Do college studies actually translate to students' future jobs? Recent data shows an increased correlation.

Answer: 46% (according to a survey of 1,000 college graduates)

Questions:

1. Which majors do you think are more likely to lead to a job in that field?
2. What steps can you take to prepare yourself for employment, regardless of which major you choose?
3. Given that almost 3/4 of college grads end up in fields that are not related to their major, do you think it's a good idea to consider multiple majors while in college? 

Click here for the ready-to-go slides for this Question of the Day that you can use in your classroom.

Behind the numbers (Intelligent):

"In addition to dealing with financial insecurity, only 46% of college grads surveyed say they currently work in their field of study. 29% report working in a different field, while 16% of those under age 54 (and therefore not likely retired) say they are currently unemployed.

Respondents were very divided when it came to their prospects of finding a well-paying job in their field of study, ostensibly the goal of any college graduate. 22% say they are very hopeful they’ll attain a well-paying job in their field, 31% are somewhat hopeful, 26% are not very hopeful, and 21% are not at all hopeful."

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What's the value of a college degree? Check out this Data Crunch to answer the question. 

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Looking for more resources for your college-going students? Check out the Paying for College Unit Page. 

About the Author

Mason Butts

After graduating from UCLA with a Master's in Education, Mason spent 5 years as a science educator in a South Los Angeles public high school. He is committed to supporting the holistic growth of all students and empowering them to live a life of relational, academic, and financial success. Now settled in the Bay Area, Mason enjoys facilitating professional developments and partnering with educators as they prepare students for a bright financial future. When Mason is not building curriculum or planning a training, he can be found cycling, trying new foods, and exploring the outdoors.