A fresh labor-market study challenges the long-held belief that STEM degrees are the sole path to secure jobs. Data from the New York Fed indicate nutrition, construction services, and animal/plant sciences graduates in the United States experienced very low unemployment in 2023. The findings, summarized for a broader audience, prompt Thai students and parents to reconsider how degree choices align with employability in a rapidly changing economy.
In 2023, graduates aged 22 to 27 across diverse fields posted surprisingly low unemployment in nontraditional areas. Nutrition sciences, construction services, and animal or plant sciences reported unemployment rates around 1 percent or lower. Meanwhile, some tech-heavy majors faced higher unemployment, with computer science, chemistry, and physics hovering at or above 6 percent, and computer engineering around 7.5 percent. The contrast underscores a labor market that rewards both technical skill and practical capability in sectors such as health, construction, and life sciences.
This moment is particularly relevant for Thailand, where graduate underemployment has been described as a structural concern within the local context. The Bangkok Post notes ongoing challenges in matching graduate skills with job opportunities. The new U.S. data invite Thai families to weigh the trade-offs between immediate employability and longer-term career strategy, including the value of interdisciplinary learning alongside specialized training. It is also worth noting that art history and philosophy graduates performed better than the national unemployment average in the United States, while median earnings varied widely across disciplines.
While salary remains a key consideration, the study highlights that low unemployment does not always equate to the highest pay. For example, art history and English majors earned around the mid-$40,000s per year, philosophy about $48,000, and nutrition around $75,000. Technology fields continue to offer strong pay, with median earnings near $80,000 for computer science and engineering. The broader Thai context suggests similar dynamics: starting salaries can be modest in some fields, while advanced training and higher qualifications open doors to competitive roles, including in public service and research-intensive industries.
A notable trend is the rising share of graduates pursuing graduate-level study. Among recent graduates, more than half of philosophy, about half of art history and nutrition, and a majority of physics and chemistry graduates continued their studies. Advanced degrees can boost earning potential, with physics graduates reaching median earnings around $70,000 after further study, and chemistry graduates about $55,000. Thailand is seeing a growing emphasis on higher qualifications, but pathways often require additional time and investment.
Experts emphasize that employers increasingly value soft skills alongside technical knowledge. The influx of artificial intelligence into workplaces is reshaping expectations. Leadership voices in the industry stress that diverse backgrounds—from humanities to social sciences—bring essential problem-solving perspectives. Even in technology-centric firms, bankers and investors advocate for philosophy and liberal-arts grounding to strengthen ethical reasoning and adaptability in AI-enhanced environments.
This global perspective offers practical takeaways for Thai schools and universities. Authorities encourage more interdisciplinary programs and flexible curricula to foster critical thinking and communication skills—attributes that help graduates adapt to evolving labor markets. Thai employers also report that soft skills and adaptability distinguish candidates in competitive selection processes, a trend aligned with international research.
Thai researchers and educators point to local studies supporting the value of problem-solving and adaptability, regardless of field. Graduates who can navigate change, collaborate across disciplines, and apply knowledge to practical challenges tend to secure stable employment within six months of graduation. Some programs in the performing arts, when paired with business or communication skills, demonstrate strong satisfaction and job prospects in niche sectors.
Analysts anticipate ongoing shifts as automation and AI redefine job roles. Roles heavy in routine tasks may shrink, while positions requiring emotional intelligence, ethical judgment, and creativity are expected to grow. For Thai students, this means focusing not only on technical competence but also on project management, communication, and lifelong learning.
Practical guidance for Thai students and families:
- Consider fields with strong employment potential, but pair them with complementary skills such as communication, ethics, and critical thinking.
- Seek internships and part-time experiences across sectors to build networks before graduation.
- Combine technical coursework with humanities or social sciences to boost adaptability and resilience.
- Stay alert to labor-market signals in Thailand and globally as AI and globalization reshape opportunities.
Ultimately, the U.S. findings encourage a broader view of career preparation. A STEM degree remains valuable, yet success increasingly hinges on a blend of technical know-how, soft skills, and the ability to adapt to emerging technologies. In Thailand’s context, graduates who bridge specialized expertise with broader perspectives may stand out in an evolving job market.