying to research more into choosing a major and came across a bunch of articles discussing what they claim to be 'most useless college degrees'. I'm a bit stressed out because I want to make sure I choose something that will be worth it for my future. I'd love to know your thoughts: What do you consider the most 'useless' college degrees, if any? And what makes them seem 'useless' to you?
I appreciate your question. When discussing the usefulness of a degree, it's beneficial to keep our perspectives flexible. What proves fruitful to one person might not for someone else, essentially because the value of a degree often depends on the specific objectives and interests an individual aims to pursue.
Often people tag degrees as 'useless' due to reasons like low starting salaries or job market saturation. For example, degrees like Fine Arts, Theater, or Philosophy often receive criticism because they might not directly lead to high-paying jobs right after graduation. However, for someone dedicated to the arts or the discipline of philosophy, these degrees might be the stepping stone toward a fulfilling career.
Many consider STEM fields as universally 'useful' because they might offer better job prospects or high starting salaries. And while these fields certainly have numerous career opportunities, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Not every STEM graduate ends up in a high-paying job, and not every person will find satisfaction in a STEM career.
The truth is, every degree has potential value, depending on how you leverage it. What's crucial is identifying what you're passionate about and how you can weave that into a career. Also, transferable skills—like problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, and leadership—are highly valued in today's job market. Many diverse degrees can help you develop these competencies.
Remember, college is not just about getting a degree that guarantees a job. It's also about expanding your horizons, fostering critical thinking, becoming an informed citizen, and to a large extent, understanding more about yourself. So, when considering your college major, be sure to look beyond immediate job prospects or starting salary. Consider your interests, your long-term career goals, and the kinds of skills and knowledge you want to acquire.
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