Looking for a career change and wondering what's an actually useful master's degree to get?
I've worked in restaurants for about a decade now. Bussing, food running, expo, serving onto bartending for the last 5 years. I graduated from college with a degree in Applied and Resource Economics in 2022 and was looking for careers right out of school with no luck. Just wondering where to go from here?

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It’s great that you’re thinking about your next step, but a master’s degree may not be the first or best move right away. You already have a strong degree in Applied and Resource Economics, plus a decade of real-world experience in fast-paced, customer-focused environments. That combination is more valuable than it might feel right now.

Instead of immediately going back to school, it may be worth exploring roles that align with your degree and transferable skills. For example, you could look into areas like business analysis, operations, logistics, data analysis, or even entry-level roles in finance, consulting, or corporate operations. Your experience in restaurants has built strong skills in communication, problem-solving, multitasking, and working under pressure, which are highly valued in many industries.

If, after exploring those options, you still feel like you need a master’s degree, then choosing one should be based on a clear career goal. Degrees in fields like business administration, data analytics, public policy, or supply chain management tend to be broadly useful, but only if they align with the job you want.

Right now, I’d focus on:
Updating your resume to highlight both your degree and transferable skills
Exploring entry-level or early-career roles in your field of interest
Networking and applying consistently
Possibly adding certifications (like Excel, data analysis, or project management) before committing to a full degree

A master’s can be helpful, but it works best when it supports a clear direction rather than being the starting point.

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The reason I'm interested in learning about a master's degree is that it seems like the fields I want to break into have very few entry-level positions and loads of higher-up positions requiring 2-5+ years of experience. Even the jobs that have particular experience requirements of 2 years that I don’t meet, I still apply to, but with no luck.

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