Post by rupertpenny on Jan 1, 2013 21:39:18 GMT -5
Do you like libraries? You need a masters to be an actual librarian but there are paraprofessional positions that only require a bachelors. I'd look for jobs at all local public libraries and any colleges or universities in your area.
I'd love to do research. Of any kind. I love statistical analysis, I'm really good with statistical software, did my internship on campus at the Office of Institutional Research. Only problem is, you need a Master's degree.
Look into entry level market research jobs. You'd probably need to start in data processing or sample management, but there is room to move into more project management roles within a few years.
You can also get a certificate in MR through a University of Georgia online course. It's $800 or so, but might give you an edge over other entry level applicants.
Is there anything that you can identify right now that you like to do?
For example, you mentioned insurance. (And I'm just going to use that as an example)
Scour events in your city that are related to Insurance. I bet there is some insurance networking events, where you pay something like $5 and you mingle with people in the different insurance markets that could get you connected (or at least let you know what's available, in a social setting).
Or if there's some Insurance conference that's opened to the public (via the university, or some comm ed, or some American Insurance Organization) you can attend lectures that could help identify what new alternate could be out there for you.
Repeat for any other potential passion of yours (Insurance could be Economic Policy, Global Health Technologies, Child Education, etc. You see?)
The trick is getting yourself out there. Mostly because many of the opportunities aren't posted, heck, they're not even created, but you are the best gauge of what is the intersection of what's needed, what you're good at and what you want to do.
If anything, even if you're super shy and introvert, try to meet people and talk to them. They can help guide you in the right direction.
I will mention that many of my most interesting friends have had the most unorthodox academic careers, and this was unarguably what aided in their success. Keep at it.
I just wasn't sure. I started college wanting to be a grade school teacher, then wanted to be a secondary math teacher, then I was pre med, then I decided on psychology and applied to nsg school. I got in, lol if you know me, nursing is not a good fit. I went to one day of nsg school, quit and applied for an MSW program - finally I knew what I wanted to do and felt like I really found the right field, for me. I was excited and felt like I had purpose. Fortunately, it's a marketable degree.
You sound like me except I wasn't smart enough to explore my options while actually in school, LOL!
I'd look into consulting/market analyst positions. If you're good with research and statistics, you might look at companies who hire analysts to study trends and market conditions for technology, healthcare, oil & gas, and tons of verticals. If you can take any community or local college classes to boost your background in a vertical that is interesting to you & economically relevant, even better. Both the history degree and the sociology could benefit you, depending on the company and the markets they serve. Some of the big names are Gartner, IDC, and Deloitte, but there are lots of smaller and local firms. Analysts do tons of research and write reports.
I know a few science-types who ended up doing consulting either short- or long-term even though they weren't strictly trained in business, but they were quick learners and good with numbers. Some humanities majors I knew also ended up doing consulting for awhile. It can involve a good amount of travel, however, and you're best off if you can get involved with a vertical that has good economic prospects/longevity (oil & gas, telecom, healthcare, etc.).
Post by spitforspat on Jan 1, 2013 21:47:15 GMT -5
I'm in kind of the same boat as you - sociology degree, un/underemployed.
My advice- it's easier to get a job when you have a job. Any job. Don't worry about it being your dream job. You'll work hard, feel proud of yourself, get out and meet some people- all while gaining a good reference.
Once you get out of the "holy shit I need a job!" phase its easier to focus on what you really want to do and how to get there.
With your majors, in your area, it's going to be tough. Also, the job market is pretty sucktastic right now...I think you're doing as much as you can for now. :::hugs:::
lol, no. I don't care what people study. Study basket weaving with a concentration in 3rd century Egyptian technique. Hell, I'm not using either one of the degrees I earned, as I'm a SAHM. But it does bother me that schools don't help students figure out what to do with their degrees. That's a lot of money to spend to not be able to immediately use what you've "purchased". My side-eye post put blame on the OP, and that was not my intent. For that I apologize. The school should offer more career planning services. Presumably, they're preparing students for a career, and they should assist them in finding that path with their studies.
I hire BA grads for case manager jobs in non-for-profits. And they LOVE LOVE the work. I've hired in foster care agencies, preventive programs, residential facilities and now in an long-term critical care agencies.
It's not huge money, but it's consistent money with good benefits, and usualy generous vacation packages. Psych, Sociology, History, Anthropology are all GREAT majors for the demands of dealing with clients, paperwork, lots of paperwork and lots of beaucratic systems. It's people who really get how important it is to advocate for people who need it. Housing, Nursing care, Medicaid, Vets affairs, Foster care, Elder care, Medicare, Community Centers, YMCA's, JCC's, Department of Health/ Social Services. I see LOTS of opportunities., Just look for non-profits, or community and based organizations, et all.
You don't need a masters. Just appy for jobs that say "coordinator. case manager. case worker, tech, etc."
I graduated in 2008 when the market was equally rough. It took several months, but I eventually started getting offers. I think majors in liberal arts show you can read, think, and write.
A lot of people I know went to work for Enterprise Rent-a-Car. They give a fair salary, benefits, and train you to be a manager. If you have't looked into them, it's a good place for an entry level job.
I interviewed with them and didn't get the job. I might just reapply.
H makes a decent amount of money. We also save. I also said 4k was the max I wanted to spend, not the total amount I wanted to.
The UE benefits are going to run out at a certain point (which you know) so for the time being the best bet is probably put the vacation on hold and use whatever discretionary income you have to improve upon your employment prospects.
This might mean a certification, a few more classes, a job training program you pay for out of pocket, etc. I know it sucks, but like you said, you're young and you have a long time for not only a great and exciting career but also amazing travels.
Meaning, help TV shows, movies and exhibitions with authenticity.. Dunno if its been said or what history period you majored in.
Besides that and teaching.. what about writing?
I've entertained the thought but I don't have access to good databases with reliable information.
And I didn't specialize in any area. My Senior Seminar Research Topic was 1960s America. I'm well versed in Latin American History (which living in South Texas has done me no good).
H makes a decent amount of money. We also save. I also said 4k was the max I wanted to spend, not the total amount I wanted to.
The UE benefits are going to run out at a certain point (which you know) so for the time being the best bet is probably put the vacation on hold and use whatever discretionary income you have to improve upon your employment prospects.
This might mean a certification, a few more classes, a job training program you pay for out of pocket, etc. I know it sucks, but like you said, you're young and you have a long time for not only a great and exciting career but also amazing travels.
I've been looking at job training and CE courses. A local college offers them for $99 and they're online.
Me personally? I'd probably teach yoga. This isn't a slight in any way. I have a my masters in teaching and went to work at a bank. Nothing I do really makes much sense.
Flame away if you must, but I'm on Unemployment for right now. I have to do a minimum of 5 job contacts a week in order to get benefits. The UI site has jobs posted for Health and Human Services and I've been applying there like crazy and have been turned down for every single job. I'm waiting to hear back from a few office clerk/receptionist jobs that sound interesting (law offices, major businesses in the area, etc).
If you're on unemployment what did you used to do? Can you go back to it?
Also word of mouth is key. I got one of my jobs when a friend I rode the bus with told me about it. Tell everyone and anyone that you're looking. Don't be shy.
Post by PinkSquirrel on Jan 1, 2013 22:22:01 GMT -5
I would look into non profit work. That was my initial intent with my sociology degree. In the end, I use my degree for my unpaid volunteer work and my day job is completely random and unrelated.
Me personally? I'd probably teach yoga. This isn't a slight in any way. I have a my masters in teaching and went to work at a bank. Nothing I do really makes much sense.
Since you asked what I would personally do, there's this course in Boston where you can get your Montessori teaching certificate. I'm sure it's available in other places too. It only takes a summer. Then they help you get hooked up with a job. Then I'd teach kindergarten or a combined age group. Good luck.
The problem with this is you can only teach Montessori at private schools, this is not a state certification. It would be wise to get a teaching certificate along with a Montessori endorsement.
Would you ever consider working in catering? Since you're interested in photography, you'd get a chance to observe photographers at events, get to know the business.
Fundraising? Communications? Event planning? I worked in all these fields before I ever even had a bachelor's.
lol, no. I don't care what people study. Study basket weaving with a concentration in 3rd century Egyptian technique. Hell, I'm not using either one of the degrees I earned, as I'm a SAHM. But it does bother me that schools don't help students figure out what to do with their degrees. That's a lot of money to spend to not be able to immediately use what you've "purchased". My side-eye post put blame on the OP, and that was not my intent. For that I apologize. The school should offer more career planning services. Presumably, they're preparing students for a career, and they should assist them in finding that path with their studies.
Omg. It's not the college's fault either. College is not vocational school. Unless you have a degree like accounting, you're not necessarily learning a trade.
And most colleges and universities have career centers and offer services like the ones you suggest. It's up to students to actually go and utilize them.