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First, some facts. Of the Acting graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 194 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 48%, Acting graduates have a much lower likelihood (-19%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 18% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Acting graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 56% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2020 from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Acting. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONHero Ambassador HERO Coffee Bar Jan 2020 - Jun 2022 Actor  Promote Talent Agency Jan 2021 - Present Experience Specialist  Color Factory Jun 2022 - Jun 2023 Experience Manager Color Factory Mar 2023 - Present ABOUTMy name is [NAME REMOVED] Grimes and I am an artist and writer from Chicago. I graduated summa cum laude from Columbia College Chicago. Beyond my artistic endeavors at Columbia, I also assumed multiple leadership positions, including as a Resident Assistant and Orientation Leader, with a mission to motivate and heal others. This inspiration grew from running two successful blogs on the social media website Tumblr, where both blogs I created grew over 350,000 followers. I admire Chicagos collaborative community and wish to inspire other people with my art, but I'm excited to learn and grow more in all areas of my life. I'm not only a storyteller, but a listener being an artist, a leader, and a healer centralizes the goal of inspiring a positive impact in the people around me. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the LinkedIn profiles of individuals with a degree in Acting, we see that their career paths are quite varied. Many of these alumni have ventured into roles that do not traditionally align with the acting profession. The jobs they have taken on range from administrative roles, such as assistants and coordinators, to customer service positions like servers and baristas. While some do align closely with their degree—like actors, teaching artists, and roles in film or theater production—many others seem disconnected from the skills cultivated in a Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Acting.
It's clear from the data that a significant number of acting graduates hold jobs in areas that aren’t directly related to their studies. Roles such as servers, receptionists, and managers of various establishments dominate the list, highlighting a trend where acting graduates often find themselves in service-oriented or administrative positions. For example, many individuals took jobs as baristas or in retail, which primarily require interpersonal skills rather than acting-specific techniques. While these positions may allow actors to utilize skills such as communication and empathy, they do not provide the same opportunities for artistic expression found in a theatrical context.
On the other hand, there is a notable proportion of graduates who have successfully integrated their acting background into relevant careers, especially in roles directly tied to performing arts. Numerous profiles mention ongoing acting work across various platforms, including theater companies and film studios, while some transition into education roles where they can teach and pass on their acting knowledge. Freelance acting and various teaching roles show a promising avenue for graduates to stay within their field. Moreover, some positions such as producer, casting director, and content creator also utilize skills from their degrees, indicating that there is a pathway for those who wish to remain in creative sectors.
Overall, while many acting graduates do secure positions relevant to their field, a substantial number end up in unrelated jobs primarily due to the competitive nature of the acting profession and the variability of available opportunities. This analysis reveals the dual reality for acting graduates: the creative paths they aspire to versus the pragmatic choices they often have to make in the job market. In essence, while some find fulfillment in directly utilizing their degree, many must navigate a landscape where acting skills are not always at the forefront of their work experience.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Acting graduates:
When you check out the career paths of graduates who studied Acting, it's pretty evident that their trajectories can be a mixed bag. Right after graduation, many of these individuals tend to start in jobs that seem unrelated to acting. For instance, several graduates took up roles as servers, baristas, or even administrative assistants. This is a common trend in many fields, especially the performing arts, where opportunities can take time to materialize. Others took on roles that still resonate with the arts, such as working as teaching artists or in theater companies, but there’s definitely a prevalent theme of starting off in lower-wage, more service-oriented roles. It’s almost as if they’re balancing their acting dreams with reality—digging in for the grind while keeping an eye open for their big break.
Fast forward five to ten years, though, and there’s a fair share of individuals who have managed to carve out solid careers in acting or related fields. Some have transitioned into roles that leverage their acting skills more directly, like working as actors, voiceover artists, producers, or directors. However, there are also those who stayed in more stable jobs outside of acting—managing coffee shops or taking up office roles. The acting world is notoriously competitive, and the hustle doesn’t really lighten up after college. It’s a grind, and while some strike gold with acting gigs, others find themselves wearing many hats to make ends meet.
Ultimately, if you’re eyeing a degree in Acting, be prepared for a journey that may involve a lot of side gigs while you chase your passion. Some graduates find success in their field, but it often doesn’t come without its fair share of challenges and time spent in roles that don’t directly link to acting. It can be tough, but the stories of those who make it in the industry are often what inspire new graduates to keep pushing forward!
A Bachelor’s degree in Acting can actually be pretty challenging, more so than a lot of people expect. It’s not just about memorizing lines and performing on stage; you’re diving deep into voice lessons, movement training, and scene study, often juggling multiple projects at once. Plus, there’s a lot of emotional work involved—like digging into your own feelings to portray different characters effectively. So, while it might seem like a fun degree (which it is!), it also requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and vulnerability. So if you’re thinking about it, just know it’s definitely not a walk in the park!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Acting.
So, looking at these acting graduates, it seems like most of them are juggling a mix of jobs that may not pay a ton but give them some decent experience in the industry. For instance, the Marymount Manhattan College grad who started as a barista and is now a program manager at an arts organization might not be raking in the big bucks, but they’re clearly moving up in their field. Meanwhile, the American Musical and Dramatic Academy grad has some freelance gigs and social media roles, which could be a solid way to build a portfolio, but again, it doesn't scream high salary.
On the flip side, some have managed to land roles and positions that probably pay better. For example, Rutgers graduate transitioning from leasing agent to VP at JLL suggests some serious financial growth. Overall, while many are gaining invaluable experience and creativity through diverse roles, it looks like they’re not necessarily cashing in big time right away. It's a journey that takes time, and for now, many seem to be earning a modest living while trying to establish themselves in the acting and creative world.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Acting. This may or may not be useful:
