9.5 percent unemployment rate*
They say those who don’t learn history are bound to repeat it. But if you believe the Georgetown study, those who major in it could be bound for the unemployment line.
Why These Grads May Have It Tough: Sorenson says that there is little opportunity for historians in today’s job market. “Historians, appraisers, preservationists, etc. These are very niche markets with highly skilled and knowledgeable individuals who are called to the scene when needed for fact-checking or accuracy, not a long-term role with a growing company in today’s economy,” he says.
2. Fine Arts
10.1 percent unemployment rate
If you have your heart set on a fine arts major, it might take a lot to change your mind. Still, you should be prepared for the harsh reality you might face post-graduation, since this major has a high unemployment rate, according to the Georgetown study.
Why These Grads May Have It Tough: Sorenson says that despite being very self-fulfilling this degree may not be specific enough to attract employment. “For instance, if [students] want to work in design or be a creative director, they’ll need a more specific skill set such as graphic design and creative writing to be a successful ‘artist,’” he says. And if you want to be an artist, skill and your work is most important, not a degree, explains Sorenson.
3. Economics
10.4 percent unemployment rate
With all the airtime that news programs spend on the economy, you’d think this degree would be a sure thing. But you’d be wrong. Just take a look at that double digit unemployment rate found by the Georgetown study.
Why These Grads May Have It Tough: “…The education you receive [in economics] is based mostly in theory, making your knowledge difficult to apply to the real world of employment,” says David Bakke, a career expert at Money Crashers, a website devoted to career and personal finance advice. For example, he says finance majors may beat you out for jobs in the world of finance; accounting majors have specific skills for accountant positions; and so on.
4. Anthropology & Archeology
12.6 percent unemployment rate
These are intellectual, fascinating, and noble degrees. Unfortunately, a diploma – not a career – might be the only treasure these majors yield after graduation judging from their high unemployment rate in the Georgetown study.
Why These Grads May Have It Tough: There is not much demand for field work, and teaching the subjects in colleges and universities demands a higher degree than a bachelor’s, says Bakke. As for the general job market? “These types of degrees are considered to be too grounded in academia for them to have any real value in the business world,” he says.
5. Information Systems
14.7 percent unemployment rate
We live in the Information Age, so you’d think that a major with the word “information” in it would mean a promising job outlook for its grads, right? Well, the Georgetown report found otherwise. This major had the highest unemployment rate out of all the college majors in the study.
Why These Grads May Have It Tough: “The true nature of information systems is to improve the efficiency of a business, so once the system is put into place, your services may or may not be required on a long-term basis,” says Tony Sorenson, CEO of the executive and staff recruiting firm Versique Search & Consulting. As a result, there is less demand for new and lesser-experienced information systems professionals, he explains.
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