For years, students have been encouraged to choose college majors based on interest, academic strengths, and expected salary results. Engineering and computer science are often seen as safer bets because of strong demand and higher starting salaries, while humanities and social science degrees have faced questions about career prospects. However, as the job market changes, a new factor has become increasingly important: how many different career paths a degree can open up.With hiring for fresh graduates slowing down in industry, the value of a university degree can no longer depend only on the first job it brings, but also on how easily graduates can move between sectors. New data from LinkedIn suggests that versatility—the ability to apply skills across multiple industries—is emerging as a key advantage for young professionals entering a challenging employment landscape.According to LinkedIn data shared only with Forbesoverall intake is down from pre-pandemic levels, putting pressure on graduates from academic backgrounds. Forbes reported that LinkedIn analyzed the most common majors among recent bachelor’s degrees on its platform and examined both the hiring outlook in fields directly related to those degrees and the ability of graduates to transition into other industries.The results indicate an unexpected trend: some graduates in social sciences and humanities find opportunities because their skills, including communication, research, analysis and problem solving, can be applied in all sectors. Meanwhile, some specialized fields, including engineering and technology, have faced sharper declines in hiring related to their traditional career paths.
Versatility becomes a major factor in a slower job market
The changing employment landscape means that graduates may increasingly need to look beyond the traditional career path associated with their degree. A business graduate, for example, may move into marketing, consulting, operations or technology roles, while a social science graduate may find opportunities in research, policy, human resources, communications or business strategy.Forbes noted that while some technical fields continue to offer strong career opportunities, graduates with more specialized skills may have fewer immediate options when hiring slows in their core industries.LinkedIn’s analysis found that hiring of new college graduates for entry-level roles related to their majors declined in the 15 most common majors on the platform between December 2019 and April 2026.
The majors that saw the biggest drop in graduate hiring
Source: LinkedIn data cited by Forbes
Because humanities and social science degrees are gaining attention
The data highlights a shift in the way employers value graduate skills. Degrees that develop transferable skills – such as writing, communication, critical thinking and understanding human behavior – can provide pathways into many industries.Social sciences, psychology, communication and related fields can allow graduates to compete for roles beyond their traditional academic areas. As companies adapt to changing technologies and business models, employees who can analyze information, communicate effectively and work across functions are increasingly valued.This does not mean that technical degrees have lost their importance. Fields such as engineering and computer science will continue to play a major role in industries driven by technology and innovation. However, LinkedIn’s findings suggest that graduates could benefit from building additional skills that allow them to adapt when hiring conditions change.
What students should consider while choosing a major
Career experts are increasingly advising students to think beyond the first job after graduation. The long-term value of a degree can depend on whether it provides a basis for continuous learning and movement in the industry.Students choosing majors today may need to consider questions beyond salary expectations: Can this degree help build skills that employers value in all sectors? Can I combine it with digital skills, internship or practical experience? Does it give me flexibility if an industry slows down?As the graduate job market becomes more competitive, adaptability could become as important as the subject a student chooses to study.
