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First, some facts. Of the Cinematography and Film-Video Production graduates from San Francisco State University 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 18 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 49%, Cinematography and Film-Video Production graduates from San Francisco State University have a much lower likelihood (-18%) 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 0% 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 Cinematography and Film-Video Production graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 45% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2019 from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor's degree in Cinematography and Film-Video Production. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONScript Supervisor Thereafter - Movie Mar 2019 - Apr 2019 Sound Designer/Editor  Die Postkarte - Movie Jan 2019 - May 2019 Sound Engineer The Hallway Sessions - YouTube Channel Jan 2019 - May 2019 Writer/Director/Editor The Last Job - Movie Jan 2019 - Jan 2020 Writer/Director/Producer/Editor Calvary Nexus Dec 2019 - Feb 2020 Sound/Edit/Color DIRFTING (2020) Jul 2020 - Aug 2020 Online Sales/Livestream Host  Arsenal Comics & Games Sep 2021 - Sep 2022 Writer/Director/Editor/Sound Designer Lifetime Sandwich (2023) Jan 2023 - Mar 2023 Co-host, Co-Producer, Editor, Social Media The [NAME REMOVED]cast (podcast) Nov 2020 - Present Event Marketing LeafFilter Gutter Protection Feb 2023 - Present ABOUTExperienced Writer with a demonstrated history of working in the motion pictures and film industry. Strong professional with a Bachelor's degree focused in video editing and Film/Video Production from San Francisco State University. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From analyzing the LinkedIn profiles of San Francisco State University graduates with degrees in Cinematography and Film-Video Production, it’s clear that many have taken on roles that mix film-related tasks with more general responsibilities. A significant number of graduates have found jobs like videographers, video editors, and positions as directors of photography, which align closely with their degree’s focus, allowing them to directly utilize the creative and technical skills acquired during their studies. Many roles in editing and production—such as those at CBS Interactive and at various independent productions—reflect a strong correlation to their education, promoting a hands-on approach in the industry that is relevant and beneficial for honing their craft.
However, not all graduates have ventured directly into the film and video production fields. Many have found themselves in managerial or marketing roles at companies like Apple and as Brand Ambassadors, which do not leverage their cinematographic skills. Others explored diverse paths, ranging from teaching to administrative positions, often straying far from the artistic core of their training. While some roles still foster creativity and communication skills, the overall relevance of these positions to their Cinematography and Film-Video Production degrees can be hit-or-miss. Ultimately, while there’s a good number of graduates making the most of their education in film, there are equally many who have taken paths further removed from their original aspirations, showing a mixed landscape of career trajectories among these graduates.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Cinematography and Film-Video Production graduates (this is across all Cinematography and Film-Video Production graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to San Francisco State University):
It looks like graduates from San Francisco State University's Cinematography and Film-Video Production program have taken a pretty mixed path in their careers. For many of them, the first jobs after graduation tend to involve entry-level positions like Production Assistant roles, which is pretty common in the film industry. For instance, several alumni started out as Production Assistants at various studios or in support roles, like video editing and script reading. This is a solid way to get your foot in the door and learn the ropes in a competitive field. However, not everyone has stayed directly within the realm of film production. Some have drifted into unrelated fields, like tech or education, which might indicate that the job market can be tough, even for film graduates.
Fast forward a handful of years and some of these SFSU graduates appear to have carved out more substantial careers related to film and video. Many have progressed into positions like creative directors, video editors, and even cinematographers for various projects and companies, which is great to see! However, it's also notable that some have ended up in positions that are only tangentially related to film, like marketing roles or even as brand ambassadors. In a nutshell, while there are definitely success stories within the industry, the overall trajectory seems to be a blend of those who have firmly established themselves in film-related careers and others who have pivoted into different fields altogether. It's a bit of a mixed bag, reflecting both the passion many have for the field and the realities of job opportunities post-graduation.
Getting a Bachelor degree in Cinematography and Film-Video Production at San Francisco State University can be pretty challenging, but it’s also super engaging if you're into film and storytelling. You’ll dive deep into both the technical side—like shooting and editing—and the creative side, such as scriptwriting and directing. There's a good amount of hands-on work, and you’ll likely have to tackle group projects, which can be tough but also really rewarding. Overall, it’s not the easiest degree out there since it demands a lot of creativity, time, and teamwork, but if you’re passionate about film, it can feel less like hard work and more like fun!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Cinematography and Film-Video Production.
Okay, so let's break this down a bit. It looks like some of these graduates from San Francisco State University have managed to land decent jobs, particularly those who worked at big names like Apple and Disney—they're probably making a solid income. However, there are also quite a few who took on a lot of freelance gigs or started out in more entry-level positions, like production assistants and teaching jobs, which aren’t known for high pay. While some have climbed up to more lucrative roles, others seem to still be building their paths. So, in short, it’s a mixed bag—some are doing pretty well, but others might be struggling a bit more financially as they navigate the industry!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Cinematography and Film-Video Production (this is across all Cinematography and Film-Video Production graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to San Francisco State University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Cinematography and Film-Video Production (ordered by the average relevance score of their Cinematography and Film-Video Production graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Savannah College of Art and Design
|
67 | 14 |
 Full Sail University
|
59 | 38 |
 Emerson College
|
57 | 19 |
 San Francisco State University
|
49 | 18 |