Last week, we talked about degrees that practically guarantee you a job after university. But let's keep it real—not every degree program is going to set you up for career success in Ghana's current job market. And if you're a senior high school student trying to figure out what to study, or you're already in university wondering if you picked the right course, this conversation is for you.
Look, we're not here to crush anyone's dreams. But in a country where youth unemployment is a real issue and parents are spending their life savings on university education, shouldn't we have an honest conversation about which degrees might leave you struggling to find work?
How to Spot a Degree That Might Not Deliver
Before we dive in, here are the warning signs that a degree might not be your best bet:
Very few companies are actually hiring people with that qualification
Most graduates end up working in completely different fields
You need a master's degree or PhD just to become employable
The field is so overcrowded that even excellent graduates struggle
Technology is slowly making those jobs obsolete
Success depends more on natural talent than what you learned in school
Sound familiar? Let's break down some specific examples.
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1. Anthropology or Archaeology
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The reality check: These subjects are fascinating if you love learning about human cultures and ancient civilizations. But here's the thing—where exactly are you going to work in Ghana?
The few museums we have are already understaffed and underfunded. The Ghana Museums and Monuments Board exists, but how many anthropologists do they really need? Meanwhile, our historical sites are often neglected or destroyed for real estate development. It's heartbreaking, but it's the reality.
Why it's tough: Most Ghanaians don't see the immediate value in studying ancient societies when we're dealing with unemployment and poor healthcare. Plus, these university departments are often operating with outdated equipment and minimal research funding.
The bottom line: It's not that these fields are worthless—they're just not supported by our current system. Until Ghana starts prioritizing cultural preservation and heritage tourism, graduates in these areas will continue to struggle.
2.Classics
What It Is: Think ancient Greek and Roman languages, philosophy, and literature. Sounds sophisticated, right?
The problem: In Ghana, many people question why we're spending years studying dead Europeans when we have pressing local challenges. It feels disconnected from African realities and comes across as a colonial leftover.
Plus, where do you work after graduation? Teaching classics at university? Good luck—there are maybe three positions in the entire country, and they're already taken.
The harsh truth: This field has an elitist reputation and almost zero public engagement. Most Ghanaians have never heard of it, and those who have often see it as something for privileged people who can afford to study useless subjects.
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3.Dance
Here's the Thing: Ghana has incredible dancers—from traditional Adowa to modern Afrobeats choreography. Our dance moves go viral on TikTok regularly. But do you need a university degree to dance? Absolutely not.
The challenges: Dancing is still seen as a hobby, not a real job. The pay is terrible (if you get paid at all), and there's no job security. Many dancers, especially women, face stigma and disrespect from society.
What's frustrating: Ghana's dance culture influences the world, but we're not capitalizing on it economically. There's no proper industry structure, no dance schools worth mentioning, and no government support.
Reality check: If you're naturally talented and passionate about dance, you might succeed—but probably not because of your degree.
4.History
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5.Tourism
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6.Religious Studies
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