Picking a college major is a pretty big deal, and, let’s face it, not all of them lead to that dream job. In today’s job markets, some fields that sounded cool a few years ago might actually be leading to a dead end now. Here are 25 of them.
Thinking Hard and Working Harder
If you love thinking about life’s big questions, philosophy’s definitely for you. But when it comes to landing a job that actually pays the bill, it gets a bit complicated because most companies aren’t looking for philosophers to join their team, so you might end up using those thinking skills in something that’s got nothing to with your field.
Digging But Finding Nothing
There’s no denying anthropology is great if you’re into cultures and ancient bones, but the problem is that it’s really hard to get a job in this field unless you’ve got a PhD. If you’ve just got a bachelor’s degree, it’s slim pickings. You’ll probably have to get creative with how you’re using those skills.
Not Like the Movies
Similarly, archaeology sounds like you’ll have a lot of Indiana Jones-style adventures, but the reality is that most of them are looking for funding instead of ancient treasures. There aren’t many jobs, and you’ll most likely need something more than an undergrad to get into the dirt. Most archaeologists end up in educational roles or for cultural preservation organizations.
Creativity Doesn’t Pay the Bills
Are you passionate about painting or sculpting? That’s great, but turning that passion into a steady paycheck is a real challenge, mostly because the art world is filled with talent. Standing out among this crowd to make a living can be pretty difficult. And, for some people, it’s not worth the struggle.
From Books to…What?
Almost everyone loves reading, and getting a literature degree can definitely open your mind to new perspectives. But as for opening doors, that’s another story. Since everything’s going digital, traditional publishing jobs are harder to come by, and it might be better to get some digital marketing or content creation skills to give you that edge.
More Past Than Future
Teachers are always in the market, and especially history ones, so you’d think having a history degree would help you. But the issue comes from the fact that it’s a competitive market, and you might have to work in something that has nothing to do with the past. Many graduates end up in roles where they’re using their research or analysis skills but not historical knowledge.
Great for Trivia Night
Studying Latin will definitely help you to improve your vocabulary and maybe help you win at trivia night, yet the chances are that you’re probably not going to get a job with it. Unless you’re going into academia or some specialized roles, Latin is not exactly the most practical choice. Chances are, you’ll probably end up working in archives.
High Notes, High Competition
Trying to get a job in music is harder than hitting a high note because the market is oversaturated with talent. For every star shining bright, there are thousands of people waiting for their big break, and sadly, most of them don’t get it. If you really want to keep your dream alive, you’ll need to start a side hustle just to make it each day.
Faith in the Job Market
Anyone who’s studying religious studies is definitely passionate about it, but that can only take you so far. Keep in mind that most religion-related jobs are in places of worship or academic places, neither of which are overflowing with openings. You could just end up working in community service or a nonprofit organization instead.
The Show Must Go On
There’s a lot of energy and emotion in getting a theater arts degree, but making a steady income? That’s a tough act. Many people working in this field have to juggle multiple gigs because getting a stable job is almost unheard of. If you’re determined to make it, though, you’ll have to broaden your horizons beyond acting to include maybe directing or teaching.
It’s Yesterday’s News
Journalism is changing pretty quickly, and while being a newsperson sounds exciting, it’s not an easy market to get into. Like lots of other jobs on this list, there’s a lot of competition, and the rise of AI has made things even harder. You’ll need to be versatile and have a good understanding of digital media to succeed.
No Guarantees
If you’re into art history, you’re probably dreaming about working in some of the world’s most famous museums. It’s certainly an interesting degree, but getting a museum job is harder than you might think. Many graduates have to go beyond the gallery roles by working in education to stay connected with their passion.
Beyond Ancient Texts
A degree in Classical Studies can teach you so much about the past, although translating this into a modern-day career isn’t easy. Many people who study it end up working in academia or research, where jobs are hard to come by. Other people use their analytical skills in museums and cultural organizations.
The Fabric of Success
Fashion design is as competitive as it is glamorous. To break into the fashion world, you’ll need to be creative and also have a strong understanding of the business side of things. Those designers who do make a name for themselves have to work beyond the scenes before they get any kind of success. And if you’re a woman, it’s even harder.
Crowded Rooms
The world of interior design seems like it’s full of potential, but it’s actually pretty hard to get anywhere. There are so many talented designers, and they’re all fighting for the same spotlight, so you’ll need to put in a lot of work if you’re thinking of going this route. Get ready to hustle and network like a pro.
A Side of Reality
If you’re heading to culinary school, prepare for a reality check because those TV chef roles are the exception, not the rule. Getting a culinary arts degree means you’ll have lots of long hours starting out, along with some difficult kitchen conditions. And the pay? Let’s just say you’ll probably be surviving on ramen noodles for quite a while.
Plan for Uncertainty
Being an event planner doesn’t mean you’re just throwing great parties. When the economy suffers, people’s demand for big events tends to plummet, too, so there’s not much job security. You’ll need to be good at both marketing and networking to really get ahead. Be prepared to constantly swell your next big idea. It’s also one of the most stressful jobs in the world.
Playing for Keeps
With a degree in sports management, you’re probably expecting some competition, but you might be surprised at how much. The reality of this industry means grinding through lots of low-level positions that neither pay well nor have many chances for career growth. You’ll really need to understand sports and business to make any headway.
Through the Lens
Since it’s so easy to take pictures now, everyone thinks they can be the next big photographer, and this oversaturation means it’s incredibly difficult to earn a steady living. Many photographers have to diversify their income with teaching gigs. In some cases, they’ll go into other fields just to make ends meet.
Not-So-Green Jobs
We all know how important it is to be more eco-conscious, and, for some people, that means getting a degree in environmental studies. There’s no denying this sector is growing, but it’s not happening quickly enough to give all those passionate graduates a career. You could end up working in other industries where you can use your skills.
Next Scene
If you’re lucky, a degree in film studies will lead you to a cycle of temporary projects and freelance gigs. And if you’re unlucky, be prepared to find a completely different job. It’s not a stable career choice, and many graduates have to master different skills just to keep those opportunities coming.
Vote For a Different Major
A degree in political science seems like a direct path to a career in politics or government. Sadly, that’s not the case. There are so many graduates competing for a small number of positions, meaning you’ll probably need to look at additional qualifications. For some people, this involves getting a law or public administration degree instead.
Knights and No Roundtable
Studying Medieval Studies is the closest thing we’ve got to time travel, but once you get back to 2023, you’ll find that getting a job in this niche is harder than slaying a dragon. Most people end up getting an academic career, which is already pretty competitive. If that’s not your thing, you’re going to struggle to find something to do.
Having a Wild Time
Any animal lovers might think that zoology is the ultimate major but hold your horses. Currently, there are more graduates than jobs in zoos and wildlife conservation, meaning many zoologists end up in completely unrelated roles. And if you do get your dream animal job, getting funding becomes the real challenge.
Lots of Scope, But No Opportunities
American Studies is certainly interesting since you get to learn about the culture and history of our great nation. But if you’re trying to turn that knowledge into a job, things become difficult. You’ll probably end up using those critical thinking skills in a job that’s got nothing to do with your degree.
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