Why a degree matters
College degrees are a great personal accomplishment and, as an employer, you could potentially use them as indicators for a candidate’s success. However, it’s important to note that degrees are just one piece of the much larger recruiting puzzle. In some cases, a bias toward candidates with degrees may actually put your company at a disadvantage. For example, a candidate fresh out of college may have a degree, but very minimal practical experience compared to another candidate with no degree.
When evaluating candidates, you’ll want to consider other important metrics, including how many years of experience they have and any skills they’ve acquired over time. Even without a degree, a candidate with multiple years of experience in a position could be easier to onboard and may be able to get up to speed faster.
Of course, there are instances where degrees are absolutely necessary. However, these are usually for highly specialized roles, such as a doctor, lawyer or engineer. In these cases, you’ll want to put a much more concentrated focus on the candidate’s degrees.
Types of majors: an employer’s guide
While some skills are universal among degree holders, others are exclusive to certain majors. Depending on the qualities you value most in an employee, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the strengths of each degree. To help you determine which degrees may be most useful in your industry, here are some types of majors to consider along with their unique benefits.
Fine arts
In an age where technology reigns supreme, it’s easy to assume that arts-related majors lack the skills necessary to compete with scientific degree holders. In reality, candidates with a degree in the arts are often equipped with a range of capabilities that prove useful in all sorts of industries.
A fine arts education typically places much emphasis on critical thinking. Students are expected to analyze and compare ideas across disciplines, making connections and broadening their knowledge in the process. Additionally, those who major in the arts are often more inclined to think creatively, which may give them a competitive edge when it comes to innovation.
Because an artistic education promotes such versatile skills, these degrees can be extremely valuable in many industries—the scientific and entrepreneurial fields included. Some common arts degrees you might find on a resume are:
- Architectural design
- Comparative literature
- English
- Digital arts
- Design
- Art history
- Music
Environmental
As the effects of climate change become more widely recognized, many companies are looking to develop sustainable business practices. For this reason, a growing number of employers are seeking those with a degree in environmental studies.
A candidate with this type of degree is likely to have the skills needed to evaluate industry processes on a broader scale. They might also be able to provide solutions related to resource allocation and supply chain issues. Additionally, they may bring extensive knowledge of environmental risks and dangers—necessary information for employers wishing to shift to an eco-friendly business model.
Environmental degrees come in a variety of specializations. Some of the most common are:
- Biology
- Geology
- Astronomy
- Environmental science
- Aquatic science
- Resource management
- Marine biology
- Ecology
Science and mathematics
Degree programs centered around math and science can be among the most competitive to enter—and for good reason. These majors can equip students with some of the most valuable skills in the professional world.
Math or science majors often have extensive knowledge relating to their chosen area of study. This can be ideal for highly technical positions that require a certain level of expertise. Additionally, these graduates often have strong analytical minds, which can them well-suited for problem-solving, troubleshooting and logical discussion.
From lab work to number-crunching, there are countless possible applications for math and science degrees. Here are some common majors to look for:
- Chemistry
- Applied math
- Forensics
- Nutritional science
- Kinesiology
- Psychology
- Physiology
- Statistics
- Physics
- Medical technology
Engineering and technology
Over the past few decades, engineering and technology have shot to the forefront of the academic world. With technology advancing at a tremendous rate, many companies are eager to hire team members who can keep up.
Because these fields are so competitive, candidates who majored in engineering or technology are likely to be ambitious and self-starters. While these majors involve much technical instruction, they also leave room for plenty of creativity. This can make for employees who are both analytical and innovative thinkers. Additionally, these degree holders are often skilled at tackling detailed issues while keeping big-picture goals in mind.
Some engineering and technology majors include:
- Aeronautics
- Bioengineering
- Computer science
- Civil engineering
- Technical communication
- Mechanical engineering
- Electrical engineering
Business
If you’re looking for someone to take on a leadership role within your organization, a business major might be the right fit. These degree programs tend to combine their focus on technical skills like accounting with more creative endeavors such as business management. This can result in candidates who not only have a strong foundation of industry knowledge but also the soft skills necessary to build a strong team.
Those with a business-related degree typically have a strong entrepreneurial spirit. They’re likely ambitious and eager to experiment with new paths to success. They may also be natural leaders who can identify their team’s strengths and use them to the fullest. Some popular business majors are:
- Business administration
- Accounting
- Finance
- Business management
- Marketing
- Advertising
- Construction management
- Economics
- Industrial engineering
Languages and social sciences
In an age where consumers and businesses can communicate with just the press of a button, language and social science majors can provide employees with a valuable set of skills.
Those who study subjects such as communications or linguistics tend to have a good grasp of interpersonal skills, which can make them ideal for customer-facing roles or in the development of a brand’s voice. Additionally, foreign language majors may help companies access a wider audience—one that transcends language barriers.
Degrees like sociology and political science may also be useful in today’s workforce, as they can give employees the tools needed to evaluate a company’s external impact and messaging. In this field of study, some common majors include:
- City planning
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Education
- Foreign languages
- Political science
- Linguistics
- Sociology
- History
- Geography
Determining the right majors for your industry
With so many types of majors to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which ones align best with your industry. During the hiring process, it’s a good idea to identify the most valuable skills for each position. From there, you can evaluate the benefits of each major to reveal which one is the best match.
Knowing the value of different types of majors can make it easier to evaluate candidates and determine which ones are likely to be the right fit for a position. It can allow you to gain better insight into your applicants before you even meet them.
