4 Types of Jobs Based on Educational Background: Do They Really Need to Match?

4 Types of Jobs Based on Educational Background: Do They Really Need to Match?

Does your college major need to align with your profession? The answer varies, as there are several types of jobs based on educational background. Let's break it down into four categories:

1. Jobs Open to Any Major but Require Specific Skills or Certifications

Examples: Journalist, editor, presenter, chef, stylist, photographer, director, writer, makeup artist, musician, etc.

These jobs focus more on specific skills than your college major. While many of these positions may require at least a diploma or a bachelor's degree, the field of study isn’t always strict. 

Take being a journalist or photographer, for instance. What’s important is your ability to write, capture interesting perspectives, and have photography skills. You don’t necessarily need a degree in Journalism or Photography to get hired. 

When applying for these roles, having a strong portfolio, internships, courses, workshops, or certifications can be a huge advantage. That said, your degree can still be a bonus. For example, if you studied Indonesian Literature, it could help you as a writer. If you majored in Economics or Engineering, you might be better equipped to write about those subjects.

2. Jobs Open to Any Major and Can Be Learned on the Job

Examples: Marketing, public relations, secretary, management roles, entrepreneurship.

Have you ever seen job listings that say, "Open to all D3/S1 majors"? And there’s no specific skill or certification required? These are the kinds of jobs almost anyone can apply for. Once hired, fresh graduates usually undergo training that can last a month, three months, or even a year. 

In these cases, your major isn’t as important as your willingness to learn on the job.

3. Jobs That Usually Require Specific Majors

Examples: Diplomat, teacher, lecturer, HR specialist, finance department, chemical production, programmer, computer network architect, oil drilling specialist, mechanical expert, interior designer, product designer, etc.

When companies post job openings for these roles, they usually expect candidates with specific degrees. For instance, HR positions might require a degree in Psychology, IT roles look for Technology-related degrees, and interior design jobs often require an Interior Design or Architecture background.

4. Jobs That Require Specific Majors and Education Levels

Examples: Doctor, specialist doctor, architect, nurse, psychologist, psychiatrist, public accountant, pharmacist, lawyer, notary, soldier, etc.

These jobs must be filled by individuals who meet the education and experience requirements for the profession. For instance, to become a doctor, you need to complete a medical degree, pass exams, take an oath, and complete an internship. Similarly, to become a lawyer, law graduates must complete the Advocates Professional Special Education Program, intern at a law firm for two years, and be sworn in by the high court.

This type of profession cannot be done by just anyone—there can even be legal consequences if someone unqualified tries to perform these jobs. 

On the other hand, entrepreneurship is more flexible. A Naval Engineering graduate could become a livestock feed business owner, or a banking graduate could be a blogger. However, this depends on the type of business you’re starting. For example, you can’t open a psychological counseling service unless you’re a licensed psychologist. But you could partner with a psychologist and handle the business side of things.

So, which of these types of jobs are you most interested in?