General Studies (Education)

To break into a skilled industry, you have to start somewhere. But how do you prove yourself when you haven’t yet earned experience on paper? Here are some ways you can find an entry-level role with a degree in general studies/general education:

Start with Internships, Volunteer Experiences, or Early Career Development Programs

• Usually, with a general studies degree, students are unsure where they want to launch their careers. One thing you can do to better understand what you like is by partaking in internships. Several short internships can give you a better idea of which work environment you prefer.
• Many companies offer early career development programs specifically designed for entry-level students and recent graduates. These opportunities provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and the chance to work on real-world projects.

Research Industries & Explore Entry-Level Jobs

• If you have graduated but you are still unsure about where you should work, it is a good idea to look for entry-level jobs that offer a great deal of training.
• The options are wide for general studies graduates when it comes to industries they can work in. These include:
  • Technology
  • Communications
  • Science
  • Business
  • Math
  • Social sciences
  • Human resources
  • Media
  • Literature
• Companies nationwide are looking for & hiring for talented SNHU students. Check out Handshake’s top 100 companies hiring now list!

Utilize Your Network

• Networking is another powerful tool for landing your first entry-level job. Reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances who work in your field of interest.
• Also don’t overlook making a simple LinkedIn post stating that you’re open to work and asking for help from your connections.
• Lastly, attend job fairs and other events related to your industry. These events are a great opportunity to meet people who can provide valuable insights and help you connect with potential employers!

Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter for Each Application

• Take the time to tailor your resume and cover letter to the job or internship you are applying for. Highlight your relevant skills and experience, even if it’s not directly related to the job.
• Consider using a functional resume format that focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your work experience.
• In addition, remember to always use keywords mentioned in the job description on your resume because many companies use AI software to match your resume with keywords found in job descriptions.

Build A Strong Online Presence

• Establishing a professional online presence can help employers discover you.
• Maintain and update your LinkedIn profile, and participate in relevant online communities, and showcase your projects or contributions on platforms like GitHub.
• This visibility can increase your chances of being noticed by potential employers and industry professionals.

If you’re a general studies/general education student or graduate, chances are good you’ll want to know some of the best mid-level jobs out there and where to start looking. Luckily, you can pursue many different careers, or grow within your current one!

Some experienced professionals find they are looking to make a new career move. Knowing how switching to a data analytics career can be beneficial can help you plan the next part of your professional life!

Switching Careers – Advice for Career Changers

• As a career switcher, you have a distinct advantage over graduates and early-career job seekers: Your career to date. Through your career you’ll have accumulated lots of skills and knowledge which may be transferred into a new career and are sought-after by employers!
• In many cases, making a successful switch is a matter of refining specific skills, and highlighting transferable skills from your past experience.
• Spend time researching the skills your ideal job requires, and spend time updating your resume and applications to be sure you have noted all your current/newly acquired skills, any relevant certifications, and transferable skills from your past experience.

Popular Jobs To Explore & Career Paths

• Once you get an idea of what you enjoy, you will be able to choose from a variety of jobs that interest you in a specific industry or concentration. Keep in mind, that certain career paths may require further studies and a degree concentration within the field.
• Some examples of jobs that some general studies/general education majors pursue include:
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Technical Writer
  • Consultant
  • General Manager or Sales Manager
  • Auditor
  • Computer Programmer
  • Customer Service Representative
  • Healthcare Administrator
• Due to the diverse nature of general studies, there are a variety of career paths that graduates can pursue. When entering the workforce, it’s important to know what jobs can you get with a general studies degree:
  • According to the BLS, jobs in media and communication are expected to grow 14% over the next 10 years. Additionally, business and financial occupations are projected to have an 8% increase in the same timeframe.
  • This is great news for students and graduates of a general studies program and useful information that has the potential for a long-term, well-paying career!

Popular Jobs Boards to Explore

• You are probably asking, where can you find jobs with great companies? Well, job boards are one place you can start!
  • Indeed
  • CareerBuilder
  • SimplyHired
  • Glassdoor
  • LinkedIn
  • USAJobs
  • FlexJobs (Remote Work)

As a seasoned professional in the field, employers may be expecting that you have not only the experience in the field, but the technical knowledge and certifications to prove your expertise! With experience and proven success, senior-level professionals can progress to more senior roles or even executive-level positions, such as senior project manager or technical project manager.

Skills & Knowledge for General Studies Majors

• Much like finance careers and careers in graphic design, a general studies degree teaches a variety of different skills to prepare you for careers in many different fields.
  • Teamwork
  • Oral and written communication skills
  • Humanities, science, and technology skills
  • Research skills
  • Mathematics
  • Problem-solving skills

Companies Hiring for General Studies Majors

• People who have earned an associates degree or a bachelors degree in general studies have highly-valued skills that are particularly desirable by companies everywhere.
• General studies programs hone students’ writing skills in various categories, critical thinking and problem solving skills, and advanced computer skills so that they are best prepared to pursue further education or entry level positions in nearly any industry!
• Browse Handshake and explore the top 100 companies hiring talented SNHU students & alumni!