Here’s Why It’s OK To Take A Job Outside Of Your Major

Whether you are a student looking for a summer job or a recent grad looking to enter the workforce, finding a job can be difficult. Certain fields are harder to break into than others, especially in today’s economy. However, there are benefits to taking a job outside of your major.

1. New skills

Taking a job, whether it is in restaurants, retail, or another field when your chosen career field is different can seem counter-productive, but this is not always the case. These jobs can give you exposure to new skills that you would not learn otherwise. You will face challenges and experiences that can give you a leg up when applying for a job in your field.

2. Adds variety on your resume

While employers like to see that you have experience in their field, having experience in another field where you are learning new skills can be just as beneficial. This is especially true if you can relate an unrelated field back to the career you want. For example, if you are in marketing but take a retail job, you can use sales

3. Steady income

Whether you just graduated or are looking for a summer job, taking a paying job, even in another field, can provide a steady income. This is also beneficial if you took an unpaid internship in your field. Having an income is important, especially as a new grad or a student looking to make money to be more independent.

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4. Chances to meet new people

Even if you take a position that has absolutely nothing that translates to your chosen career, you will be exposed to coworkers and bosses who are different. Working with a variety of different people gives you exposure to different styles of co-workers and supervision, giving you the opportunity to expand how you work with these kinds of people in various situations.

5. Experimenting with careers

If you chose to take a job in marketing when you majored in engineering, this can help you solidify your career choice. You may find that marketing is not your thing, which will motivate to keep searching for an engineering position. But you may also find that marketing leaves you feeling better about your accomplishments, so you decide to stick with it.

Would you take a job outside of your major? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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