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While most of us dream of going it alone and starting our own business, almost all of us will have to take a job at some point. Study is the gateway to that employment. However, not all degrees are equal when it comes to employability.
The subject you choose to learn at university will, in most cases, have a critical influence over your career options. You must choose wisely. Consider the following insights as you consider a degree or certificate.
Arcane Subjects and Employability
We’ve all had that friend who studied an off-the-wall subject at college. Unfortunately, they often later complain that they cannot find work. What’s more, they are not prepared to start a business of their own. But courses are available in a dizzying array of topics these days. For example, “The Simpsons and Philosophy” is an actual college course, available at Berkeley. It might not, however, be particularly helpful for employability.
Surely, some subjects and qualifications are more likely than others to make you employable. You should consider your future options carefully when choosing what to study.
Geography
Another essential point to remember when choosing what to study is whether you want to remain living locally or relocate. Many skills are in short supply around the world. Choosing a subject needed in another region will vastly increase your chances of finding work abroad.
Geographical limitations have become all the more critical in recent years. The reality of location may make starting your own business venture more attractive. Migration laws continue to restrict mobility among many countries. Therefore, when seeking employment you must plan ahead and be aware of the market for your newly acquired skills.
Talent and Employability
Remember, we tend to be good at the things we enjoy. So choose a subject that sparks your interest or that gives you satisfaction. It is much, much easier to spend time working at something you enjoy and that engages you.
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Also keep in mind that studying for a typical degree can take three to four years. Therefore, you’re going to spend a lot of time studying whichever subject you choose.
The Top Six Employable Fields
Of course, new graduates are in higher demand in some industries than they are in others. Therefore, study in such areas can lead you quickly into employment. While the world is changing fast, the following fields jobs rank among the highest in employment lists over time. In other words, they offer the best stability and the most employment opportunities globally. Here is a review of the top six fields of study that lead to employability.
Healthcare
The healthcare industry probably offers the best job stability of any sector. After all, people will always get sick and injured. Therefore, there will always be a need for nurses, doctors, and dentists to care for them. Healthcare professionals are in demand the world over. Moreover, most medical qualifications are accepted globally.
On average, around 99% of all medical and dentistry graduates find work within six months of leaving university. Not only that, but the healthcare sector has some of the highest-paying jobs for new graduates. In short, healthcare is the premiere industry for employability.
What’s more, getting into the healthcare sector is relatively easy. You can even study online to be a nurse practitioner. However, you must complete extensive on-the-job training before you become fully qualified.
Additionally, a degree in any form of healthcare is commonly regarded as one of the toughest to complete. Study in healthcare requires dedication and hard work. Still, if you put in the time, the rewards are proven and lucrative.
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Veterinary Sciences
Students of veterinary studies are also in high demand. In fact, approximately 98% of veterinary students find employment within six months of graduating.
Also, veterinary graduates earn a similarly high starting salary. The only downside is that study for a veterinary degree requires around six years from start to finish.
Medical Science
Medical science is a vast and wide-ranging sector. The industry includes everything from biomedical research to the development and discovery of new drugs. In general, employability is high in medical science. Around 95% of all graduating students will find work within six months.
As with the other medically oriented degrees listed above, medical science qualifications take hard work and dedication.
Architecture
Architecture is a highly varied subject and can involve mathematics, technology, science, and art. As such, it will be tough to get into if you don’t already have a wide range of skills behind you. Nonetheless, architecture ranks high for employability. On average, 90% of students in architecture-related studies find work within six months of graduating.
Unlike other subject fields noted above, many architects go on to start their own firms because they choose to work for themselves. Still, even for those who choose to seek employment with an agency, graduate salaries are usually high.
Education
Teaching is another career sector with high employability and security. In the same way that people always get sick, people will also always need teachers.
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However, the majority of teaching staff don’t study teaching as such. Most study another discipline and then specialize with an additional teaching qualification. This adds up to a relatively long time spent studying.
In exchange for long hours and challenging work, teachers receive far more holidays than most other jobs. The employment prospects are impressive, with around 90% of teaching graduates finding work within six months of leaving university.
Technology
Technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), is undoubtedly going to play an increasingly significant role in the workplace in years to come. However, contrary to the widely held belief that technology is stealing people’s jobs, the evidence reveals otherwise. In fact, mounting evidence suggests that new technologies are giving rise to entirely new areas of work.
Employability and Your Rate of Success
Remember, the subject you choose to study at university won’t necessarily dictate what you do for the rest of your life. Still, the employability of your chosen area of study can influence the speed and direction of your career. Spend some time researching what you want to do and choose wisely.
