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Jobs: Decisions, decisions

You might not have a clue about what you want to do after uni, or maybe you have your whole future planned out ahead of you, but did you know that there are loads of jobs you can get with any degree?

If you’re studying engineering or medicine, chances are you have at least some idea of what you want to do or what area you want to go into. For people studying more general subjects without such a clear-cut career path, things aren’t always so simple.

Having an idea of the sort of role, or even just the industry sector you want to work in can be a weight off your mind and might help you with some tricky decisions in the future

That’s not to say you have to make up your mind now, or that you can’t change it in the future, but having an idea of the sort of role or even just the industry sector you want to work in can be a weight off your mind and might help you with some tricky decisions in the future.

Here are a few ideas of jobs you can get into with any degree, although remember there are plenty of other options out there too. For more information, check out the degree matcher and career clueless sections on TARGETjobs.co.uk.

Management consulting
Consultancy is all about looking at how companies and organisations work and suggesting ways they can do things better. The different perspectives people with different backgrounds can bring are really important to consultancy firms.

The work is varied too – you could be working for a major oil company one week and a biscuit manufacturer the next. Salaries start at about £25,000 and you’ll usually get a few perks and benefits on top of that too.

Finance
From accountancy to investment banking, the majority of finance roles don’t actually require you to have a degree in anything maths related. The hours can be pretty long and the work stressful at times but salaries start at £25,000–£40,000 and the sky is the limit in roles like investment banking and fund management.

IT
Pretty much every business in existence uses computers in some way these days so there are plenty of roles available. You don’t need to be a PC whizz-kid for a lot of them either – just demonstrate that you’ve got a passion for technology and a head for numbers, as well as an understanding how IT impacts the business world. Salaries tend to start around £25,000.

Property
From being an estate agent to redeveloping inner city sites, there are tonnes of things to do in the property sector and it’s open to anyone. You’ll have to do a conversion course if you don’t have a property degree but some companies will not only pay for it, they’ll pay you to do it too! Plus, you can earn upwards of £30,000 after you’ve qualified.

There are hundreds more options to choose from. Some might need you to do a conversion course, others won’t. Careers are available in sectors as diverse as retail, the armed forces, general management, media and the law so there’s something for everyone.

So there you have it. Maybe this has helped you to make up your mind; maybe it’s just made it harder to decide! Just remember that there’s no need to panic. It’s better to take your time, do your research and be sure that a role is for you than to rush in head first and find that you don’t like it. By narrowing down your options in this way you’ll have already taken the biggest step in working out your career path.

Related TARGETjobs.co.uk links
All degrees are fine for a job in financial services
How to become a barrister without a law degree
How to become a lawyer without a law degree
All degrees welcome for graduate IT jobs
What jobs could I do that use my science degree?
How to get a job in property with any degree
How to get a job in banking and investment with any degree

More Jobs links
yougo jobs section
yougo Job descriptions
TARGETjobs
Careers that match your degree

Luke Micallef
TARGETjobs.co.uk