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First, some facts. Of the General Studies graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 550 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 53%, General Studies graduates have a much lower likelihood (-14%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 30% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most General Studies graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 0% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2015 from Indiana UniversityPurdue University Fort Wayne with a Bachelor's degree in General Studies. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONCustomer Service Manager Kohls 2017 - 2017 Customer Service  Vestil Manufacturing Jul 2019 - Feb 2020 ABOUTWith over 15 years of experience in the customer service industry, I have developed strong skills in customer relationship management, analytical thinking, and problem-solving. I am passionate about delivering excellent customer service and exceeding expectations, whether in retail or manufacturing settings.As a customer service manager at Kohl's, I supervised and trained the POS/CS teams, managed the cash office functions, and achieved the credit goals. I also led by example and drove the customer service philosophies of Smile and Say Hi! and Yes We Can. As a customer service specialist at Vestil Manufacturing, I handled customer inquiries, orders, and complaints, using CRM software and data analysis tools. I also maintained a clean, healthy, and safe environment for all individuals under my care as a direct support professional at ResCare. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Based on the analysis of various LinkedIn profiles belonging to individuals who studied General Studies, it's clear that a diverse range of career paths has emerged from this educational background. Many graduates have found work in fields such as education, customer service, management, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. While some positions directly utilize specific skills and knowledge acquired from General Studies, many others do not explicitly require expertise from this degree program.
Education-related roles are among the most prominent for General Studies graduates. Positions such as teachers, tutors, and educational coordinators leverage skills learned in their studies, emphasizing communication, pedagogy, and content knowledge across various subjects. For instance, numerous individuals have taken up teaching roles in elementary and middle schools where they apply the broad spectrum of knowledge obtained through their General Studies curriculum every day. This correlation between a General Studies degree and careers in education demonstrates that the degree encompasses valuable methodologies for effective teaching and student engagement.
However, many graduates moved into jobs where the relevance of their General Studies background is more tenuous. Roles in customer service, sales, and management, while drawing on transferable skills like communication and problem-solving, often emphasize practical experience over theoretical knowledge gained from a General Studies degree. For example, many took on positions as sales representatives or customer service agents, highlighting interpersonal skills but lacking direct ties to their academic training. This suggests that while General Studies can provide a broad base of skills, many employers in these fields place more importance on experience and specific job-related skills rather than a specific academic focus.
Additionally, certain sectors like healthcare have seen General Studies graduates employed in support roles, such as administrative assistants or patient coordinators. These roles may require general organizational skills and an understanding of human behavior but often do not demand the in-depth knowledge associated with a focused degree in health-related fields. Overall, while some jobs do effectively utilize the interdisciplinary knowledge from a General Studies education, many others rely on a mix of customer service skills, operational competence, and real-world experiences that transcend the specifics of the degree.
In conclusion, while many graduates of General Studies find themselves in education-related positions where their degree is highly relevant, a significant number enter various fields where the connection to their academic background is much less direct. This reflects the adaptability of a General Studies degree but also points to the importance of additional experiences and competencies when pursuing certain career paths. Subsequently, graduates may benefit from actively seeking roles that align more closely with their studies to enhance the relevance of their degrees in the job market.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for General Studies graduates:
Taking a look at the career trajectories of individuals who graduated with a degree in General Studies reveals a mix of paths, ranging from traditional fields to more unexpected roles. Initially, many graduates began their journeys in entry-level positions across various sectors, such as sales, teaching, and food service. For instance, one graduate from Southern Maine Community College started as a cook and worked their way up to project management within a few years, which suggests that hands-on experience and adaptability can lead to upward career mobility even starting without a specialized degree.
As we look five to ten years post-graduation, we see some individuals successfully transitioned into more established roles. For example, some found themselves in management positions, such as project managers or department heads, while others dove into more niche fields like education, marketing, and even specialized healthcare roles. However, it’s also evident that some graduates experienced stagnation or were not able to leverage their General Studies degree into a niche that aligns with their academic background. Many ended up in various customer service roles or jobs that don't seem inherently related to their area of study, like retail and food services, indicating some of the struggles faced by graduates in finding a rewarding career path from a General Studies program.
In a broader assessment, it appears that a General Studies degree can set up diverse career options but may lead to mixed results in achieving positions directly tied to their studies. Graduates might find satisfying roles, but it often requires a willingness to step into different industries or the pursuit of additional education or certifications to break into competitive fields. Ultimately, while some graduates harness their General Studies foundation effectively, others illustrate the challenges of navigating the job market without specialized training or clear direct application of their degree. The paths vary significantly and highlight the importance of practical experience, networking, and ongoing professional development in shaping successful career outcomes.
A Bachelor’s degree in General Studies can be on the easier side compared to more specialized degrees, but that doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park. It’s designed to be flexible and covers a wide range of subjects, which can be great if you’re indecisive or just want to explore different interests. However, that also means you might have to juggle a variety of topics and assignments, which can feel overwhelming at times. Overall, if you stay organized and keep up with your coursework, it’s definitely manageable, but it still requires effort and engagement like any other degree.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in General Studies.
When looking at the job trajectories of these General Studies graduates, it's clear that as diverse as their career paths are, they seem to be on a range of income prospects. Graduates like the one from Indiana University who moved into management positions or those working in higher education and specialized roles, like analysts and account managers, likely have salaries that fit into a comfortable range, suggesting they are earning decent money. Conversely, many others, particularly those in teaching or entry-level positions in retail, may not be pulling in as much. Their financial growth in the coming years will greatly depend on their ability to climb the ranks or switch industries.
Overall, it can be said that career progression varies significantly across different fields. While some graduates have landed roles indicative of greater financial success, others may need to seek further opportunities to boost their earning potential. It’s worth noting that success isn’t always about money; job satisfaction and work-life balance also play crucial roles in defining a successful career. So while some are doing well financially, others are finding fulfillment in their roles, which is equally important.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in General Studies. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in General Studies (ordered by the average relevance score of their General Studies graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Southeastern Louisiana University
|
69 | 10 |
 University of Louisiana at Lafayette
|
62 | 16 |
 Western Illinois University
|
59 | 10 |
 Eastern Illinois University
|
59 | 12 |
 University of North Texas
|
58 | 14 |
 Eastern Kentucky University
|
57 | 13 |
 University of Central Oklahoma
|
55 | 15 |
 Texas Woman's University
|
53 | 10 |
 Southern New Hampshire University
|
52 | 17 |
 Columbia College
|
45 | 18 |
 Ball State University
|
34 | 11 |