A recent study conducted by Washington’s Georgetown University revealed that the unemployment rate for Architecture graduates in is running at 13.9 per cent, more even than for graduates with degrees traditionally considered ‘less employable’ like Arts (11 per cent) or Humanities (9.4 per cent). Worse yet, a 2012 study by Associated Press suggests that half of the coming crop of graduates will either be jobless or underemployed.
A degree still opens lots of doors but when it comes to getting a job, some are definitely less useful than others. Nor is the choice always obvious and universities themselves are little help. So how can you tell what’s worth it and what isn’t? As a start, here’s our (slightly) tongue-in-cheek guide to the 5 you really should avoid:
1. Journalism
What universities tell you: You’ll be taught investigative skills, and how to research and craft a story, You’ll learn about issues of ethics and law and one day, get to confront some of the most important people in the world.
What they don’t: Newspapers don’t hire anymore. TV news is all about innuendo, not investigation. Online journalism is slavery. Those important people own the media, so if you do meet them, it will be more be tongue-to-shoe than head-to-head. Oh and no one reads anyway.
2. Art History
What universities tell you: You’ll learn languages fluently, travel, meet fascinating people and gain in-depth understanding of world cultures.
What they don’t: No museum or art foundation of note will hire you until you have a PhD. The industry is bitchy, cliquey and almost impossible to crack (cf: Hollywood). Everyone will assume you’re an airhead out to snag a wealthy husband.
3. Performing Arts
What universities tell you: You’ll receive all the training you need to become an actor of stage or screen.
What they don’t: No one goes to the theatre. Hollywood is competitive and cut-throat. Most actors are waiters. Unless they’re pretty and/or willing to work the casting couch. But they don’t teach the skills you’ll need for that in college.
4. Computer Engineering
What universities tell you: Everyone uses computers. No one knows how to use them. Job for life! Plus, you might become the next Bill Gates.
What they don’t tell you: Gates isn’t about to let you become the new Gates. How do you think Microsoft maintains its monopoly? Mark Zuckerman? He studied Computer SCIENCE. Sergey Brin? Maths. Steve Jobs? Well, he didn’t study at all.
5. Business Studies
What universities tell you: A fast track to life in the corporate lane. It will give an edge over other job-seekers. Employers prefer graduates with this degree.
What they don’t tell you: Everyone and their dog has one, making it worth as much as the paper it’s printed on. Discredited. Weren’t most of the businesses that have just gone out belly-up run by Business Studies graduates?
