Do You Have a Degree to Hustle?

Some educational degrees out there are called "hustler degrees." Having one won't make your life immediately fabulous, but the potential is there--if you have the hustler skillz.

J.D./Law Degree:
In today's market, having one of these degrees does not guarantee you a job, much less six-figure pay. For those hustler out there, there is a wide range of options. One, you can become an ambulance chaser-type and try to cash in big on a medical malpractice or injury suit. Two, you can use your knowledge of the law to enter business. Whether you decide to enter the real estate investment business or simply have the abilities to raise capital--you too, may be heading to Vail this winter. Three, you can be born into a family with lots of money a la Caroline Kennedy or Jared Kushner. Run a newspaper syndicate for all I care; the sky really is the limit (especially when you marry a Trump).

MBA:
No real guarantee of a job here either. For those who want to be hired by big business--your degree may be more of a liability than an asset. For all the hustlers out there, you too can raise capital to your hearts content (see the law paragraph) or start your push-cart business from scratch. Anything is possible (although anything is possible for someone without an MBA). Make the money come to you and may the dollas flow like water.

English B.A., M.A. Whatev:
This could be your ticket to advertising, marketing or best-selling fame and fortune. The only problem is getting over yourself enough to turn your erudition into paying for your college tuition--oh snap. Selling your soul is the secret to this hustler game. Blog about self-help subjects (see Steve Pavlina's website), become a copywriter, become a marketing consultant, or start writing the next Da Vinci Code.

Business B.S.:
Lots of people with these degrees get hired for perfectly good management and administrative positions every year. The difference for the hustler, however, is the ability to sell. Sell oneself, sell the product, sell anything in high volume or a few things with a high profit margin and you will reap the rewards. If you are currently a student in this degree program, take a personal selling course. In this class you will learn all about confidence, rejection, poise, and how to pitch. It also can't hurt to specialize in the product you want to sell: real estate, computer software, chemicals, animal science and medical technology are all fabulous subjects to up your game with.

Filmmaking or Acting:
You don't really need any kind of degree for this, even though theater and filmmaking are two legitimate degree programs. If you're really brave, and really passionate, I would recommend heading straight to Hollywood. Go big or go home. Invest in a personal trainer and making connections instead of a degree. If you already have a degree--work hard and never tell anyone you have a degree in theater or film.