One of the most common questions college students face is, “Does my major determine my career?” It’s a fair question—after all, choosing a major often feels like picking a future. But the truth, particularly within a liberal arts context like Amherst College, is much more nuanced and liberating.
The Myth of the “Right” Major
Let’s bust a myth right from the start: there is no single, predetermined path from your college major to your career. In fact, for most students, especially those attending liberal arts institutions, your major doesn’t determine your job—it’s just one component of your broader educational journey.
According to Emily Tareila, Program Director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Internship Program, at Amherst College, every student graduates with a Bachelor of Arts degree, regardless of whether they majored in biochemistry, English, psychology, or classics. This means that all Amherst graduates hold the same degree title on paper. What differentiates them is how they spent their time—what they studied, thought critically, and developed the essential skills employers seek.
What Employers Are Looking For
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) surveys hiring managers annually to determine the most demanding skills. These aren’t specific to any major but reflect broader competencies developed through rigorous academic and extracurricular engagement. The top 10 skills employers consistently seek include:
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Written communication skills
- Initiative
- Strong work ethic
- Technical skills
- Verbal communication skills
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Analytical/quantitative skills
- Being detail-oriented and having interpersonal skills
Amherst students gain these skills through writing papers, engaging in debates, conducting research, participating in student organizations, and completing internships, not just through specific classes tied to their major.
Transferable Skills: The True Currency
Whether you’re analyzing a poem in an English seminar, conducting a biology experiment, or preparing a presentation for an economics course, you are developing transferable skills. These are abilities that apply across many careers and industries. Think about the analytical rigor required to study philosophy, the communication precision needed in writing workshops, or the data analysis techniques honed in psychology labs—these skills can map to roles in business, government, healthcare, technology, media, and beyond.
What’s powerful about a liberal arts education is that it teaches students how to learn, adapt, and think logically across disciplines. These traits are invaluable in a workforce that is evolving at an unprecedented pace.
Graduate School and Long-Term Career Trajectories
Emily Tareila also notes that over 80% of Amherst graduates go on to pursue graduate degrees. These programs allow students to build on their liberal arts foundation and develop more specialized expertise. This trend reflects a broader pattern in the workforce: rather than entering a profession with all the necessary technical knowledge, students often pursue further education or certifications to deepen their qualifications.
For example, students interested in medical careers are not limited to biology or chemistry majors. Dean Aronson, Program Director, Careers in Health Professions at Amherst, points out that students majoring in the humanities have a slightly higher acceptance rate to medical school than their STEM counterparts. That’s because medical schools, like many employers, value well-rounded, articulate, and thoughtful individuals who bring diverse perspectives to complex problems.
Career Flexibility and Agility
One of the defining traits of Amherst students—and liberal arts students in general—is their ability to be agile in the face of change. They are trained to think creatively, act strategically, and adapt to new situations. In a world where industries constantly shift and new roles emerge (think AI ethics consultant or sustainability data analyst), pivoting is more valuable than following a predetermined path.
Many people will change careers several times throughout their lives. The major you choose at 19 does not lock you into a single career path for the next 40 years. What matters more is your ability to learn continuously, network effectively, and apply your skills in new contexts.
Finding Your Fit
Your major can still be essential to your journey—it doesn’t need to define the destination. If you love studying literature, pursue it. If chemistry makes you curious about the world’s workings, go for it. The key is to choose a major that you find intellectually engaging and personally meaningful. Passion leads to persistence, and persistence often leads to success.
If your dream job requires specific technical knowledge, say, becoming a French translator, but you haven’t studied French, then yes, you’ll need to take additional steps. But those steps are almost always achievable, especially if you’ve developed the habits of a successful learner during your college years.
The Role of the Career Center and Mentors
Finally, it’s essential to remember that you’re not navigating this journey alone. At Amherst, students work closely with career advisors who help them articulate their skills and experiences in ways that resonate with employers. Whether it’s crafting a compelling resume, preparing for interviews, or networking with alumni, the support system is in place to help students connect their academic experiences to professional opportunities.
Students are also encouraged to activate their community networks, an invaluable asset when exploring new industries or looking for mentors in a particular field. These relationships can open doors and offer insight far more influential than a line on a transcript.
In Conclusion: Your Major Matters, But It’s Not Everything
So, how important is your major in finding a job? It’s a piece of the puzzle, but not the whole picture. In a liberal arts context like Amherst, your major is a platform for growth, not a boundary. The skills you cultivate, the relationships you build, and the experiences you pursue are just as, if not more, important than the title of your degree.
Ultimately, success in the workplace depends less on what you majored in and more on how you approach your work, your ability to keep learning, and your willingness to adapt. So choose a major that challenges and inspires you and trust that the rest will follow.
