What Kinds of Jobs Can You Get with a College Education?

One of the major benefits of acquiring a college education is having more jobs to choose from. Parents and students should talk about the kind of work that interests the student, and find out more about the kind of education that specific jobs require. For instance, some jobs require graduate degrees beyond the traditional four-year degree, such as a medical degree or a law degree. As students mature and learn about different opportunities, they may change their mind several times about the type of job they want to have. Changing your mind is nothing to worry about but not planning ahead is.

Examples of Jobs Requiring College Preparation

 

 

Two-Year College
(Associate Degree)

Four-Year College
(Bachelor's Degree)

More Than Four Years
(Various Graduate Degrees)

 

 

Computer Technician
Surveyor
Registered Nurse
Dental Hygienist
Medical Laboratory Technician
Commercial Artist
Hotel/Restaurant Manager
Engineering Technician
Automotive Mechanic
Administrative Assistant
Water and Wastewater Treatment
Plant Operator
Heating, Air-Conditioning,
and Refrigeration Technician

Teacher
Accountant
FBI Agent
Engineer
Journalist
Insurance Agent
Pharmacist
Computer Systems Analyst
Dietitian
Writer
Investment Banker
Graphic Designer
Social Worker
Public Relations Specialist

Lawyer
Doctor
Architect
Scientist
University Professor
Economist
Psychologist
Priest or Rabbi
Dentist
Veterinarian
Public Policy Analyst
Geologist
Zoologist
Management Consultant

 

Source: Compiled by the Planning and Evaluation Service of the U.S. Department of Education from various sources.