Getting creative with a college degree
Picture this: You've just gotten your degree in, let's say, advertising. You nabbed a paid internship at one of the best firms in the country, printed out hundreds of business cards and are well on your way to becoming the next Don Draper. Six months into your shiny new career you realize advertising isn't for you. What's next?
Christina Mercado of New York spoke with The Huffington Post about her drastic career change when, after earning a master's in business administration, she found herself entering into one of the most competitive job markets in the country.
"There were a number of times that I had come close to landing my dream job, only to get rejected after a number of grueling interview rounds," she told the news source. "There were also a few times I applied for awesome jobs, only to have the company announce months later that the jobs were being pulled due to lack of funding."
Instead of throwing in the towel, Mercado began to paint to relieve her stress and found that not only did she love to do it, but decided to flip her career around to become a children's book author. Her first book, "You Can Do It, Bunny!" was inspired by her struggle to find a job. Because of her background in marketing and advertising, Mercado had the tools she needed to self-publish and promote her book in paperback and online.
No matter what major you pursue in college, the unpredictable job market requires most graduates to get creative with their degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics just issued the most recent employment rate, which rose from 8.1 to 8.2 percent between April and May. Rather than giving in to the statistics, you can shift your focus to pursue something you're passionate about without compromising your degree.
Can't find a full-time job as a graphic designer? Try creating your own online magazine. Hospitals aren't hiring massage therapists right now? Take out a loan and open your own studio. Think outside of the norm.
"This experience also changed my idea of 'success,'" Mercado told the news source. "Creating this book has been one of my proudest accomplishments."
