What Careers Can I Pursue with a General Studies Degree?

<h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p>The options available to students with general studies degrees depend on what kind of degree the student has. An applicant with an associate's degree might need to find work in an entry-level position and accumulate work experience, whereas students with a bachelor's degree may already be qualified for certain positions </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutCareersInThisField">Important Facts About Careers in This Field</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th></th><th>Child Care Worker</th><th>Graphic Designer</th><th>Advertising Sales Agent </th><th> Photographer</th></tr> <tr><td>Key Skills </td><td> Communication, patience, leadership </td><td> Artistic creativity, familiarity with design software </td><td> Organization, teamwork</td><td>knowledge of cameras, sharp eye</td></tr> <tr><td>Work Environment </td><td> School or childcare center </td><td> Office setting </td><td> Office setting</td><td>Outdoor/ Studio</td></tr> <tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 6% growth </td><td> 3% growth </td><td> 8% decline </td><td> 9% growth</td></tr> <tr><td>Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $27,490 </td><td> $50,710 </td><td> $52,340 </td><td> $38,950</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---CareerOptionsWithAssociateSAndBachelorSDegrees">Career Options with Associate's and Bachelor's Degrees</h3> <h3 id="section---AssociateSDegreeChildCareWorker">Associate's Degree: Child Care Worker</h3> <p>With this degree, you might go on to become a child care worker in a daycare setting. You could oversee the daily activities of children in your care. This includes ensuring that play areas are safe and that children receive nutritious meals. You would also be responsible for communicating daily with parents regarding behavior and activities. According to a May 2021 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for this profession was $27,490 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <h3 id="section---AssociateSDegreeAdvertisingSalesAgent">Associate's Degree: Advertising Sales Agent</h3> <p>As an advertising sales agent, you would work to build new clients and sales accounts. You would be tasked with making sales presentations and convincing clients that your company's services are beneficial to them. Essentially, you might provide them with ways to promote their businesses or services by selling advertising space. The BLS noted in May 2021 that the median annual wage for this profession was $52,340. </p> <h3 id="section---BachelorSDegreeGraphicDesigner">Bachelor's Degree: Graphic Designer</h3> <p>In this capacity, you might work for an advertising company or a website developer. Clients might hire you to create logos, advertisements and other business materials. Other duties in graphic design might include drawing up proofs and editing to fit the client's needs. To accomplish these tasks, it might be necessary to use computer graphics combined with photography, animation and other illustration as well as print and layout techniques. In May 2021, the BLS indicated that the median annual wage for graphic designers was $50,710. </p> <h3 id="section---BachelorSDegreePhotographer">Bachelor's Degree: Photographer</h3> <p>As a photographer, you could take photos of families or capture weddings and other special occasions. Opportunities might also exist with newspapers, magazines or other media outlets. In addition, you could pursue employment at a photography company or you might freelance. You'll need to be familiar with lighting and possess working knowledge of proofing, developing and editing techniques. Having solid knowledge of cameras and related equipment is essential, as is having a sharp eye so as capture the right scenes and imagery. The BLS indicated in a May 2021 report that the median annual wage for photographers was $38,950.</p>