General vs. Honours Degree: What Helps You Get a Job?
Does the type of college degree you get really help you find a job? We often hear about "General degrees" and "Honours degrees." But what is the actual difference between them? And which one is better for getting hired today?
Understanding the Difference
- An Honours degree means you study one main subject very deeply. You take fewer different courses but learn a lot more about your chosen field. It often includes more homework, research, and specific tests.
- A General degree (or Program degree) lets you study a mix of subjects. You learn a bit about many areas. This degree is good if you want to explore different interests or keep many job options open.
People sometimes think an Honours degree is more "serious." But the truth is, the difference only matters in certain situations.
When an Honours Degree is Very Useful
In some cases, an Honours degree can give you a clear advantage:
- Higher Studies and Research: If you want to study for a Master's degree, a PhD, or work in research, especially abroad, an Honours degree often helps you get in. Many universities want to see that you have studied one subject very deeply and done research.
- Specific Jobs: For certain jobs in fields like economics, psychology, physics, maths, or literature, having studied one subject in great detail (Honours) can be better. For example, an Honours graduate in economics might have an edge for a job in policy or research.
- Tough Exams: Some difficult exams or special scholarships might prefer Honours graduates, especially when they test deep knowledge of a subject.
Here, the Honours degree is not just a fancy name. It shows you are well-prepared for specific paths.
When Employers Don't Care About the Degree Name
For many jobs, especially outside of very academic or specialized areas, employers don't really care if you have an Honours or a General degree. This is true for jobs in:
- Marketing and Sales
- Business Operations and Support
- Human Resources (HR)
- Communications and Media
What they care about is how ready you are for the job.
What Employers Really Look For
Employers want to see practical skills and experience. For example:
- Internships and Work Experience: A student with a General degree who has done two good internships often does better than an Honours graduate with no real work experience.
- Skills: Can you write clearly? Can you use tools like Excel, Canva, or basic coding? These skills are often more important than the degree title.
- Problem-Solving: Can you think and solve problems?
- Understanding the Role: Do you clearly understand what the job is about and why you want it?
For Start-ups and Creative Jobs
Start-ups often look for people who are skilled, have a good attitude, and can learn new things quickly. They like candidates who have "done things" (projects, freelance work) rather than just studied theory. Your projects, freelance experience, and a portfolio of your work matter a lot.
In media, writing, and design jobs (like journalism, content writing, digital marketing), your actual work matters most. Editors want to see your writing samples, published articles, or past campaign work. They don't usually ask if your degree was Honours or General.
What Recruiters See First in Your Resume
When someone looks at your resume (CV) for the first time, they often spend less than a minute. In that short time, these three things are key:
- Skills You Can Use: Can you write well? Can you look at numbers and understand them? Can you use computer programs like Excel, Canva, or tools for online search (SEO)? These practical skills are often more important than the word "honours" in your degree name.
- Real-World Experience: Internships, part-time jobs, campus projects, or volunteer work are very important. A student with a General degree who did many of these things often has more to show than an Honours student who didn't.
- Clear Goals: Employers like candidates who know why they want a job. If you can clearly explain your interest and how you have prepared, it shows you are serious, no matter your degree type.
The Truth About Degrees in India
Many Honours degrees in India promise deep learning. But sometimes, their course materials are old, teachers are very busy, and there isn't much connection with real companies. On the other hand, many General degree students build strong skills outside of class. They do online courses, join competitions, get internships, and work on their own projects.
Employers know about this. So, they often look at each student's skills and experience, not just the name of their degree or college.
What Students Should Ask Themselves
Instead of asking which degree sounds better, students should ask these important questions:
- What kinds of jobs do I really want to do?
- Will this degree give me time to do internships and learn new skills?
- Are the teachers good at this college? Does the college connect with companies, not just the course name?
- Will I enjoy studying one subject very deeply for three years?
The Main Point
For many years, students in India were told that an Honours degree was the best and safest choice. It sounded harder and looked better. But today's job market is different. Employers don't just hire based on the degree name.
There is no single "best" degree. There is only the degree that is best for you.
Employers are not choosing between an Honours or General degree. They are choosing between students who are prepared and those who are not.
Your degree might help you get an interview. But your skills and performance will help you get the job and keep it.
In today's job world, the smartest degree is the one you learn to use well.
