If you are a high school student or leaver with aspirations of entering university, or if you are already enrolled in the university but uncertain about the career prospects and job market demands of your chosen programme, then this article is tailored to address your concerns and provide some valuable insights.
I understand that the term “useful” is subjective and can vary depending on individual perspectives. Therefore, what I, the writer, may consider ‘useful’ may not necessarily align with you, the reader’s, perception of usefulness. Hence, allow me to establish a working definition of “useful” as it pertains to this article.
In the context of this article, a “useful” university degree refers to a degree that is in a high-demand in the job market. It is a degree that is highly sought after, and can be referred to as a “hot cake” degree, in contemporary parlance. These degrees are associated with a wide range of career opportunities and have the potential to land the holders in good jobs upon graduation.
Undoubtedly, the primary goal of every university student is, first, to graduate successfully graduate from school, and second, secure a (well-paying) job. Anything short of these two objectives can lead to profound disappointment and distress, not only for the students themselves but also for their families and friends. In some cases, it can even result in feelings of depression and a sense of uncertainty about the future.
To avoid such undesirable outcomes, it is crucial to make informed decisions when selecting a university programme. Thorough research and careful consideration should be done to understand the current and projected job market demands for different fields of study before taking the single most important decision of choosing and enrolling into a programme. Consulting with career counselors, employment advocates, professionals working in relevant industries, and alumni can provide valuable insights and guidance.
By choosing a “useful” university degree with high employment prospects, you increase your chances of finding meaningful employment and building a successful career. These degrees often align with industries experiencing growth and have a high demand for skilled professionals.
However, let me underscore the point that while a “useful” degree can enhance your employability, it is not a guarantee of automatic success. Developing relevant skills, gaining practical experience through internships or co-op programs, and actively networking within your chosen field are essential steps to complement your degree and stand out in a competitive job market.
Eight (8) Ways to Determine a ‘Useful’ Degree
Before I proceed to list the fifteen (15) ‘useful’ university degrees, let me give you the eight parameters I used to determine the ‘usefulness’ of a university degree. So that, if your degree is not captured in my list, you can use the eight (8) parameters to determine if your programme of choice is useful or not. Yes, it is possible the degree you want to pursue, or are pursuing now, is useful, but not captured in my list. My list captures only 15 ‘useful’ degrees out of the thousands of degrees out there. The determiners of a useful degree are as follows;
- Passion & Interest:
A degree that aligns with your natural passion and interests is a useful one. When you genuinely enjoy studying and exploring the course, the learning process becomes fun and fulfilling. Your innate happiness and satisfaction in pursuing the degree become paramount, regardless of the job prospects of the programme. Passion and interest fuel your motivation, drive your curiosity, and enable you to delve deeper into the intricacies of the field. When you are genuinely passionate about what you are studying, it becomes a lifelong journey of joy, growth and inner satisfaction. In this case, securing a job becomes secondary while self-gratification becomes the ultimate prize. If the programme gives you that inner satisfaction, go for it. However, be guided that passion does not put food on the table, value does.
- Specialized Skillset:
A degree that trains you with specialized skillset, and not general skills, is highly useful in today’s competitive job market. Programmes like medicine and law require training and professional certification (license), which limits the practice to only the qualified professionals. Such degrees offer distinct skill sets that are in high demand and hold significant value within specific industries. Employers often seek candidates with specialized knowledge and expertise to tackle complex challenges and contribute to the growth and success of their organizations. A specialized skillset gives you a competitive edge and enhances your employability in a rapidly evolving global job market, than someone with general skill set like communication, etc.
- Saturation:
If the programme has a high enrolment rate and produces a lot of graduates into the job market, run away from it. It implies that the job market is already saturated with people wielding the qualification and may make it difficult for you to penetrate. In the unlikely event that you’re able to secure a job in such a field, the salary scale is likely to be low. Because, as it applies in Economics, the higher the supply, the lower the demand. Degrees that insist on high admission requirements and limited enrollment tend to be more ‘useful’ in terms of job prospects. Programmes that have stringent admission criteria, and sometimes includes entrance examinations in the admission process, restrict the number of students, and by extension, the number of graduates in the field. This scarcity of qualified professionals creates a favourable job market for them. Even though securing admission into such a programme might be difficult, the job prospects are high hence it is worth fighting to secure admission.
- International Prospects:
In an increasingly globalized world, a degree with international appeal expands your job prospects beyond local boundaries. When your degree is recognized and sought after internationally, it opens doors to opportunities worldwide. You can actively search for jobs both domestically and internationally, increasing your chances of securing employment in diverse locations and cultures. Therefore, while your colleagues are searching for jobs in the limited job market in Ghana, your certificate permits you to join them in the search while it allows you to equally search for jobs in Europe, America, Asia and other places continentally. This increases your possibility of securing a job immediately upon graduation.
- Practicality:
A programme that involves a lot of practice, internships, industry attachments, and hands-on training is more likely to be ‘useful’. Degrees that strike a balance between theory and practical application are more appealing to employers. The ability to demonstrate practical skills and real-world experience enhances your employability and prepares you for the challenges of the professional world. Practical-oriented programmes equip you with the necessary tools and competencies to address real-world problems, collaborate effectively with colleagues, and navigate the complexities of your chosen field. Employers often value candidates who can hit the ground running and contribute immediately to the organization’s goals and objectives.
- Market Trends:
Considering the evolving labour market and technological advancements is crucial when choosing a degree. Some jobs may become obsolete or undergo significant transformations due to automation, artificial intelligence, or other factors. It is essential to choose a programme that reflects current market trends and prepares you for the future job landscape. By staying informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and shifting market demands, you can position yourself for success. A degree that equips you with relevant and in-demand skills ensures that you remain competitive and adaptable in a rapidly changing job market. If your programme has absolutely nothing to do with technology, think twice. You might complete the programme only to find out AI is already doing the job you were trained to do.
- Entrepreneurial Potentials:
Certain university programmes offer entrepreneurial tendencies, enabling you to pursue self-employment or start your own business upon graduation. If a degree equips you with the knowledge and skills to explore entrepreneurial ventures, it adds value beyond traditional employment prospects making it a ‘useful’ degree. Such programmes empower you to create your own opportunities, innovate, and contribute to your personal financial growth and societal development.
Entrepreneurship requires a unique set of skills, including creativity, risk-taking, and problem-solving. A degree that equips with such skills, and fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, equips you with the necessary tools to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and embark on a path of self-driven success. If the programme has contents, or trains you, such that, even without a formal employment, you can start something by yourself, that is a good programme. Go for it.
- Alumni Success Stories:
Researching, observing and listening to the success rates and achievements of the alumni from your chosen programme can provide you valuable insights into the ‘usefulness’ of the degree. While individual destinies are different, closely observing the overall trajectory of the alumni can give you a glimpse into the programme’s effectiveness. If a significant number of alumni have achieved notable success in their careers, it indicates the degree is most likely useful. Alumni stories cast a fair foreshadow on how you’re likely to fare as well.
Now, let’s go to the 15 useful degrees. These degrees are “hot cake” and have high tendencies of landing the holder a job upon graduation. While the ‘useful’ degrees might be many, for the purposes of this article, I have listed only fifteen (15). If your degree is not part of the list here, do not panic, just use the eight (8) parameters above to evaluate yours and take a decision. This list is compiled after thorough research, observation and consultation with industry experts. The list is not in order of priority.
- Finance & Accounting:
Life revolves around money, substantially. Therefore, a programme that teaches and opens your mind to money; how to make, save and invest, is definitely a good programme. The field opens you up for opportunities in banking, investments, corporate bodies and financial analysis.
Almost every single institution or industry on this earth needs a finance/account officer. Even individual businessmen/women normally require the service of a finance person. This makes the holder of a finance/accounting degree a sought-after person. Interestingly, graduates in this field can easily branch into data analytics as well.
- Education:
A degree that trains you to become a teacher or a professional in the education field is good programme. As the population increases, schools will always be built (both public and private) and teachers will continue to be in demand. Also, education policies, programmes, reviews, curricula, assessments, special education, early childhood education, quality, accessibility, equality, etc will continue to evolve and the graduates or professionals with specialisations in these areas will always be in demand.
In Ghana, teachers from the training colleges are often posted/directly employed by the government, while those from the universities are often recruited from time to time. Therefore, job security is quite high in this field.
- Computer Science/IT:
In today’s technology-driven world, there is an enormous demand for professionals in the field of computer science and information technology (IT). This degree opens up opportunities in various roles such as software developers, system analysts, IT consultants, cybersecurity specialists, database administrators, and network engineers.
The rapid advancement of technology and the increasing reliance on digital solutions have created a growing need for skilled individuals who can design, develop, and maintain software systems, analyze complex data, and ensure the security and efficiency of IT infrastructure. Graduates with a computer science or IT degree are highly sought after by both tech companies and organizations in other industries that heavily rely on technology for their operations.
- Nursing:
In today’s world, there is a constant and ever-growing need for healthcare professionals, and nursing plays a critical role in patient care. Pursuing a degree in nursing offers excellent job prospects and a high level of job security. In Ghana, nurses are often posted/directly recruited by the government to various health facilities, ensuring a steady supply of nursing positions and reliable employment opportunities. A nursing degree also has an international appeal making it easier for a nurse to relocate anywhere in the world to work.
- Electrical Engineering:
Issues relating to power, energy and electricity will remain a constant need for society. Therefore, graduates in this field are always in high demand due to their expertise in designing, developing, and maintaining electrical systems that power industries. They play a crucial role in the generation of clean and renewable energy, the design of electrical grids and building wiring systems, and the advancement of telecommunications and information technology.
With society’s continued reliance on electricity, electrical engineers are essential in ensuring efficient and safe electrical infrastructure, making their skills highly valuable in various industries.
- Software Engineering:
This is a subset of Computer Science/Engineering but it’s isolated for discussion because there is a very high demand for it. It focuses on developing software systems. In today’s technology-driven world, software plays a crucial role in diverse industries. A degree in software engineering equips students with the skills to design, develop, and maintain software applications.
From e-commerce platforms to healthcare systems and gaming experiences, software engineers are essential in creating innovative solutions. With the constant need for new software development, graduates in this field have excellent career prospects and can work in various industries as software engineers, developers, project managers, or entrepreneurs.
- Civil Engineering:
Civil engineering is a critical field involved in designing and overseeing infrastructure projects such as buildings, bridges, and transportation systems. With a high demand for skilled professionals, a degree in civil engineering offers excellent career prospects. Civil engineers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of structures and systems.
They work on diverse projects, from residential buildings to large-scale infrastructure, considering factors like structural integrity and environmental impact. Graduates in civil engineering can pursue careers in engineering firms, construction companies, and government agencies, contributing to the development and maintenance of infrastructure that supports society. Once humans continue to exist, they will always want to build, and the service of the civil engineer will continue to be demanded.
- Marketing:
Let me reiterate the adage, “if you know how to sell, you’ll eat till you die”. Every human activity revolves around buying and selling, either of a service or product or both. Skilled marketers are in high demand as companies seek professionals who can understand consumers, their biases and develop effective strategies to win them.
A degree in marketing equips individuals with the knowledge to create compelling messaging and implement marketing campaigns across various channels. With the continuous need for marketing expertise, graduates in this field have excellent career prospects in diverse industries, playing a key role in brand management, market research, and, in this modern era, digital marketing.
- Medicine & Dentistry:
Medicine and dentistry are highly demanded fields due to the ongoing need for healthcare professionals. With a degree in medicine or dentistry, individuals can pursue rewarding careers as doctors or dental practitioners, providing essential healthcare services and improving patient outcomes.
The growing global population, advancements in medical technology, and the prevalence of chronic diseases contribute to the sustained demand for these professions. Graduates in medicine and dentistry have excellent career prospects, making these degrees highly sought after in the healthcare industry.
- Data Science/Analytics:
Data Science/Analytics is a rapidly growing field within Computer Science that is in high demand. It involves extracting valuable insights from large datasets to aid decision-making. Pursuing a course in this field offers excellent career prospects as organizations increasingly rely on data-driven strategies.
Data scientists and analysts use statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization techniques to uncover patterns and make predictions. Graduates can find employment across industries, including finance, healthcare, marketing, and technology. With the continuous growth of data and the need for data-driven decision-making, a degree in Data Science/Analytics is highly sought after.
- Pharmacy:
A degree in pharmacy is highly sought-after and offers excellent job prospects. Pharmacists are essential healthcare professionals, ensuring the safe and effective use of medications. As people age coupled with the increasing healthcare complexity, the demand for pharmacists remains high.
Graduates can find employment in various settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. The pharmaceutical industry’s continuous growth and advancements in personalized medicine further contribute to the demand for pharmacy professionals. Pursuing a degree in pharmacy is a worthwhile investment with ample opportunities for a successful and fulfilling career.
- Graphic design:
This programme is entrepreneurial in nature, that is, graduates can start their own business after school without waiting for anyone to employ them. With the constant need for design projects across industries, graphic designers have a wide range of potential clients. While AI technology poses some challenges in this field, designers who adapt and offer unique value through their creativity and problem-solving skills can thrive.
Staying updated, specializing in a niche, and building a strong network are essential for success in this dynamic industry. With the right positioning, graphic designers can create a fulfilling and prosperous career, with or without a formal employment. Therefore, pursuing a degree in this field is worth it.
- Vocational/Home Economics:
Vocational/Home Economics programmes, particularly those focusing on catering and food, are also entrepreneurial in nature. The graduate of this programme does not need any formal employment to start surviving. People will always be hungry at least twice a day and they will buy with money.
Therefore, the good caterer can never go poor. With the constant demand for food and people’s reliance on purchasing meals, a skilled caterer can establish a successful career. The ability to provide delicious and quality food ensures a steady flow of customers. As long as people continue to eat and have the means to spend, a talented caterer can enjoy a stable income and financial security. Graduates from this programme can also find themselves as professional chefs in hotels, restaurants, airports/airplanes, among others.
- Law:
A degree in law is highly valuable as the demand for legal services is constant. Lawyers play a crucial role in society and are sought after by individuals and organizations who are willing to pay for their expertise. With a wide range of legal issues and sectors requiring legal assistance, a skilled lawyer will always have opportunities to thrive.
Pursuing a degree in law is a worthwhile choice due to the stable demand and potential for a successful and fulfilling career. It is worth noting that the legal field is quite competitive, and success requires not only legal knowledge but also excellent communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Building a strong professional network, participating in legal organizations, and seeking mentorship can enhance career opportunities and advancement.
- Journalism (with interest in blogging and content creation):
A degree in journalism (with interest in blogging and content creation) offers valuable skills for individuals to thrive in this digital age. With the ability to monetize online platforms through advertising, partnerships, and subscriptions, graduates in this field have the potential to build successful and financially rewarding careers with or without a formal employment.
By producing engaging and valuable content, staying updated with industry trends, and leveraging digital marketing strategies, bloggers and online journalists can establish themselves and generate income through their online presence. Pursuing a degree in such a field is a worthwhile investment.
Conclusion
If you are planning on enrolling into the university, or you are already in the university, choosing one of the 15 fields listed above is ideal for you because it can greatly enhance your job prospects.
These courses possess high industry appeal, increasing the likelihood of securing employment soon after graduation. By opting for a programme that align with market demands, you gain specialized skills that are directly relevant to employers. Practical training and hands-on experience are usually offered in these courses to further equip you for success.
However, it’s essential to complement your studies with internships, networking, and staying updated with industry trends to maximize your career opportunities. Dedication, passion, and continuous learning are key to thriving in your chosen field.
Thank you for reading today’s episode. I’ll be coming back with a follow-up episode on “useless” university programmes. Yeah, I know it sounds a bit harsh, but I believe it’s important to examine both sides of the coin.
By exploring programmes that may have limited job prospects, you’ll have a more complete picture when taking decisions about what to study. So, stay tuned for the next episode where we’ll dig deeper into this topic. Trust me, it’ll help you make a more informed decision about your ideal university program. Can’t wait to share it with you!
See you.
Author: Daniel Fenyi
Email: [email protected]
The author is an Employment Advocate and Career Coach, who guides the youth through life decisions and help them navigate unemployment and career choices through his writings.