In today’s competitive job market, choosing the right degree can significantly impact your career prospects. While all degrees have their value, some are more respected and lucrative than others. If you’re aiming for a well-paying job in the United Kingdom, it’s crucial to be aware of degrees that might not offer the best opportunities.
What Makes a Degree Worth It?
When evaluating the worth of a degree, several factors come into play. The primary consideration is job prospects. After all, investing in a degree should ideally lead to a well-paying job. A good degree also opens doors to postgraduate study, as some professions require advanced degrees. Additionally, the reputation of the institution you attend can significantly influence your career opportunities.
Selecting the Right Course for a Successful Career:
As an international student in the United Kingdom, the choices you make regarding your course of study can significantly impact your future job prospects. The course you choose will influence the job opportunities available to you during and after your master’s or BSA program. Making the right choice is crucial because it can determine whether you get to stay in the UK and build your professional career, which is a common goal for many international students.
The Top Worst Courses for International Students:
Education:
Education degrees often lead to relatively low-paying jobs, with a base salary of around £28,000. Specialized education degrees may improve employment prospects, but the pay remains modest.
Master’s in Business Administration (MBA):
While an MBA is a fantastic program, it’s not an ideal choice for international students looking to secure entry-level roles in the UK. MBA is a broad program often pursued by seasoned professionals to enhance their academic qualifications. However, for international students, it can be like starting your career from scratch. Many jobs in the UK require qualifications like GCSE, and having an MBA may make you seem overqualified for such positions. To overcome this, I’ll discuss strategies later in the video.
Master’s in Law:
Studying a Master’s in Law in the UK may not directly qualify you to practice law in the country. Additional qualifications are usually required to become a practicing lawyer. This makes it challenging for international students to find legal roles in the UK job market.
Master’s in Digital Marketing:
Digital marketing is a fantastic field, but it’s important to note that many digital marketing jobs in the UK do not offer Tier 2 Visa sponsorship. This can limit your options if you’re looking for a job that allows you to stay in the UK. While I received interview invitations for digital marketing roles, many did not provide sponsorship, making it a less suitable choice.
Supply Chain Management:
While Supply Chain Management is a good course, marketing it effectively in the UK job market can be challenging. It’s crucial to consider your options carefully if you’re thinking about pursuing this course in the UK.
Psychology:
The job market for psychology graduates in the UK is highly competitive and saturated. There are limited job opportunities, and many graduates end up working in entirely different fields. If possible, consider alternative courses.
Psychology graduates face limited job opportunities, especially in competitive fields like counseling and forensic psychology. Only 59.1% find gainful employment within 15 months, with a base salary of around £38,878.
Fashion and Interior Design:
Many companies prioritize skills over degrees when hiring fashion and interior designers. Graduates may need to attend fashion schools or have strong connections to succeed. Base salaries average around £29,686
Media, Journalism, and Communication:
The media and journalism field in the UK is oversaturated, making it difficult for immigrants to secure job opportunities, especially with Tier 2 Visa sponsorship. Entering this field as an international student can be challenging.
Design, Creative, and Performing Arts:
This course comes with its own set of restrictions and challenges, making it advisable to avoid if possible.
Careers in creative arts don’t necessarily require a degree. Graduates often struggle to find jobs, with only 56.5% employed, though they enjoy a low unemployment rate of 0.4%. Base salaries typically start at £20,000.
Project Management:
While project management offers good career prospects, many roles do not come with sponsorship opportunities, and they tend to favor experienced professionals. This field can be highly competitive, with limited chances of obtaining Tier 2 Visa sponsorship.
Hospitality and Tourism:
Degrees in this field offer limited job opportunities, as the skills are specific and may not translate to other industries. Job prospects can be scarce.
What to Do if You’re Already Studying These Courses
If you find yourself studying one of these degrees and are concerned about your future prospects, don’t panic. Here are some steps to consider:
Don’t Panic:
Stay motivated and excel in your studies. Exceptional individuals can still find gainful employment even with less promising degrees. Seek guidance from your tutor on potential career paths.
Change Courses:
Some universities allow students to change courses, making it possible to switch to a more promising degree. Be aware of the requirements for course changes at your institution.
Get a Second Bachelor’s Degree:
Education is ongoing, and obtaining a second bachelor’s degree can broaden your horizons and enhance your employability.
Get a Postgraduate Degree:
Pursuing a postgraduate degree can set you apart in your chosen field and boost your chances of finding employment.
What Really Matters
Regardless of your degree choice, your commitment to your coursework can significantly impact your success. Even highly regarded degrees are only valuable if you excel in them. Companies often prioritize candidates with excellent academic records. Ultimately, find a degree you’re passionate about, work hard, and develop additional skills to improve your employability.
Strategies for Success:
If you’ve already pursued one of these courses or are considering them, don’t despair. The UK job market values practical experience over specific degrees. Consider taking both paid and unpaid courses to develop your technical skills in your desired field. For example, Tech Drive is an organization in the UK that provides training in data analytics, offering one-on-one interaction with instructors who have industry experience, mentorship programs, and internship opportunities. Gaining practical experience and additional skills can significantly enhance your job prospects in the UK.
As an international student in the UK, the decisions you make regarding your course of study can have a profound impact on your future job prospects. Consider your options carefully, and don’t wait until the end of your program to start planning your career.
While some degrees may offer fewer job opportunities in the UK job market, success is not impossible. If you’re passionate about a particular field, don’t let discouraging statistics deter you. Before choosing a degree, conduct thorough research to understand the time and financial investments required and the potential post-graduation earnings. Remember that job satisfaction and your personal interests are equally important when selecting a degree that’s right for you. Find more
