What are your career goals after college? Many students chose their college major and minor because of interest; a small number because of income potential; but the vast majority (74 percent, according to Best Colleges) to “help make their dreams a reality”—whatever those dreams may be.
Interests change during college, as does the economy and the demand for certain careers. Even if you complete a degree toward your ideal career (high income, in demand, prime locations), you might find yourself struggling to consider it as a life-long choice, now that you know more about what it entails. For example, you may finish a nursing degree and yet be daunted by the atmosphere created by COVID or by hospital staff shortages.
In fact, 32% of college grads change their career goals and never work in a field related to their major, according to Career Builder.
This mismatch between degree and career goals often increases with time. According to BestColleges, 61% of college graduates aged 40 (Gen-X) and older would change their majors if they could go back to college. Although better job opportunities and compensation are important, an equal number want to change to pursue their current passion.
While deciding to change careers may be difficult, changing your resume may turn out to be easy. The skills and knowledge accumulated during college are often transferrable between careers. In fact, in some careers an applicant with an out-of-the-box degree may have an advantage. For example, a nursing degree may be just what a pharmaceutical company is looking for in a sales representative.
Specialized skills and experience may be acquired through certification programs, on-the-job training, volunteer experience in nonprofits, or returning to school while working. For example, you could combine your finance degree with volunteer experience in grant and article writing to bolster your marketing communication credentials.
Robin’s Resumes® has helped college grads transition their career goals at every stage by writing resumes that show the benefits of diverse interests, a commitment to learning, and skills that cross over into multiple fields. Robin’s certifications as a Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC) and Master Career Director gives her insight into the concerns of individuals who are transitioning and the perspective to create resumes that appeal to future employers.
If you are struggling to align your college degree with your current career goals, contact Robin’s Resumes® today.