Is it better to have a useless bachelor’s than none at all?
I have a few classes left in my completely useless degree. I love my field of study but it is USELESS for my area and won’t even get me a job in the field I’m studying, because it requires certifications that you don’t even need college for. I goofed.
But I’ve seen a few job postings saying a bachelor’s degree is required, but in no specific field. So is it better to finish this degree and go back to community college for certification for two years right after, or to drop out now and go back to community college and screw the bachelor’s?
Jobadvisor
Having a bachelor's degree, even one that seems "useless" in your specific field, is generally better than having no degree at all. Here's why, and how it might play out in your situation:
Arguments for Finishing Your Bachelor's Degree:
Meeting Minimum Requirements: As you've observed, many job postings list a "bachelor's degree required" without specifying a field. This is a common HR filter. Even a degree in an unrelated field can get your resume past the initial screening for these types of positions.
Demonstrates Transferable Skills: Completing a bachelor's degree, regardless of the major, demonstrates a baseline of valuable skills to employers. These include:
Perseverance and Completion: You started something and finished it, which shows dedication.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: College coursework generally requires these skills.
Communication Skills: Writing papers, giving presentations, and participating in discussions all build communication abilities.
Time Management and Organization: Balancing coursework and deadlines.
Foundation for Future Education: If you ever decide to pursue a master's degree or other advanced education, having a bachelor's is a prerequisite.
Networking Opportunities: You've already built connections with professors and peers, which could be useful in the future.
Personal Accomplishment: There's inherent value in completing what you started and earning a degree.
Arguments Against Finishing Your Bachelor's Degree (and why they might be less compelling):
Cost and Time: You've already invested a significant amount of both. If you only have a "few classes left," the additional investment to finish is likely minimal compared to what you've already spent. Dropping out now means all that prior investment doesn't culminate in a degree.
Focus on Certifications: While certifications are crucial for your desired field, they are often seen as complementary to, rather than replacements for, a bachelor's degree. Many people pursuing certifications already have a degree.
Your Best Course of Action:
Given your situation, the most strategic path is likely to:
Finish your "useless" bachelor's degree. You're so close, and the benefits of having a degree (even a non-specific one) outweigh the cost of a few more classes.
Immediately after, go to community college for the certifications you need. This will directly prepare you for jobs in your desired field.
Why this combination is strong:
You'll have the "check-the-box" bachelor's degree for general job requirements.
You'll have the specific, in-demand certifications that employers in your field are looking for.
This approach gives you the best of both worlds and maximizes your employability.
Think of the bachelor's degree as a general "entry ticket" to many professional roles, and the certifications as your specialized "skill set" for your chosen career path. Having both makes you a more versatile and attractive candidate.
I put everything into this internship and didn’t get hired what should I do now?
I’ve been interning at this place for the past six months. I gave it everything. I showed up early, stayed late, took on extra work and really committed to it. I was completely sure they were going to hire me at the end. I didn’t even make a backup plan because I believed in it that much. Now they’ve told me they are not hiring me. That’s it. Just a thank you and goodbye. And now I feel lost. This internship was in a field I actually care about. Something I want to build a career in. But it’s a competitive space and hard to get into. I got my foot in the door and now it feels like it slammed shut. I’m stuck between two options. One is to keep applying to similar jobs and hope something comes through even though I know it could take months and the rejection might wear me down. The other is to just take a regular job to pay my bills and stay afloat for now. I’m scared that if I take the safer route I’ll get comfortable and never try again. But I’m also stressed because I have rent coming up and I can’t afford to just sit around waiting.
Has anyone else been through something like this and ow did you figure out what to do next?
Jobadvisor
It's incredibly tough when something you've poured your heart and soul into doesn't pan out the way you expected, especially when you were so sure of the outcome. Many people have been in a similar situation, experiencing the sting of rejection after giving their all. It's completely normal to feel lost and overwhelmed right now.
Process Your Feelings
First, acknowledge that what you're feeling is valid. It's okay to be disappointed, angry, sad, or frustrated. You invested a significant amount of time and effort, and it's a letdown when that investment doesn't yield the desired result. Give yourself some time to grieve the loss of what you thought was going to be your next step. Don't try to push these feelings away; allowing yourself to feel them is part of moving forward. Talk to friends, family, or mentors who can offer support and a listening ear.
Reframe the Experience
While it doesn't feel like it now, this internship was not a waste. You gained valuable experience in a field you're passionate about, and you made connections. Even though it didn't lead to a full-time offer, you now have six months of practical experience to add to your resume and discuss in future interviews. You also have a clearer understanding of what it's like to work in that field, which can help you refine your career goals.
Think about what you learned, not just about the industry, but about yourself. What skills did you develop? What challenges did you overcome? What aspects of the work did you enjoy most, and what did you find less appealing? This reflection can be incredibly valuable as you navigate your next steps.
Your Options Moving Forward
You've identified two main paths, and both have their merits and drawbacks. Let's explore them:
Option 1: Continue Applying to Similar Jobs
This path demonstrates your resilience and commitment to your desired field. While it's true that the job market can be competitive and rejections can be disheartening, you now have recent, relevant experience.
Here's how to approach this:
Refine your application materials: Update your resume and cover letter to highlight the specific skills and achievements from your internship. Tailor each application to the job description.
Leverage your network: Reach out to the connections you made during your internship, even those who weren't directly involved in the hiring decision. They might know of other opportunities or be willing to offer advice. Attend industry events, virtual or in-person, to expand your network further.
Practice interviewing: You've been through interviews before, but it's always good to refresh your skills. Practice answering common interview questions, especially those related to your internship experience.
Prepare for rejection: Unfortunately, rejection is a part of any job search. Develop strategies to cope with it, like taking short breaks, focusing on self-care, and reminding yourself that it's not a reflection of your worth.
Option 2: Take a "Bridge" Job to Pay Bills
This is a pragmatic approach that can alleviate immediate financial stress and provide stability. Your fear of getting comfortable and never trying again is valid, but it doesn't have to be your reality.
Here's how to make this work:
Set clear boundaries: If you take a job outside your desired field, make sure you dedicate specific time slots each week to your job search. Treat it like a second job.
Choose wisely: If possible, look for a "bridge" job that offers some flexibility or doesn't demand all your energy, so you have the capacity to continue your career pursuits. Consider part-time roles or contract work.
Don't lose sight of your goal: Continuously remind yourself that this is a temporary step to support your long-term aspirations. Keep a vision board, connect with people in your desired field, and stay updated on industry trends.
Combining Both Approaches
It's not necessarily an either/or situation. Many people find success by combining these strategies. You could take a temporary or part-time job to cover your immediate expenses while simultaneously dedicating a significant amount of time to actively searching for roles in your desired field. This hybrid approach can provide a safety net while still keeping your career goals front and center.
What to Do Next
Take a short break: If you can afford even a day or two, step away from the immediate pressure. Do something you enjoy to recharge.
Update your resume and LinkedIn profile: Incorporate all the new skills and experiences from your internship. Get feedback from trusted mentors or career advisors.
Reach out to your internship contacts (carefully): Send a polite email thanking them for the opportunity and expressing your continued interest in the field. You could also ask for informational interviews or advice on navigating the job market. Be professional and don't express bitterness about not being hired.
Create a realistic action plan: Whether you choose to focus solely on industry jobs or take a bridge job, outline concrete steps, deadlines, and how you'll measure your progress.
Remember, this setback doesn't define your career trajectory. It's a challenging moment, but it's also an opportunity to learn, grow, and pivot. Your passion for the field is your greatest asset, and with persistence, you will find your way.
What feels like the most manageable first step for you right now?