I was exactly where you are about five years ago, and I eventually went on to pursue one of the two degrees that you mentioned. The market is indeed tough for JDs as well as MBAs, and it can be fairly cut throat to get the top consulting or big law positions out of these programs, especially if you are not at a top school. Unfortunately, I did not get recruited by the top firms, and I was very dissapointed, thinking that I missed my chance at riches and success. However, thanks to aggressive networking I was able to find a mentor who put took me under his wing and created a position for me at his company where I work extremely flexible (although often gruel) hours with interesting work, and most importantly, gave me the opportunity to grow our business (I need to get on this shit asap, btw).
My lesson from all of this for you is to try to find mentors -- there are some very good posts about networking on this forum which you should be able to find. Since you said you are graduating this year I am assuming that means that you have one more semester or two quarters left. Take this time to meet as many people as you can in careers that you may be interested in. Make a list of 5 areas that you potential want to work in, and then think of anyone you know through family or college that works in these fields and arrange to meet with these people. Come with questions ready. Ask them how they got started out, what their major was, why they decided to chose this career, how can you get into this career, and whether they recommend for you to pursue it, and who else they recommend you talk to. Since you are not yet 100% on what you want to do I cannot stress how important this will be -- some of these people will potentially guide you and tell you who else to talk to, and will also tell you how you can begin making money. Your school's alumni network or a simple google search will help you get started. Seek out people in positions of power that graduated from your university and write them asking to meet for a 15 minute cup of coffee or perhaps a phone call (try to meet face to face, though) PM me if you want more tips.
One more thing I want to stress -- when I was 22 I was not thinking about money, I was thinking more about what type of work was most interesting to me, and if I could get by doing that, I would be fine with that. I want you to know that in the past five years, my perception has changed -- The direction of my career is now oriented by money. Although I am still working in the field which I set out to work in, I am always trying to push myself in directions which would set me up to make more profits in the future. Thus, take a minute to consider whether you will be content working in a bureaucracy such as the WB, IMF, or the UN -- I do believe that the top positions at such organizations will allow you to pull in $100k+, but I think a lot of them require extensive work experience as well as extensive education. My two cents: I believe that an organization such as the UN would be great to end up at, but may not necessarily be the best place to begin your career.
A bit more specific:
. Should I just give up learning programming if I just cannot do it? What are other alternatives that don't require any skill with HTML/coding? it seems that even running a blog requires HTML knowledge....
Running a blog doesn't require HTML knowledge, just set up with WordPress and get a customized theme if you so wish. Honestly, if you would like to get involved in programming, I would just flip through a few introduction to web design or introduction to blogging books to get familiar with the terms and then do this:
/thread-29744.html
Some ideas: You can make money as a businessman consolidating and having other people work for you. You got a liberal arts degree which means that you should be pretty good at writing and communicating -- now use these skills to write to clients and to outsource what they want to your team.
2. What are steps I can take now to facilitate obtaining a work visa ? (Family from Uruguay, cannot apply for the heritage VISAs)
I dont know, but I would recommend you e-mail ex patriots working in positions of companies in which you want to work. They could help you learn more about the VISA process and also about working in Europe in general.
3. Do you guys recommend that I look for jobs in Europe now or work on my credentials first?
Honestly, Europe is expensive as fuck. My advice to you would be to line up a good job, even if in a cubicle or at a bank or whatever 9-5, (although I recommend sales or trying to start your own small business by outsourcing) and just get your shit together in the meantime -- Spend your evenings e-mailing potential employers, figuring out visa shit, researching graduate school applications, etc, and while you do this stack your money. Simply getting a year or two of REAL work experience where you gotta hustle is invaluable. It will change you and prepare you to move to Europe. Also try to become independent 100% so that you can understand the importance that money has in your life (maybe you want a lot more, or maybe youre ok with not making that much )
4. For those of you with MBAs/PHD- How well does a top 10 degree fare in Europe when it comes to applying for a position requiring a Visa?
I sought out positions abroad and was told numerous times I would have gotten the position if my grades were better. My grades were bad. My school was outstanding. However, I was 100% fluent in the language of the countries where I sought out work, and for this reason I would have been very valuable. Whatever. If you finish a great school, and have outstanding grades, and speak the language of the country to which you are applying you have a good chance of finding a position abroad. I see that you speak French. Spend the year you work improving your french. You want to be as close to fluent as possible if you are serious about moving abroad -- this will be what sets you apart from the other applicants.
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The most important thing for you right now is to identify people through google search, networking events, or whatever, set up coffee meetings, and speak with them. Make sure you meet with some people who are entrepreneurs and are making a lot of money -- they will bring the most perspective. Also, never feel intimidated to e-mail anybody. EVERY very successful person got to where they are through the help of somebody else. Successful people understand that by helping others they also make themselves stronger.
Finally, check out the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad. A lot of people talk a lot of shit about this book, and it may be a bit outdated, but if you have not read this or anything like it you NEED to read it to open yourself up to a wealth-oriented way of thinking.
Hope that helped.
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