What jobs should I look into?
Hello!
I’m an incoming senior in undergrad starting to look at options for post graduation.
I will be graduating with a double major in economics and communications and a potential minor in anthropology (if I take another class for it). I am also doing a google certification for data analytics and work on some personal projects for a portfolio.
I was thinking of applying for data analysis job like business analytics, account management, marketing analytics, etc. I do not have the data science degree of course, but I think I have a lot of knowledge in AI theory and basic knowledge in tech, not to mention my econ and communications background.
I know salary does not matter too much as a post grad, but I want to also be optimistic and aim for a good paying role.
I don’t know what I am asking exactly, but does anyone have advice? Job options? Potential opportunities? I think I am already freaking out (but excited) about the future…
Jobadvisor
Hello! First of all, congratulations on being an incoming senior — that’s such a big milestone. It sounds like you're already ahead of the curve with your majors, Google Data Analytics Certificate, and personal projects. You’ve built a solid foundation for a number of interesting post-graduation paths.
Let me break this down into a few sections to help you make sense of your options:
---
## ✅ **What You Bring to the Table**
You’re not just “not a data science major” — you have something better: a **multidisciplinary background** that gives you a unique edge in today’s job market.
### Your Skills & Background:
- **Economics**: quantitative thinking, modeling, understanding of markets
- **Communications**: storytelling, presentation, stakeholder management
- **Anthropology (minor)**: cultural awareness, qualitative research, human behavior insights
- **Google Data Analytics Certificate**: SQL, data cleaning, visualization, basic stats
- **AI theory knowledge** and personal portfolio: shows initiative and curiosity
This combo makes you especially strong in **data roles that require communication**, cross-functional collaboration, and business acumen — which is most of them!
---
## 🚀 Career Paths to Explore
Here are some job categories that align well with your background and interests:
### 1. **Business/Data Analyst Roles**
These are great entry-level positions where your economics + data analytics training will shine.
#### Titles to look for:
- Business Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Marketing Analyst
- Sales Operations Analyst
- Product Analyst
- Customer Insights Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
#### Why you fit:
- You can interpret data and *explain it to non-technical stakeholders*
- Economics helps with cost-benefit analysis, forecasting, pricing models
- Communications background makes you great at presenting findings
---
### 2. **Account Management / Client Success / Customer Experience**
If you enjoy working directly with clients or teams, these roles might be a good fit.
#### Titles to look for:
- Account Coordinator / Manager
- Customer Success Associate
- Client Services Associate
- Technical Support Specialist (with data twist)
#### Why you fit:
- Communications major = excellent interpersonal skills
- Anthropology = empathy and understanding customer needs
- Can combine with data skills to provide insights-driven client service
---
### 3. **Marketing / Digital Marketing / Growth Roles**
Your communications background + data analytics skills are perfect here.
#### Titles to look for:
- Marketing Analyst
- Digital Marketing Assistant
- Social Media Analyst
- Growth Marketing Associate
- SEO/SEM Analyst
- Content Strategy Intern/Associate
#### Why you fit:
- Communications = content creation, brand messaging
- Data analytics = tracking campaign performance, A/B testing
- AI theory = understanding how automation and targeting work
---
### 4. **Product Management (PM) / UX Researcher (Entry-Level)**
These are more strategic roles that value both technical and soft skills.
#### Titles to look for:
- Associate Product Manager
- Junior PM
- UX Research Assistant
- Product Operations Associate
#### Why you fit:
- Economics = understanding product-market fit, pricing
- Communications = translating between engineers and users
- Anthropology = user-centered design, behavioral insights
---
### 5. **Consulting / Strategy Roles**
Consulting firms often look for well-rounded candidates who can think critically and communicate clearly.
#### Titles to look for:
- Business/Strategy Analyst
- Operations Analyst
- Consulting Associate
- Economic Policy Analyst (gov/nonprofit)
#### Why you fit:
- Strong analytical thinking from economics
- Communications = ability to present recommendations
- Great for those who want variety and exposure across industries
---
## 💼 Companies That Hire People Like You
Look at:
- Tech companies (Google, Meta, Amazon, Salesforce, etc.)
- Startups (especially growth-stage ones)
- E-commerce and digital marketing agencies
- Consulting firms (McKinsey, Deloitte, BCG, etc. have analyst programs)
- Financial services (banks, fintechs)
- Consumer goods / CPG companies (P&G, Unilever, etc.)
---
## 📈 Salary Considerations (Yes, It Matters!)
While salary shouldn’t be the only factor, here's what you can expect in the U.S. (rough averages):
| Role | Avg. Entry-Level Salary |
|------|--------------------------|
| Data Analyst | $60k–$80k |
| Business Analyst | $65k–$85k |
| Marketing Analyst | $60k–$75k |
| Associate Product Manager | $70k–$90k |
| Customer Success | $50k–$70k |
| Consulting Analyst | $70k–$90k |
Many tech companies also offer bonuses, stock options, and benefits packages.
---
## 🧰 How to Make Yourself More Competitive
You’re already doing great things. Here are a few ways to stand out even more:
### 1. **Build a Personal Brand Online**
- Create a LinkedIn profile that highlights your skills and projects
- Post about your learning journey (e.g., write short posts on Medium or LinkedIn)
- Use GitHub to showcase your data projects (even simple ones!)
### 2. **Tailor Your Resume**
- Emphasize transferable skills: communication, problem-solving, data literacy
- Mention relevant coursework (e.g., econometrics, statistics, media research)
- Quantify achievements where possible (“Improved conversion rate by 10% through A/B testing”)
### 3. **Network, Network, Network**
- Reach out to alumni from your school in roles you like
- Attend virtual career fairs, webinars, and info sessions
- Ask people for 15-minute chats — many professionals love helping students
### 4. **Apply Broadly but Strategically**
- Don’t limit yourself to "data analyst" exactly — look for variations
- Apply early to internships, rotational programs, and fellowship-style roles
- Be open to hybrid or remote jobs if location is a constraint
---
## 🔮 Final Thoughts
You’re in a great position because you’re **curious, proactive, and versatile**. Many employers today value well-rounded candidates who can learn quickly over specialists who lack communication or adaptability.
You don’t need a CS degree to get into tech/data — many people come in laterally. Your combination of economics, communications, and data analytics gives you a fresh perspective that others may not have.
---
## 📌 Quick Summary: Jobs to Look Into
| Field | Suggested Roles |
|-------|------------------|
| Data | Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Marketing Analyst |
| Marketing | Digital Marketing, SEO, Content Strategy |
| Product | Associate PM, Product Ops |
| Consulting | Strategy Analyst, Operations Analyst |
| Client-Facing | Account Management, Customer Success |
| Research | Market Research, UX Research Assistant |
How can I get over this shame of working in retail?
I finally got a job offer today after almost half a year of looking and around 120 applications... and it's for retail :/
For reference, I have a Master's in a specific field that is known for having too many people and not enough jobs. I know I should be happy to finally get a job, but I went from having a job in my career (which I left to move and I have no regrets about moving!) to now having to work in retail. I know in my head that working in retail is fine and you develop good skills from it, skills I worked on in my last job, but for some reason I can't get over the disappointment and shame I feel for not being able to find a job with my credentials and relevant work experience in my field.
Does anyone have any advice for how to manage this? I'm trying to be positive, but struggling here.
Jobadvisor
First, congratulations on landing the job. Even if it doesn’t feel like it now, that is an achievement—especially after a long search.
Let’s be real: it’s normal to feel disappointed when your reality doesn't match your hopes or the “path” you thought your degree would ensure. That doesn’t make you entitled or ungrateful—it just means you’re a human being with aspirations. So give yourself permission to acknowledge that disappointment without beating yourself up for it.
Below is some advice that might help you reframe this and work through the shame:
1️⃣ Understand where the shame is coming from
Shame often comes from a fear of how others will judge us. Many people think “Retail? But you have a Master’s!” as if education makes you “too good” for certain work. This is a social bias, not a personal failing. Society wrongly ranks jobs by prestige, but every job has dignity. Remember that the problem isn’t you—it’s an economy and culture that undervalues labor.
2️⃣ Challenge the narrative
Your education isn’t wasted. It’s part of who you are. That knowledge and those skills don't disappear just because you’re not in a “field job” right now. Instead, you’re in a pause or detour. Many people zig-zag through careers these days. It’s not a straight line for most of us.
3️⃣ Practice describing it differently
If people ask, you don’t have to apologize or explain it as a failure. Try:
“I’m working in retail while I continue searching for opportunities in [field]. It’s helping me strengthen my communication and problem-solving skills.”
Rehearse this until you believe it a little more yourself.
4️⃣ See the skills you’re honing
Retail is hard. It builds patience, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, teamwork, salesmanship, time management. You can absolutely spin that on a résumé or in interviews.
5️⃣ Set a longer-term plan
You don’t have to “settle” if you don’t want to. Working retail doesn’t mean giving up. Set a concrete plan for what you want next:
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How often will you apply in your field?
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Can you keep learning on the side?
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Can you volunteer, freelance, network?
Knowing you’re still moving toward your goal can ease that stuck feeling.
6️⃣ Give yourself compassion
You are not failing. You are surviving. You’re doing what you need to do to pay bills in an economy that is frankly not easy on anyone. That’s resilient, not shameful.
7️⃣ . Recognize the real win
You looked for months. You sent 120+ applications. You got an offer. You will have income. That’s stability, security, and breathing room to keep looking for the next step without the same pressure.
If you want, tell me:
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What is your field?
-
What kind of role are you hoping for long-term?
-
What is your biggest fear about working retail?
We can talk about practical strategies for keeping your goal alive while making the most of this current opportunity.
You’re not “less than” for working retail. You’re resourceful. You’re hard-working. And you’re human. Let’s work with that.