To find out openings, generalists can take assistance from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the US Department of Labor. It lists many of the accepted job titles and their salaries.
BLS statistics reveal that there are not many lucrative occupational categories for liberal arts majors. With a degree in medieval history, what career can you find? You better take an advanced degree in the subject you love and take a teaching job.
According to the BLS, the most lucrative jobs for those who have non-specialized majors fall in the fields of real estate, management, business and finance and sales.
Real estate: Salaries in real estate are modest at the entry level, but they go up gradually. Real estate brokers get a median salary of around $55,000.
Management: Hundreds of job categories in the field of management really don't need a degree in management. In fact, millions of managers are there in this sector and salaries depend on the industry. For example a fast-food restaurant manager earns around $20,000 and a top HR manager may get a salary close to $100,000.
Business and finance: Liberal arts degree holders can aspire for a job in the field of business and finance. But there is tough competition with those who have specialized degrees in business, finance and economics. Of course, even a history major may land a job as a financial advisor job that gives a salary of around $65,000. A beginner won't get that much, but over a period he can reach that figure.
Sales: Sales jobs may be anywhere in the range of $20,000 and six figures. They may be most risky and at the same time most lucrative and rewarding. If you have the right skills set, sky is the limit.
Other options: Communications jobs have strong earning potential. For instance, PR specialists can get over $52,000. Administrative support professionals and executive secretaries get round about $43,000 and the top 10 percent may reach $67,000 range. It is interesting to see that one of the better paying occupational areas doesn't need a degree. Construction jobs are also attractive.
Many of the high-paying careers require specialized education. Those fields are accounting, architecture, IT, law, and healthcare.
The needed skills: What makes you most marketable to enter real estate or sales? Here is the skills list: Initiative, self-confidence, leadership, compatibility, positive attitude, social skills/interests/involvement, and integrity and communication skills.
While moving from the student to employee level, liberal arts grads have to develop these skills. In effect, college education leads you to the occupation you choose.
