4 Degrees that can Lead to Unexpected Careers

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Some students are forward-thinking enough to begin considering career options at a young age. Not all students think this far ahead, however (but that’s okay). If you have a certain degree choice in mind but are less certain about what the job prospects for that degree hold, I have good news – some sought after careers come from degree programs you probably would’ve never considered. Here are 4 examples of career choices that come from unexpected degree programs:

1. Political Science – Lawyer

When you think of the major Political Science, you probably don’t immediately think lawyer. If you earn your undergraduate degree in Political Science and plan on going to law school, however, a career as a lawyer is certainly in the realm of possibilities. Understanding systems of government, history and having good written and oral skills are all necessary of Political Science majors. Coincidentally, these are all characteristics of the best and brightest lawyers. With the right motivation, the right direction and a plan for after your undergraduate studies, your bachelor’s in Political Science could put you on track to become a lawyer.

2. Psychology – HR Manager

Contrary to popular belief, a bachelor’s in Psychology doesn’t limit you to only a career as a Psychologist. One unexpected career that a Psychology degree can lead to is HR Manager. A career as an HR Manager requires an understanding of statistics, good research skills, strong organization skills, & conflict management abilities. These are all skills that will be taught and emphasized in an undergraduate Psychology program. Understanding the mind, mental illness and personality ticks aren’t the only skills a Psychology student must master. The other skills come in handy for a position like HR Manager.

3. Sociology – Probation Officer

When thinking of the social sciences – sociology, political science, geography, psychology amongst others – it’s sometimes difficult to envision careers that follow the completion of one of these degrees. Upon completion of your sociology degree, one career path you can follow is Probation Officer. Some duties that Probation Officers have include conducting interviews with parolees, supervise and organize information regarding parolees, and help inform the judge on how he/she feels regarding the criminal and their activity moving forward. These are skills that are taught in Sociology courses, including an understanding of the causes of crime and how to deter it.

4. Criminal Justice – Forensic Scientist

It may be obvious to some, but one of the most integral parts of the crime-fighting team is the Forensic Scientist. It takes more than just a police officer/detective to bring a criminal to justice. Thanks to advances in modern technology, Forensic Scientists are becoming more and more relied on to help solve crimes. If you’re the kind of person who loves science and wants to help solve crimes, but also isn’t necessarily built to chase after and tackle criminals, a degree in Criminal Justice could lead you to your ideal career as a Forensic Scientist.