DEAR HARRIETTE: I can’t get over the feeling that I wasted my time and money in college. I graduated three years ago, and I haven’t worked in my field or gotten even remotely close to it. My family is urging me to go and get my master’s, but I don’t want to waste even more of my time in school. Do you think it would be worth it to get my master’s? -- Sick of School
DEAR SICK OF SCHOOL: Without knowing your field of interest, I do not know if a master’s degree would be necessary for you. I can say that there are plenty of professional fields that now require a master’s in order for a candidate to be taken seriously.
Research your field of interest to learn what the job requirements are. Sadly, countless recent college graduates cannot find jobs in their fields -- or at all -- because entry-level jobs are at a premium and the economy is currently fragile. I know of many young professionals who are working jobs that are unrelated to their studies or interests. I pray that this changes over time, but the reality is that our world has changed dramatically since the pandemic struck. Many people, both new graduates and seasoned professionals, are being challenged to reimagine their futures.
I recommend that you create a vision board. Envision your future and what you want to make of yourself. Then plot a course to get there. Education is one route, but you may also consider entrepreneurship, apprenticeship or shifting your field of interest.