The Paradox of Marketability: Degree Utilization and Labor Market Outcomes by College Field of Study

• In Event: Higher Education, Belonging, and Employment

Abstract

Scholars often assume employment premiums for “practical disciplines” are a result of a match between degree-field skills and occupational task requirements but have yet to empirically establish this match. Based on 176 longitudinal in-depth interviews of college seniors and recent graduates, I evaluate the connection between graduates’ learning, job tasks, and employment outcomes. Findings indicate that many practical arts alumni land “good” jobs after graduation—yet undertake clerical work. Meanwhile, even when liberal arts majors use specific classroom learning on-the-job, they often lack high salaries. I reveal a paradox of marketability: the most marketable graduates do not necessarily utilize their skills at work, and the least marketable students do not usually receive gainful employment despite often demonstrating their skills to employers.

Author

• Corey Moss-Pech, University of Michigan