It was recently announced that the UK’s top employers are planning on increasing their number of graduate jobs by 9.1% in 2019 – that’s over 1800 additional jobs compared to 2018.
Positive news for graduates? Absolutely. But do you ever find yourself wondering if your degree subject will hold you back against the competition, that you’d have been better off doing Medicine, or Computer Science?
Well, it’s time to challenge that thought. There’s mounting evidence that your Social Science degree stands you in good stead to make the most of the jobs of the future.
Here are three stand out reasons you should be feeling confident:
1. You’re employable in a range of sectors and roles
Most graduate roles are open to all degree disciplines and, in professions that once required specialist knowledge (finance, law, technology), employers are increasingly seeking a diverse workforce and providing on-the-job training. That’s why last year’s graduates from your Faculty are now working in a total of 27 different sectors, in a wide range of roles. If you need more convincing, take a look for yourself on the Careers Service website. This means that whether you want to be using your subject knowledge or have a passion for something entirely unrelated to your degree, you’ve got a wealth of options to explore.
2. You bring a unique perspective and set of skills
Not only are you developing skills employers want – communication, analysis, problem-solving – you are doing so in a context that sets you apart. A report by the British Academy concluded that it’s your understanding of the ‘human dimension’ in which these skills are applied that will make you unique. Not to mention having a grasp of the big social, economic and political challenges that society faces. It’s no wonder 44% of global leaders have a social science degree. Quote that next time someone asks you ‘So what are you going to do with that?’.
3. The future’s not all about STEM
Technology is transforming the way we live and work – automation, robotics, AI, the list goes on. But that doesn’t mean it’s only STEM students who are in demand, or that all the jobs will be for programmers. On the contrary, research shows that the jobs of the future are going to need people from a broad range of subject areas, and that it’s actually going to be the ‘softer skills’ mentioned above that are essential to manage and thrive in technological transformation.
So, are you ready to explore where you will make your mark?
Come to ‘Social Science and Law Careers and Professional Engagement Week’ to hear from professionals using their subject in a range of organisations and roles.
Plus, there will be practical advice on ‘how to get in’, workshops to develop your confidence and problem-solving skills, mini mock interviews with employers, and more. Click here for the programme and to register to attend.