What If Your Degree Isn’t Your Destiny?

A fresh graduate starts his career journey on a job portal, feeling overwhelmed. He may be juggling several questions at once—whether he will get a job aligned with his degree, whether the job pays well, whether he can pursue a Master’s degree while working, and whether the role offers long-term career growth. Most graduates feel pressured to strictly follow a path aligned with their degree. But what if your degree doesn’t have to define your career?

Degrees vs. Dynamic Job Markets

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, employers place more importance on skills than on the degree you acquired. This trend highlights the importance of prioritising the practical abilities of job seekers, whether you are just starting out or advancing in your career. As a fresh graduate, you must accept this reality and embrace it with positivity. By learning new skills, you can stay competitive and relevant in the modern job market. Employers are now looking beyond degrees, past job titles, or years of experience. They are adopting this trend to improve hiring efficiency, expand the talent pool, and future-proof their workforce.

A recent study from the Burning Glass Institute and the Strada Institute for the Future of Work revealed that 52% of college graduates are working in jobs that don’t require higher education, and 75% of them remain in this situation for a full decade after college. Robert Bird, a professor of business law at the University of Connecticut, noted that some college graduates discover their passion lies in a field different from their academic major. Bird says, “A strong corporate culture or sense of mission can attract graduates to new opportunities at an unexpected employer.”

Young graduates can take on hybrid jobs, which are different from hybrid work arrangements. Hybrid jobs combine roles and responsibilities from two different professions. For example, a product marketer—a role that combines the responsibilities of both a marketer and a product specialist. A product marketer positions the product and communicates with the client community. The emergence of hybrid roles has been largely driven by technological advancements.

Real Stories of Degree-Destiny Divergence

Shashank Yadav, an MBA graduate from BNMIT, joined a multinational company and worked as a marketing professional. Later, he followed his childhood passion and became an organiser of off-road driving expeditions at a motorsport company, completely unrelated to his degree field.

Xue Miao earned her degree in Chemical Engineering. She found the subject fascinating, yet she wasn’t ready to embrace it as her career. She later explored the arts and heritage sector before settling into the FinTech industry.

Mr. X graduated with a degree in Environmental Science. Despite his love for the environment, he realised it was not his preferred long-term career path. What helped him was a Geographic Information Systems class he took in his final semester. That was the first time he worked on computers, and he enjoyed it. This inspired him to pursue a career in cybersecurity.

Steps to Follow to Explore Beyond Your Degree

1. Self-Reflection and Exploration

Make a list of the topics that genuinely excite you, both inside and outside academic settings.

2. Assess Your Skills and Strengths

Identify the things you are naturally good at. Consider the skills you gained through your degree and extracurricular activities.

3. Consider Your Motivations

Think about your priorities. Is it salary, work-life balance, career growth, or flexibility?

4. Explore Different Career Paths

Use online resources like College Board, Coursera, and UCAS to research various industries and jobs that align with your interests and skills.

5. Gain Practical Experience

Find internships in your field of interest. They offer valuable hands-on experience and allow you to network with professionals. Engage in volunteering activities to improve skills, build connections, and demonstrate your interest in a particular area.

6. Make Informed Decisions

Ask your college lecturers or research supervisors about your interest in a new field. If you want to change your career, learn more about certificate courses or additional degrees that can enhance your qualifications. Keep a journal to record what you liked, disliked, and what surprised you during your journey.

“Find something you are passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.” – Julia Child

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I build a successful career in a field unrelated to my degree?

Yes. Many professionals find their true calling in industries unrelated to their academic background. What matters most today are your skills, adaptability, and willingness to learn, not necessarily your degree title.

2. Why are employers hiring candidates outside their degree fields?

Modern employers focus on practical skills, creativity, and growth mindset. By hiring based on competencies rather than degrees, companies expand their talent pool and stay future-ready.

3. What are hybrid jobs, and how can I qualify for one?

Hybrid jobs combine skills from two or more roles (e.g., Product Marketer = marketing + product expertise). You can prepare for hybrid roles by learning complementary skills through online platforms and internships.

4. Will working outside my degree affect long-term career growth?

Not at all. Many graduates thrive in new fields and even grow faster by aligning their careers with personal passions and evolving industry trends. Career growth depends more on continuous learning and performance.

5. How do I know if my current field isn’t right for me?

Ask yourself: Do I enjoy the work? Am I motivated to learn more in this field? If not, reflect on what excites you, both inside and outside the classroom. It’s okay to change direction if your interests evolve.