"I Get Called Donut Boy"—College Graduates Reveal How Their Jobs Differ From Their Degrees

Many people are starting to think about how their college education aligns with the jobs they have today. For many graduates, what they studied in school doesn't connect with what they do for a living. This mismatch raises essential questions about whether college prepares students for real-world work.

Many students choose their majors based on what they enjoy rather than what might lead to a good job. While studying something you love is great, it can be frustrating when graduates realize their degree doesn't help them earn enough money.

A recent TikTok post by Andre White sparked a trend where people share their stories about their degrees and jobs, illustrating how common this problem is. Many college programs don't teach students the practical skills they need for their careers.

Many people believe the education system needs improvement, as it often leaves graduates feeling unprepared for the jobs they want. This can lead to feelings of disappointment, even after investing time and money in their studies.

In addition, the burden of student loan debt complicates matters even further. With rising tuition costs, many students graduate with heavy financial responsibilities. This pressure often forces them to take jobs that don’t match their interests or fields of study, which can create a sense of unhappiness and disconnection.

This conversation is gaining significant attention on social media, with many people sharing their experiences. Here's a look at some of the responses.

“In college, I was a communications major, and now I’m depressed.”

TikTok

Anthropology, Archeology, and History.

“In college, I majored in Anthropology, Archeology, and got a minor in History. I was a published archeologist by age 21, and I made the Dean's List every single semester. Now, two years later, my nickname is ‘dumb bitch’ at a restaurant, and I get reprimanded constantly by the people around me for being stupid.”TikTok

Bachelor's in Behavioral Science.

“I got my associate's in General Studies, my bachelor's in Behavioral Science, my master's in Administration of Human Services, and now I’m a stripper.”TikTok

Mismatch and Career Choices

Dr. Yong Zhao, an education expert, emphasizes that many students choose their majors based on passion rather than market demand. He argues that this often leads to a disconnect between education and employment.

According to Zhao, this mismatch can be mitigated by integrating career counseling into the academic curriculum. He suggests students should have access to resources that provide insights on job market trends alongside their academic pursuits, ensuring a more holistic view of their education's potential.

The Importance of Lifelong Learning

Daniel Pink, author and business thinker, highlights the necessity of lifelong learning in today's rapidly evolving job market. He emphasizes that graduates should view their education as just the beginning of their learning journey.

Pink recommends that individuals continually seek out new skills and knowledge through online courses, workshops, and professional development. This commitment to growth can significantly enhance career prospects and adaptability, ultimately leading to more fulfilling professional experiences.

Special Ed

“I was a Special Ed major in college. Now I’m a career planner in the Marine Corps, so I’m using my education to the fullest extent.”TikTok

Bachelor's in Childhood Education.

“I’m graduating next May with my bachelor's in Childhood Education, but I make self-defense keychains, and this is going to be my full-time job when I graduate.”TikTok

Psychology.

“I majored in Psychology, and now I go to therapy.”TikTok

Cal Newport, a productivity expert, highlights the importance of building skills that are relevant to the job market regardless of one’s degree. He encourages students to focus on developing transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.

Newport believes that these skills are invaluable and can lead to various job opportunities. He recommends internships and volunteer work as practical approaches to gain experience and enhance employability, thus bridging the gap between education and real-world applications.

A degree in Financial Management.

“Believe it or not, I got a degree in Financial Management. My Asian parents told me to study money to make a lot of money. Of course, I listened to them, did everything right, but found out 10 years later that I was so unhappy. After 10 years in that blood-sucking, boring job, I quit and started a meal prep company.”TikTok

Mechanical Engineering.

“Well, I dropped out of college, but while I was there, I majored in Mechanical Engineering and had a double minor in Physics and Computer Design and Manufacturing. Now I get paid to be an idiot on the internet.”TikTok

Degree in Advertising and Public Relations.

“I originally went to my local community college and got my associate's degree in Liberal Arts. Then I transferred to Temple University on a full academic scholarship and got my Journalism degree. Ultimately, I graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations and a minor in Statistics…And now I sell compromising videos and photos of myself online and tell people how to have sex.”TikTok

The Role of Networking

Networking plays a crucial role in career success, according to Gary Vaynerchuk, an entrepreneur and business leader. Vaynerchuk explains that personal connections often open doors that formal education cannot.

He advises graduates to actively engage with professionals in their desired fields through social media platforms like LinkedIn. By building a personal brand and connecting with mentors, individuals can create opportunities that align more closely with their interests and skills, ultimately enhancing their career trajectories.

Electrical Engineering

“I majored in Electrical Engineering, and now I am an Electrical Engineer. Y’all really hate on STEM majors until we all have jobs!”TikTok

Bachelor's in General Arts with a minor in Philosophy.

“I completed my bachelor's in General Arts with a minor in Philosophy, I have my paralegal license from the Law Society of Ontario, and I did my master's in Public Policy with a focus on Law. I currently tell people not to murder each other on the internet and sell weasel-themed merchandise.”TikTok

Psychology.

“I studied Psychology in the hopes of helping crazy people. Now I sit in a forest playing music on a UFO, talking to people who don’t exist. And I realize I’m the crazy one.”TikTok

Dr. Angela Duckworth, known for her research on grit, emphasizes the significance of perseverance in achieving career success. She argues that success often comes from sustained effort and resilience rather than merely having the right degree.

Duckworth suggests graduates should cultivate a growth mindset, focusing on learning and improvement over time. This approach enables them to adapt to various job roles and industries, making them more versatile candidates in the job market.

To play the harmonica.

“In college, I spent most of my time avoiding my studies and learning to play the harmonica. Today, I make my living playing the harmonica and am known as the grandmother of the harmonica.”TikTok

Majored in History and Kinesiology.

“I was a double major. I majored in History and Kinesiology. I wanted to be a professor. Now I work at a Chipotle, where I get in trouble for smacking bean bags, and then I work at a Krispy Kreme, where I get called ‘donut boy’ by adults.”TikTok

Early Childhood Education.

“I got my associate's in Early Childhood Education, then I was a dual major in English Composition and Criminal Justice, and I started my master's program in Criminology. But now I sell potato chips.”TikTok

Bridging the Gap with Internships

Experts encourage students to pursue internships as a means to align their education with career aspirations. Dr. Madeline Levine, a psychologist, stresses that practical experience can significantly enhance employability.

Levine recommends that educational institutions collaborate with businesses to create internship programs that allow students to gain hands-on experience while still in school. This proactive approach not only enriches a student’s resume but also helps them better understand the demands of their chosen field, ultimately leading to better job satisfaction.

Theater – Acting.

“I majored in Theater – Acting. And I act like I give a damn every single day of my goddamn life.”TikTok

Criminal Justice and Sociology with a minor in Psychology.

“I double majored in Criminal Justice and Sociology with a minor in Psychology. Now I’m a middle school math teacher.”TikTok

Computer Science Degree.

“I went to college to get a Computer Science degree to make video games. Now I educate people on autism and motivate them through public speaking.”TikTok

Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, notes that the current educational system often emphasizes grades over experiential learning. He argues that this can lead to anxiety and disillusionment among students when they enter the workforce.

Haidt advocates for a more balanced approach, where emotional intelligence and social skills are prioritized alongside academic achievements. This shift could better prepare students for the interpersonal dynamics of the workplace, fostering a more collaborative and innovative work environment.

Many are concerned about the gap between college degrees and real job opportunities. As people reflect on their education, it’s clear that colleges need to rethink how they prepare students for the workforce.

Schools should focus on helping students secure rewarding careers that offer financial stability. While pursuing personal passions is vital, it’s equally essential for colleges to align their programs with employer needs.

Ongoing conversations around this issue suggest that meaningful changes are possible, which could enable future graduates to thrive without the weight of debt.

Research-Based Understanding

Incorporating expert insights reveals that aligning education with career paths involves more than simply choosing the right major. By leveraging resources and focusing on skill development, networking, and experiential learning, graduates can better navigate their career journeys.

As Dr. Angela Duckworth states, cultivating a growth mindset and resilience is crucial in this process. Embracing lifelong learning and seeking internships can also bridge the gap between education and employment, fostering a more satisfying and successful career trajectory.