Career

Language works as a medium to bridge the gap between cultures and countries. The economy is global and markets are spread across continents. Knowledge of languages enables business to flourish, brings about dialogue between governments of different countries and also facilitates the security of a nation by providing a means of negotiations between governments and terrorist organizations. It is because of this rapid globalization that a degree in foreign language can be real handy in the following industries and organizations

• Government department and agencies
• Hospitality industry
• Travel and Airlines industry
• Travel journalism
• Sports organizations
• International companies operating in the U.S. or U.S companies operating in foreign countries
• Law enforcement agencies
• Health care organizations

Each of these organizations and industries have their specific requirements for individuals with a degree in foreign language. In this article we’ve tried to provide you with information on a variety of areas that you could explore as a career choice and use your qualification to the fullest.

Let`s take a look at what you could be doing with a degree in foreign languages. Let’s start with various organizations and industries.

Government

There are a number of government departments and agencies that require the services of people fluent in foreign languages. The government is the largest employer of individuals with degrees in foreign language.
In the government you have the following job opportunities-

• Translation or Interpretation
• Analysis of language and Linguistics
• Diplomacy
• Civil Service
• Foreign Service
• Immigration or Naturalization
• Customs
• Intelligence
• Security, Border protection
• Law Enforcement
• Journalism and Broadcasting

If you are keen on working with the government department or agencies then it is advised to obtain an internship with a federal agency and also maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA). Apply early for an internship and keep checking up on the availability. A graduate degree in foreign language is very useful in securing a position in the government department or agency.

Here is a list of departments and agencies that appoint graduates with a degree in foreign language

• Federal government organizations: Overseas aid agencies, intelligence and law enforcement agencies, the FBI, CIA and Drug Enforcement Administration.
• Department of State
• Homeland Security: US Customs and Border Patrol, US Citizenship and Immigration Services
• Department of Defense: US Armed Forces, National Guard and National Security Agency
• Department of Commerce
• Agency for International Development (USAID)
• Peace Corps, VISTA and AmeriCorps
• Congress Library
• US District Courts

Travel and Hospitality Industry

If you are interested in traveling, airline industry or the hospitality industry then you should consider this line of work. To attain a job in this industry you should have attended a course on hospitality, tourism management, restaurant management and administration.

You can take up the following jobs in this industry

• Translation or Interpretation
• Airline Services
• Hotel or Restaurant management
• Hotel or travel booking and reservations
• Travel Services and guidance
• Eco-tourism

Interpretation and Translation

If you have a degree in more than one foreign language then the field of interpretation and translation worth considering. You could have the following job opportunities

• Interpretation (Obviously)
• Conferences
• Escort or Guide
• Judiciary and Legal
• Translation: Literary, localization, machine, medical and technical

To make it in this area, you have to be well versed with two or three languages. Middle Eastern and Asian languages have more demand than the other languages of late. Gain an internship in organization that requires the assistance of bilingual or multilingual individuals. This will further help you to hone your language skills.

Education

If you have good written and oral communication skills then you should consider obtaining a state teacher`s license for the K-12 program. The field of education has the following job prospects

• Teaching and tutoring in foreign language
• Educational Administration: Student affairs, study abroad programs, international houses or cultural centers and international student services
• Linguistics
• Social Work and mission work
• Library Science
• Health Services
• Counseling
• Non-profit organizations
• Research

Entertainment, Media and Arts

If you are the gregarious outgoing personality with an inclination towards arts and have good communication skills and very good inter personal skills then the field of entertainment, media and arts might be just your thing.

Some of the areas or jobs you could end up doing are listed below.

• Advertising and Marketing
• Narration
• Journalism
• Photography
• Writing
• Publishing and editing
• Public Relations
• Performing arts
• Film direction and acting
• Historical arts and transcripts

Remember, the options in this article are not the only ones available to you. Get in touch with the careers department in your college or university and inquire about the types of jobs and employers. It is one of the best ways to start your career and it also provides you the opportunity to interact with people in various industries.

Marketing and Advertising Job Options

The world of advertising and marketing is a very competitive one and the jobs in these industries are highly coveted. With that said, the remuneration is very rewarding and hence there is a beeline of students that look to make advertising or marketing their chosen area of profession. Let us explore the various options that a graduate with a degree in Advertising and Marketing has. Let’s start with looking at some of the companies you could possibly work for

• Advertising Companies
• Print and electronic media companies
• Public relation firms
• Fashion Houses
• Entertainment industry (Film production houses, theater companies)
• Hospitality and travel sectors
• Liquor industry
• Product and service corporations
• Financial companies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Automobile companies
• Software companies

Making it big in the advertising and marketing world would require you to have excellent communication and inter personal skills. You have to be able interact with various sorts of people and develop connections and a great working relationship with them. You have to be very dynamic and adaptive to many fluctuating situations and demands of your clients.

With that caveat out of the way, here are a few areas in the ad and marketing business that may be of interest to you

Sales and Promotion

If you are an organized person with strong leadership qualities and have smooth communication skills then this field might just work to your advantage. The areas that will require your skills are as follows-

• Industrial sales
• Wholesale sales
• Direct Marketing
• Sale of consumer products
• Selling services (including financial services)
• E-commerce
• Sales management across districts and regions
• Promotions pertaining to consumer goods and services, sales force, etc…

You will have to be assertive, confident and a problem solver. There will be targets which have to be met within the time period specified. How persuasive you can be with your clients is a key factor in your growth in this area.

Brand or Product Management

An MBA in product management, branding and luxury marketing is very useful in this field. You are required to be creative, enterprising and result oriented. Brand or product management requires you to be a multi tasker and strong on communication and interpersonal skills.

Many organizations have many products or brands that need your services, especially the consumer related organizations. Many students tend to intern in this area as the internship enables them to develop a background in advertising, consumer behavior analysis and product placement strategy and brand enhancement. It is a very competitive and target driven field. Many people with a degree in advertising/marketing focus largely in this area as the remuneration earned is very lucrative and there is a lot of growth in this line of work.

Retail

The world of Retail is an altogether different beast. You should be skilled at customer servicing, handling sales and achieving sales targets. If you see yourself excelling in these areas then some of the opportunities listed below could just be up your alley

• Buying or Merchandising
• Store management
• Managing sales and sales targets

A pleasant personality and good communication skills are crucial for this business. Based on your job portfolio, you will be required to manage a team which means you need to be a good leader as well. Getting a toehold in the retail sector might be easier if you start as an intern or as a management trainee. This will enable you to develop an understanding of merchandizing, pricing, inventory flow and control and ability to organize one’s work flow. Remember, retail can get quite stressful and not to mention the constant requiremnt to travel or relocate.

Purchasing and Procuring

In procurement you would be interacting directly with the importer or exporters, clearing and forwarding agents, suppliers, dealers and owners, artists or fashion houses. Your interaction may not be limited to the aforementioned areas as it could vary with the type of business or industry you are employed in. Computer skills, logistic skills and written communication are essential in this line of business.

Some of the areas that you might find yourself working are

• Purchasing and procuring
• Cost control and maintaining line of credit
• Buying and inventory control
• Product management

In addition to the opportunities listed above, a degree in advertising and marketing could also get you a job in the real estate sector, banking and insurance sectors and in the area of market research. Additionally advertising and marketing graduates often apply for the following positions

• Brand Manager
• Product Developer
• Advertisement creative manager
• Advertising media planner
• Public relations specialist
• Copywriter, creative head
• Media Trafficker

In most colleges, you will be required to intern while you complete your degree. Use that internship to work in an area that will aid your job prospects in the future. To have a better understanding of what opportunities are available in the market it is always better to get in touch with the careers department of your college or university. They will be able to give you necessary guidelines and also introduce to people who are already in this field.

Mathematics forms the foundation on which many academic disciplines are based on. Some disciplines rely more strongly on the principles of applied or theoretical math than others. Academic disciplines that have mathematics as a part of their foundation are engineering, computer science, physics, economics and finance. These are not necessarily the only disciplines where math plays an important role. There are many fields and professions that use math theories for their operations, valuations and analysis.

Mathematics is divided into two categories – Theoretical Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.

Theoretical Mathematicians

Theoretical mathematicians are the ones mainly responsible for the advancements made in mathematical knowledge. They do this by bringing new developments in the principles of math and providing recognition to previously unidentified relationships. Their main aim is to increase basic math knowledge regardless of its practical use. Theoretical math has been useful in inventing or improving many engineering and scientific achievements. Theoretical mathematicians are usually employed as faculty in universities and they divide their time between teaching and research work.

Applied Mathematicians

Applied mathematicians rely both on theory as well technique to formulate and solve practical real life issues in areas such as business, government, engineering, physical, life and social sciences. To give an example, an applied mathematician can work with airline companies to find the most efficient way to schedule a particular airline’s fleet of planes and their routes or work with manufacturing companies on a more cost efficient alternative method for a given manufacturing process.

Military is another big employer of mathematicians. Applied mathematicians are preferred when it comes to working with encryption systems, analyzing and deciphering codes, design and develop systems designed to transmit information

With a degree in mathematics, one could look at the following areas

• Actuary
• Statistics
• Cryptanalysis
• Education
• Armed forces
• Aeronautics and Space research
• Engineering
• Finance and Financial Markets
• Physics
• Nuclear Science

That said, many professionals that work in the above mentioned areas may not be holding a math degree, yet they use math to a large extent in their professional lives. In fact many colleges or universities advice their students, majoring in mathematics, to undertake courses that have a base of mathematics such as computer science, engineering, physics, chemistry, statistics, business management, life sciences and geology.

Getting your Ph.D brings with it many advantages. For one, Job prospects with a Ph.D in mathematics are pretty high in the private sector. With only a bachelor’s degree, a government job could be an option but keep in mind that a bachelor’s degree will only get you an entry level position with the Federal Government. As per the stats provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 81% of mathematicians are employed by the U.S. Department of Defense, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and NASA. Besides the Federal Government, a Ph.D in mathematics will provide jobs in the following industries or sectors

• Education
• Actuarial Valuation companies
• Banks and other financial institutions (Statisticians are widely used in this sector)
• Information Technology Companies
• Insurance companies
• Companies building large scale security systems
• Architecture and Engineering enterprises

The above listing is not necessarily a complete one. Even within the above mentioned industries there are numerous areas that require the expertise and skills of a well qualified mathematician. In the end though, to increase your chances of getting a good break as far as your career is concerned, it is preferred to also do other courses along with majoring in mathematics. This really works in getting a better paying job and gives you a more wider reach when it comes to opportunities.

A degree in Journalism equips you with a variety of skills, namely research, visual communication, writing, editing, decision making and analysis. With these core skills you have a wide variety of jobs and fields you can consider applying for.

Some of the positions you can apply for with a journalism degree are listed below

• News reporter
• News correspondent
• News analyst
• Announcer or translator
• Photojournalist
• Public Relations
• Author, writer or editor etc…

Let’s take a deeper look at some of the employers and specific areas where you could utilize your degree in journalism

• News agency
• Newspaper
• Business Journals (Make sure you take a course on business during your degree course)
• Publishing Houses
• Freelance
• Lifestyle or Fashion magazines
• Food Magazines
• TV Shows
• Sports Magazines

This is not an exhaustive list but this will give you an idea of your choices and available opportunities with a journalism degree. That said, Journalism is symbolic with the media industry, especially the news and related media. Here’s a look at what you could be doing in the aforementioned fields

Media

The media industry is synonymous with and covers pretty much all news agencies, newspapers and TV shows. Within the media industry some of the positions or jobs you could be working are listed below

News reporter or correspondents

If you are comfortable working under varied conditions and willing to travel then you may want to consider becoming a news reporter. Your main job will be to find and research stories and report on the same. As a new reporter or correspondent you will be required to travel and may be stationed in different countries and report on events occurring in those regions.

You will have to interact with people from all walks of life, interview them and investigate on many issues based on your research and tips you obtain from your leads. You will be required to make notes of all the interactions you have and record most of it on camera. Many a times you will pose questions to people and the response you will receive may not necessarily be an answer but a counter question, instead. There could be many similar challenging situations and you must be able to handle these situations calmly and confidently.

News Analysts or Anchors

A news analyst or anchor is responsible for examining, preparing and broadcasting news about local, state, national and international events, present various points of view on current matters, report on the actions of public officials, corporate big wigs, interest groups and many areas in our society and in the world at large. As a news analyst or anchor you will be required to present stories or videotaped news or live news transmission from on-location reporters.

Publishing

Writers or Authors

If you are good in written communication and have loads of creative thinking then the world of publishing might just be up your alley.

As a writer or author you will be required to develop written material for books, magazines, trade journals, online publications, newsletters of companies and advertisements. Most of the work is original and is broadly classified as fiction or nonfiction. Decide what interests you and follow that route. In the end a writer ends up being classified or identified by the type of his or her writing. An example of such classification would be a novelist, a play writer, a biographer etc.

Copywriters

Copywriters main task is to prepare copies (writing material), which is then used by publication houses and or for broadcasting. They also write materials to promote sale of goods or services. They often work with clients to produce advertisement themes or slogans and are also involved in marketing the product or service.

Editors

Finally let us take a look at the job profile of an editor. Many editors begin their careers as a writer. Those who are skilled at identifying and recognizing stories and not to mention have loads of writing talent and are able to interact and manage other writers slowly graduate into becoming an editor.
As an editor you will find yourself often reviewing, rewriting and editing the work of writers. Sometime you might find yourself penning an original piece but most often you are in charge of a particular section of the publication and your work is to ensure that the rest of the staff and contributors meet their quotas and deadlines. An editor’s responsibility varies with the employer and level of the editorial position.

An editor`s duties also again depending on the publication may include conceptualizing and visualizing the content of a publication be it a magazine or a book. They also encourage and review ideas for features and stories from the editorial staff The editor is usually the one responsible for deciding what stories will catch the eye of the reader, gauge the current sentiment of the reader and be able to run with stories that will ultimately end in increased sales. An editor can also be required to review and edit drafts of books and articles, offer comments to improve work and propose titles for books or articles. Last but not least, they may also supervise the production of publications.

As you can see there is dearth of options of a graduate with a Journalism degree. You have wide variety of options when it comes to finding a career that peaks your interest and provides you with a challenging and fulfilling career.

An undergraduate degree in chemistry is sufficient for an entry level position as a lab coordinator, research assistant, product analyst or technical sales. A master’s degree will enable you to obtain a job in research and industrial work. You can even teach in community colleges with your master’s degree. However, to be able to teach in universities you will require a doctoral degree.

A Ph.D or a doctoral degree will also provide you an advanced job position in the management category of a company or you will be responsible for the research and development department of a company or organization.

With a degree in Chemistry you can be employed in the following organizations or industries

• Federal and State Government
• Environmental organizations
• Water processing and natural resource organizations
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Perfume and cosmetic companies
• Petroleum companies
• Agricultural and food companies
• Plant and Animal breeding companies
• Waste management companies
• Colleges and universities
• Mining companies or organizations
• Industries involved in plastic or other synthetic materials
• Textile industries
• Nuclear energy
• Gas and electrical companies
• Organization setup solely for research purposes

The above list is not an exhaustive list since a degree in chemistry can come in handy in many manufacturing businesses and organizations. There are also various government departments and agencies that require the services of individuals holding a degree in chemistry.

Let’s take a look at the various job opportunities you could have with your chemistry degree.

Career in the Government

Government departments such as defense, nuclear energy and natural resources and organizations such as NASA are the largest employers of individuals with a master’s or doctoral in chemistry.

To obtain a job in this sector you should be well versed with government policies. Obtain an internship under a university professor or complete a research program is your best option to break into this sector. You should be comfortable and knowledgeable of high technology scientific equipments and also be able to work with them. You should have a questioning mind and have strong analytical skills.

This is a highly lab based job portfolio. Hence, you should be accustomed to working in a lab and a research or experimental based environment.

The areas where you could obtain a job are

• Research and development
• Analysis and testing
• Consulting
• Environmental sciences
• Defense and related technologies
• Forensics
• Nuclear energy
• Departments within NASA

Those who have a bachelor’s degree are capable of obtaining the position of a quality control executive, carry out analytical testings or assist senior lab analysts in research work.

Career in Biotechnology

To enter the field of Biotechnology, you should have excellent computer and lab skills. It is necessary to have taken an additional course in molecular biology, cytology, biochemistry, genetics or physiology during your degree program.

You will have the following job prospects in this field

• Research and Development
• Analytical testing
• Consulting and Quality Control
• Medical research
• Environment
• Industrial health and safety
• Hospital and other health care facility administration

During your undergraduate research you should try and get into an internship with your professors or an organization involved in the above areas. This will increase your chances of obtaining a job.

Organic Chemistry

It is advisable to have an internship or experience through assistance in laboratories or other research work carried out by university professors. In this area you have the following job prospects

• Research and Development
• Analysis and Testing
• Quality Control
• Consultancy

Industries pertaining to coal, petrol, oil, wood, plastic and food are the prime employers in this field. Also, manufacturing companies involved in developing new processes or synthetic materials recruit individuals specializing in organic chemistry. Many universities and government agencies also require expertise in this field.

Inorganic Chemistry

The job prospects in this field are more or less similar to the ones under organic chemistry. Also, experience in labs and internship in research areas also enables job placements. The main employers of individuals specializing in inorganic chemistry are

• Water processing plants
• Natural resource organizations
• Environmental research organizations

Physical Chemistry

The job placements are pretty much the same as organic or inorganic chemistry. However, to obtain a job in this area it is necessary to have a strong mathematical base. This area also requires knowledge in social sciences and economics. Therefore, if you have taken additional courses in the aforementioned subjects then you will stand out and qualify for a job in this industry.

The federal government, colleges and universities and industries involved in nuclear, gas, light or electrical or heat energies are the main employers of individuals specializing in physical chemistry.

Geochemistry

This area has more to do with the environment and geographical sciences. Hence, you are advised to take up elective courses in these subjects during the degree program. Besides research and development and analytical testing, you will also find jobs in environmental remediation.

The prime employers in the field are industries involved in mining electronics and synthetic materials. Many research labs also require individuals with expertise in this field.

Career in Business

If you have good communication, inter personal and organization abilities then you should consider entering into the Business side of the industry.
It is necessary that you have obtained a minor in business during your degree program. Jobs that you can attain in this field are as follows

• Technical sales or marketing
• Pharmaceutical sales
• Management and Consultancy
• Industrial quality control
• Research and development

In this field your employers could be companies dealing in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals, paints, paper, machinery, drugs and petroleum. Many agricultural companies and waste management companies also require the services of a well qualified chemistry graduate with a business minor. It is advised that you enroll yourself in student associations such as the Financial Management Association, American Marketing Association or PR Students Society.

You even apply for a teaching job if you have obtained a certification or license to be a teacher. Or you could also be involved in the writing field where you could write or edit research journals or internet sites.

If you have a law degree in addition to your chemistry degree then you could get into patent laws or legislation. You could end up working for law firms, private practices, manufacturing companies or environmental organizations.

As you can see the options available can be endless. Supplementing your degree program with additional courses is very useful. Also, get in touch with the career services department in your college or university as they will provide you with essential information on various areas; assist you to get in touch with professionals in various fields.

A degree in finance, whether a bachelor’s, a master’s or an MBA, comes real handy when you are trying to break into a career in the government, banks, investment houses, real estate companies, manufacturing companies and many other enterprises.

Finance is core to an enterprise and a successful enterprise will need the services of intelligent finance domain experts to keep the wheels running smoothly. This is probably the reason for the endless supply of job opportunities for the right candidate in the financial sector. The nature of the job is such that there will always be a need for individuals with a finance degree.

Let’s take a look at some specific sectors within the finance domain.

Banking Sector

The banking sector is pretty much the core of the financial sector. To get into banking you must be strong with your fundamentals and core financial concepts since your skills in these areas are put to test on a daily basis. You have to keep yourself abreast of the current economic climate and events to meet your and your company’s objectives and serve its clients.

Within banking sector a list of potential employers could read like the following below

• Commercial and savings banks
• Credit unions
• Savings and loan associations
• Mortgage banks
• Captive finance companies
• Regulatory agencies such as The Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Office of the Comptroller of the Currency(OCC) and Office of Thrift Supervision(OTS).

It should be pretty clear by now that there are a number of positions in a banking environment that will require your services. The banking industry is burgeoning and also very dynamic. A large number of individuals with a degree in finance are employed by banks. If you are evaluating specific areas then the following listing might help throw some light and help you identify specific areas that interest you and see yourself positioning yourself and your career.

• Mortgage Loans
• Credit Analysis and Commercial Lending
• Origination’s and Packaging
• Capital Services, Mergers & Acquisitions
• Trust Management
• Cash Management
• Branch Management
• Operations
• Credit and Risk Management and
• Private Banking.

Corporate and Public Finance

Getting into corporate and public finance might be difficult for a rank freshman. Experience is always preferred and it is always advisable to obtain relevant experience in this field before you make an attempt to apply for a job. A lot of students tend to intern in this sector to learn the basics of this business and get comfortable. Once you feel reasonably confident and are sure of the many areas within corporate finance, you will find yourself slowly moving up the hierarchy and soon becomes a very rewarding career. If you are considering a career in corporate finance then keep in mind that the right internship experience works as big advantage in helping to secure your dream job

Some of the the major employers in this sector are as follows

• Privately owned businesses of varied sizes and types
• Government entities
• Federal agencies being the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service
• Educational Institutions
• Non-profit organizations
• Trusts and foundations
• Hospitals and other health care organizations

Investment Banking

Investment Banking is a field where the stakes are high and the expertise required is also very high. Similar to the corporate and public finance sectors, investment banking is a tough nut to crack for a fresh graduate. This is why you will find students interning in this field to gain relevant experience. Keep in mind that the investment banking business is extremely volatile and rewarding at the same time.

Some of the typical employers are in this area of finance are

• Investment banking firms or companies
• Financial services firms
• Broking houses
• Private equities
• Corporate finance firms or companies

An MBA, CPA or CFA degree is an added qualification in breaking into or moving up in this sector. The front office dealers are the ones who work on deals and bring in the income. It is a stressful portfolio as the amount of money involved is tremendous. Trade decisions are made and changed in a split second as everything moves in line with the market and market sentiment.

Accounting

Finance and accounts go hand in hand. This is a relatively relaxed job portfolio and the level of stress compared to investment banking is minimal.
Some of the areas that you can work in are listed below

• Various Companies from all industries
• Federal agencies and departments such as
  • Internal Revenue Service
  • Department of the Treasury
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Securities Exchange Commission
  • Office of Management and Budget
• State and local agencies

You can take up jobs in the following positions

• Financial Management
• Financial Reporting
• Cost Accounting and control
• Tax Planning
• Research

Real Estate

If you have the flare and the inclination to understand real estate and the property market then a career in real estate might just be your calling. Your degree in finance can in handy since employers like the ones listed below are always on the lookout for suitable candidates to grow their real estate exposure and portfolio

• Real estate brokers
• Land and Property developers
• Apartment /Condominium complexes
• Appraisal firms
• Commercial banks
• Trusts for real estate investments and
• Mutual funds

Some of the positions that you could consider in this industry are

• Residential area brokerage
• Commercial property sales
• Property appraisals
• Management of Property and
• Real Estate Portfolio Management.

Insurance

Another big employer of finance graduates. Insurance sector like the banking sector is a very popular choice amongst finance students and graduates. Some of the employers in the insurance are as follows

• Life insurance firms
• Property and casualty insurance firms
• Commercial banks and
• Savings banks

And typical job opportunities in this sector include

• Claims Analysts
• Underwriters
• Risk Management
• Sales
• Actuarial Valuation
• Loss Control

The employers and the job opportunities for finance degree holders are endless. As for the nature of the job and what you can do specifically, it is always advisable to keep an open mind. Additional courses in math and statistics and accounting also aid in securing lucrative jobs as many positions require the ability to analyze and interpret data. It is also advisable to obtain experience through internships and summer jobs as you would have a better understanding of the work environment and its requirements.

In this day and age, a degree in computer science gives you the opportunity or should I say flexibility to apply your skills in pretty much any industry since all of them depend on computers and systems to manage and run their operations effectively.

That said, let’s look at a few specific areas. A degree in computer science can be helpful in the following areas

• Programming
• Systems development
• Network technology
• Consulting
• Mobile and telephone companies
• Web page designing
• Gaming and entertainment
• Software development
• Education (Under graduate and graduate levels)
• Non-technical areas (includes sales, technical writing and customer support areas)

Once again this is but a small sample of the available opportunities and areas and is not an extensive list of job opportunities.

The advantage of a computer science degree unlike most other degrees is that you are useful to organizations that are not remotely connected with computers. Computers and systems have become so pervasive and with good reason mind you that not only can you get jobs in software or hardware companies but also by a wide spectrum of companies.

Let us take a quick look at a few organizations or entities apart from software companies and start-ups that typically hire computer science graduates

Government

The government is a huge employers of computer science graduates. Every year thousands of students join one or the other federal agencies to work on a number of systems and projects. Some of the kind of jobs you could end up doing if you are are hired by the government are

• Building, setting up and managing defense systems Implementation of ERP solutions for various government departments
• Designing and developing intranet applications
• Providing IT services to the various levels and departments of governments
• Providing consultancy on developing IT solutions and software for the many government programs

Financial Industry

Another big employer of graduates with a computer science degree. Some of the jobs you could end up doing are listed below. The finance domain is pretty big and there are many specific tasks that require sound computer and development knowledge and experience.

• Developing and implementation of ERP solutions to suit the various departments in a banking setup, broking house or investment companies
• In house finance application design, development and management
• Designing and implementation of the payroll processing systems
• Developing interfaces between different disparate systems
• Developing software used by broking and investment houses that enable trading on the stock exchanges and clearing houses

Manufacturing Companies

No real surprise here, the manufacturing industry is becoming more and more high tech and process driven and a big portion of that is driven by the huge advances made in the field of computing. Some of areas that you could be of use are listed below.

• Developing inventory control modules
• Developing and implementation of ERP systems and solutions
• Maintenance of accounting software
• Creation of vendor support modules
• Designing and implementation of systems to support the sales and purchase functions
• Developing interface linking systems within the organization

There is an endless list of organizations or industries that require your services. The above is just an illustration of what is out there.

Many industries that we haven’t touched upon such as entertainment, hotels, hospitals and various health care organizations, educational institutions also require individuals with a computer science degree.

Of late, the gaming and animation industry have burst on the scene and in the past 3 – 4 years have built up huge momentum. The gaming industry thrives on computer usage and are hiring computer grads in a frenzy. Many individuals with the right degree in computer engineering are working with animation and gaming companies and are doing really well for themselves. The remuneration in these companies is also another factor that has led to an increase in employment in this particular industry.

Visit the career service department of your college or university and enquire about the types of jobs and employers that recruit computer science degree holders. It is one of the best ways to start your career and it also provides you the opportunity to interact with people in various industries. This will help you understand what you would be getting yourself into and whether or not that job is for you.

Engineering involves the application of the principles of science and mathematics in developing economical solutions to technical problems. Being a field of science, Engineering is a broad term which consists of many areas of specialization such as chemical, biomedical, aeronautics, bio systems, civil, electrical and mechanical, etc…This list is not an exhaustive one as there are many areas such as health, environment and marine that require the expertise of an engineer.

A bachelor degree in engineering is required for any entry level position in the job market. The exact nature of the job and the kind of employers you should start looking at really depending in your specialization or major. Below are some of the most common questions we get around what kind of jobs or what exactly one can do with an engineering degree. Let’s take a look at the various scenarios based on your specialization

What Can I Do With A Degree In Aerospace Engineering?

This discipline involves specialization in aeronautics, mass transportation and environment pollution, space technologies and medical science. Here is a look at the areas in which you could obtain employment

• Propulsion
• Mechanics of fluids
• Thermodynamics
• Structures and Acoustics
• Celestial Mechanics
• Control and Guidance

The government is the largest employer of engineers specializing in aerospace. Let`s take a look at a list of prospective employers

• Federal Government departments – NASA and Defense
• Commercial airlines
• Aircraft and space vehicle industries
• Manufacturers of communication equipments
• Engineering companies

You will have to be good in communication and be willing to work in team. Also, it is necessary to be informed about the federal funding for space and defence programs.

What Can I Do With A Degree In Biomedical Engineering?

Biomedical engineering involves a combination of the human anatomy and engineering. This form of engineering involves development and maintenance of healthcare and medical equipments and systems. If you are interested in joining medical school then a graduate degree in biomedical engineering works to your advantage.

You could obtain a job in the following areas

• Bioengineering including- Design, development and manufacturing
• Medical Engineering including- Materials and instrumentation, diagnostic or therapeutic devices, artificial organs and medical equipments.
• Rehabilitation engineering
• Bio-environmental engineering

The employers who require your expertise in the field of biomedical engineering are

• Manufacturing companies dealing in medical and surgical devices
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Federal government-Regulatory agencies, Administration of Veterans, National Institutes of Health and NASA
• Educational and medical institution`s research facilities

What Can I Do With A Degree In Chemical Engineering?

This is a combination of chemistry and engineering. You will be better placed to find a good job and position if you have acquired relevant experience during your college internship. It is recommended to look at an internship position that is directly related to your major and your interests. Your employment options or areas that you should be looking at with a chemical engineering degree are as follows

• Administration
• Design and Construction – Project engineering, Control systems, Field engineering and Process engineering
• Operations and production
• Waste and Environmental Management
• Design and Development

Typical employers looking to hire the the services of a chemical engineer are

• Independent research institutes and consulting organizations
• Chemical industry including-Agricultural chemicals, plastics, industrial chemicals, pharmaceutical and cosmetic, food processing, petroleum, atomic energy and environment
• Federal government-Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency
• Manufacturing plants producing automobiles, air planes, paper and textile, microelectronics, metals, rubber, food and beverages

What Can I Do With A Degree In Civil Engineering?

Civil engineering has a lot to do with construction of structures and buildings. As a civil engineer you will work individuals from various fields.
A lot of work takes place outdoors and you have to be able to work in large teams, in difficult environments and construction workers. It is extremely important that you are able to visual three dimensional objects. You will have to be organized and interact and give out instruction to site workers. This in turn requires you to have excellent inter personal skills, communication and leadership qualities.

The areas that require the expertise of a civil engineer are-

• Structures and buildings
• Urban and Community Planning
• Construction
• Environmental
• Water Resources and Geotechnical
• Transportation and Pipeline
• Photogrammetry, Survey and Mapping

Organizations or businesses involved in civil engineering or looking to hire civil engineers are

• Construction companies
• Engineering or architectural companies
• Utility companies and Railroads
• Oil industry
• Telecommunications business
• Manufacturing companies
• Consulting firms
• Government agencies

Please note that some states require licensing or registration of civil engineers.

What Can I Do With A Degree In Electrical Engineering?

Electrical engineering deals with high speed equipments and technologies, wireless mode of communication and exploring the outer space, as well. This field of engineering has helped to revolutionize medical treatments and diagnosis.

The areas that require your expertise are as follows

• Power Electronics and Systems
• Communications and Electronics
• Control Systems
• Digital Signal Processing
• Microelectronics
• Image Processing and Robotics
• Computer Engineering and Computer Vision
• Plasma Engineering

Industries and organizations that require the expertise are as follows

• Aeronautical companies
• Automotive companies
• Petrochemicals
• Electronics and electrical utilities
• Machine tool manufacturing companies
• Mining and metallurgy
• Federal Government- armed forces, department of defence, NASA and bureau of standards, etc…
• Water and waste products

A job in the field of electrical engineering requires you to have the capacity to acquire and understand detailed information and be able to communicate in both written and verbal mode.

What Can I Do With A Degree In Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical Engineering involves elements of technology, design and development. Mechanical engineering aims to provide technological advancement in automobiles, jet planes, refrigeration and thermodynamics.

Below is a detailed look at some of the areas that require the expertise of a mechanical engineer

• Jet Engines and rockets
• Steam Power Plant and internal combustion engines
• Energy utilization
• Thermodynamics
• Control and instrumentation
• Mechanical Design
• Manufacturing or Production
• Robotics

Employers looking to hire mechanical engineers include the following industries and organizations

• Automotive industry,
• Aerospace industry and military laboratories
• Electronic industries
• Nuclear power stations
• Petrochemical industries
• Steam based electric power stations
• Farm equipment manufacturing companies
• Consumer product manufacturing companies

Besides the above fields there are various areas that an engineer can specialize in. They include the environment, nuclear energy, engineering sciences and mechanics material sciences and engineering. The government agencies and departments, mining industries, nuclear power plant and industries involved in manufacture require the services and expertise of those specialized in all these fields of engineering. The opportunities are endless!

Bear in mind that a graduate degree in engineering secures jobs in industries, government departments and business enterprises. Further, a degree in engineering also acts as a pedestal and many opt to continue their education with a management degree.

An internship, research experience or part-time jobs go a long way in securing lucrative job opportunities. Also, interaction with the careers department in your college or university is advisable as they will have the latest details and information regarding career tracks, internship opportunities, placement opportunities, job fairs and employers.

Once you have graduated as an accountant you are equipped with a broad sense of business knowledge and thorough understanding of various accounting concepts and accounting standards. Your degree enables you to identify and understand what is posted in the books of accounts of an entity or organization and whether the same comply with the accepted principles of accounting.

An accountancy degree equips you with the following skill sets

• Accounting and costing concept clarity
• Interpretation and application of accounting principles and standards
• Understanding the financial statements of an enterprise
• Understanding cash flows
• Tracking of incomes and expenditures
• Understanding movement of numbers in books of accounts
• Ability to understand financial markets
• Cost control
• Working capital Management
• Inventory control
• Communication
• Computer skills (operating accounting software, Data MIS, MS-Office)
• Teamwork

Getting your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is a big advantage when it comes to prospective job offers. Also being well versed in the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is also very advantageous. This is especially because many companies are now required to adopt IFRS for the preparation and presentation of their financial statements.

An accountant has to be really good with numbers and always be on top of his game since numbers and figures are always fluid and changing. An accountant has to keep track of the expense and income related numbers and keep an updated book of accounts at all times. An accountant’s workload and job stress usually goes into overdrive when it is time for preparing the company financial statements, audit report and the presentation of the same before the board of directors and shareholders (In case of a public company).

During finalization of books of accounts of an organization there is always reclassification taking place between the different heads of the Balance Sheet and Income-Expense Statement. A good accountant will shine if he has good number crunching skills and is diligent and patient.

With an accounting degree you can look at pursuing any one of the following job profiles that most interests you

• Accountant
• Financial planner or analyst
• Financial research analyst
• Stock broker
• Working capital consultant
• Management consultant
• Auditor
• College or high school educator
• Payroll processor
• Free lance accountant
• Tax preparer or IRS Investigator.

This list is not exhaustive as there are a newer positions being created each day especially with the number of new businesses coming up.

Finally to end this article, let us look at some of the typical organizations that hire or will need the services of an accountant.

• Federal Government
• Banks
• Investment houses
• Public or Private companies
• Broking firms
• Accounting firms
• Certain law firms (if you are a qualified CPA)
• Partnership firms
• Warehousing companies for inventory control

An accountant plays a very vital role in any industry since their services are essential in maintaining books of accounts and controlling and managing costs.

An architect’s primary responsibility is for the overall planning, design and construction of building and other structures. The safety of the structure along with keeping the costs of the structure economical is vital and key for a successful career as an architect. The other main facet is of course the design. Meeting and exceeding expectations while at the same time coming up with a functional design is a skill that an architect will find himself constantly juggling with.

After graduation, an architect can potentially apply to the following companies. This by no means is an exhaustive list but one that will do for starters

• Construction Firms (including infrastructure companies)
• Architecture Firms
• Landscaping Companies
• Real Estate Developers
• Historical/Cultural/Archaeological Organizations
• Federal government agencies including the Department of Defense, Department of Interiors, Department of Housing & Urban Development, General Services Administration.

An architect learns quite a few skills of the trade while in school. It is the expertise or proficiency in these areas that go a long way in landing a job. How well versed are you with CADD, BIM and other software related to architecture? Computer skills are an essential prerequisite, your appeal to your potential employer will also depend on your major. Speaking of majors, there are quite a few areas that an architect could specialize in. A few of them are listed below

• Landscaping
• Historical preservation
• Master planning
• Interior development and decoration
• Sports facility design and development
• Health care facility design and development

Depending on your strengths and your specialization an architect can look at the following areas for a potential career

Residential Architecture

Do you have the patience to work with families and demanding individuals? Do you have good communication skills? If you just answered yes to these questions then Residential Architecture is an area you might want to consider. A deeper look at some of the job specifics might help you make up your mind. Let’s take a look at a few job or project types you could be working on in residential architecture

• Projects relating to single or family housing
• Multiple-unit residential projects
• Tract homes
• Projects pertaining to senior or assisted living
• Re-modeling or renovation projects

Getting started in residential architecture would be easier by assisting or working as an intern to an architect already in this field. Infact your college internship should be ideally in an area that is very close to what you think you will be interested in pursuing full time once you graduate.

Institutional or Commercial Architecture

Institutional or commercial architecture involves designing office buildings, malls, schools, laboratories, commercial and government structures. A job in this area largely depends on your specialization. Besides, this area requires you to be involved in preparing construction documents, understanding the mechanism of construction as most of the structures have different requirements. A career in commercial architecture could see you working on following type of structures or buildings

• Office buildings and convention centers
• Medical offices
• Health facilities such as hospitals and clinics
• Libraries
• Hospitality structures such as resorts, motels, hotels and restaurants and casinos
• Consumer structures such as supermarkets, theaters and malls
• Public or Government structures such as schools, colleges, universities and other government and military facilities
• Churches
• Museums

Apart from residential and commercial architecture, an architect could also look at the following job profiles

• Movie Set designers for a movie or play
• Property assessment consultants
• Landscape Architects
• Urban planners
• Consultants

Quite a few architects go on to start their own firms after working for a while. Your working relationships with clients, the exposure you get, the contacts that you build and your passion will dictate how successful you become working as an architect or starting out on your own.