What can you do with a Communication degree from San Jose State University?

First, some facts. Of the Communication graduates from San Jose 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 47 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 55%, Communication graduates from San Jose State University have a much lower likelihood (-12%) 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.

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Also, after graduating, only 25% 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 Communication graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

• What jobs can you get with a Communication degree from San Jose State University?
• What do Communication graduates from San Jose State University do 1, 5 or 10 years out?
• How hard is a Communication degree from San Jose State University? How long does it take?
• How much money can you make with a Communication degree from San Jose State University?
• What are the best colleges for Communication?

View a random Communication graduate from San Jose State University and our analysis:

Relevance score: 56% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree. DEGREE INFO Graduated in 2014 from San Jose State University with a Bachelor's degree in Communication. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION Assistant Branch Manager Provident Credit Union Sep 2017 - Aug 2018 As an Assistant Branch Manager, the role requires significant communication skills for managing staff and customer relations, which aligns closely with a degree in Communication. Branch Manager Provident Credit Union Sep 2018 - Sep 2020 The position of Branch Manager utilizes communication and management skills extensively, making it highly relevant to the individual's degree in Communication. Cook/Front House Supervisor City of San Jos May 2016 - Present While the role of Cook/Front House Supervisor may involve some communication skills, it is primarily focused on food service operations rather than utilizing specific communication knowledge. Branch Manager ILWU Credit Union Sep 2020 - Present As a Branch Manager at ILWU Credit Union, the job requires strong communication skills for customer interactions and staff management, directly related to the degree in Communication. Building Attendant/Gym Attendant City of Walnut Creek Apr 2022 - May 2023 The position of Building Attendant/Gym Attendant primarily involves facility management and does not require the core skills associated with a Communication degree. Building Attendant Lead City of Walnut Creek May 2023 - Present Similarly, the Building Attendant Lead role focuses on facility oversight and does not utilize specific knowledge or skills in Communication. Building Attendant Town of Danville Jun 2022 - Apr 2024 The Building Attendant position involves maintenance tasks that do not require communication-specific skills or knowledge from the degree. Program Assistant Sports and Facilites Town of Danville Mar 2024 - Present As a Program Assistant for Sports and Facilities, some communication skills may be utilized when coordinating events, but the core functions are more operational than focused on communication theory or practice. ABOUT No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Communication degree from San Jose State University?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:

• Assistant Manager
• Doctor of Audiology Student Intern
• Branch Manager
• Server
• Co-Founder
• Practicum in Career Counseling
• Administrative Assistant
• Project Coordinator
• Consultant
• Recruiter

After looking into the career paths of Communication graduates from San Jose State University, it seems like many of them gravitate towards roles that either directly or tangentially utilize their communication skills. A significant number have stepped into fields like education and healthcare, especially as Speech Language Pathologists, which inherently require strong communication abilities. These jobs leverage the nuanced understanding of communication theory that students learn about in their degree programs. In contrast, roles like Assistant Coaches or various positions in administration often incorporate some elements of communication but largely focus on other skills like management or operational tasks.

However, not all positions align perfectly with the degree’s focus. Many graduates find themselves in roles such as retail management, customer service, or even more technical jobs where communication is not the primary focus. While some positions, like Marketing Coordinators and Writers, utilize communication skills directly, others, like Market Handlers or Technical Support roles, veer off the path of what a Communication degree emphasizes. Overall, while many graduates do find jobs that take advantage of their skills, there’s a noticeable trend towards career paths that stray from the core principles of communication, suggesting that some may not fully realize the potential of their degree. It's a mixed bag, to say the least, with a good chunk landing in relevant fields but plenty drifting into roles that don't fully utilize their communication training.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Communication graduates (this is across all Communication graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to San Jose State University):

What kind of career trajectories do Communication graduates from San Jose State University have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

The career trajectories of Communication graduates from San Jose State University (SJSU) show a diverse array of paths, but many have landed in positions relevant to their field. For instance, many early roles include internships, teaching positions, or entry-level jobs in education and counseling, which make sense for those pursuing Communication. Five to ten years after graduation, some have climbed the ladder to more advanced roles in education and specialized fields like Speech-Language Pathology, while others have transitioned into marketing, project management, and recruitment, demonstrating the adaptability of a Communication degree. It's notable that some grads have found their niche in coaching or educational administration, showcasing a clear use of their communication skills in leadership and mentoring roles.

However, the data also reflects a significant number of graduates veering off into careers that may not directly relate to their studies. Many have opted for roles in retail, customer service, or other industries, which could indicate a struggle to find immediate positions that align with their skills. It's a mixed bag; while some graduates have made impressive strides in their careers—like moving up to managerial roles or even coaching positions in sports—others seem to be settling for jobs that are less aligned with their degree. Overall, it appears that while a Communication degree from SJSU opens doors to several opportunities, not all graduates are utilizing their education in positions that are directly related to the field.

How hard is a Communication degree from San Jose State University?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Communication at San Jose State University isn’t typically considered super hard, especially compared to some other majors that involve a lot of technical stuff or heavy math. You’ll find that a lot of the courses focus on writing, presentations, and understanding media, which many students find pretty engaging. There is a good amount of group work and projects, so it can be a bit challenging when you’re collaborating with others, but the workload is often manageable. If you enjoy talking, connecting with people, and being creative, you might find it easier than you expected. Just keep up with readings and stay organized, and you’ll likely do just fine!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Communication.

Do Communication graduates from San Jose State University tend to make good money?

Looking at the career paths of these San Jose State University graduates, it seems like some are doing pretty well financially, while others might be scraping by. For instance, the speech-language pathologists and the recruiter roles typically offer solid pay, especially as they gain experience. Coaches and educators often start with lower salaries but can move up over time, especially if they take on leadership roles. A few, like those in tech and marketing, have landed positions at companies like TikTok and Google, which generally come with decent salaries. However, others have more varied experiences—like the ones working in restaurants or seasonal jobs—which can be hit or miss in terms of income. Overall, if they play their cards right and keep progressing in their fields, many of these grads have the potential to make some good money!

What buzzwords do Communication graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Communication (this is across all Communication graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to San Jose State University). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Communication?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Communication (ordered by the average relevance score of their Communication graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College	Score	Count
New York University	82	14
Western Carolina University	81	10
Boston University	80	15
University of Florida	78	15
La Salle University	77	10
Moody Bible Institute	77	11
Virginia Commonwealth University	76	16
University of Wisconsin-Madison	75	22
Longwood University	75	10
University of Southern California	74	37
Utah Valley University	74	18
Wichita State University	74	10
Louisiana State University	73	40
Queens College	73	17
Gonzaga University	73	10
Penn State University	72	62
Southern New Hampshire University	72	25
Auburn University	72	34
Brigham Young University	71	25
University of Missouri-Columbia	71	29
Georgia Southern University	71	12
University of Alabama at Birmingham	71	10
Southeastern Louisiana University	71	14
Pace University	71	20
Florida International University	70	38
The University of Alabama	70	12
Northeastern University	70	19
California State University-Northridge	70	22
The University of Memphis	70	10
University of California, San Diego	70	11
University of Hawaii at Manoa	70	15
UC San Diego	70	13
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	70	14
Stockton University	70	16
Biola University	70	12
The University of Texas at Austin	69	18
University of California, Berkeley	69	22
Cornell University	69	13
Missouri State University	69	11
Southern Connecticut State University	69	16
Salisbury University	69	14
University of Denver	69	14
Worcester State University	69	18
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College	69	10
Florida State University	68	46
Purdue University	68	13
University of North Texas	68	15
The University of Georgia	68	11
University of Arkansas	68	39
Azusa Pacific University	68	15
Santa Clara University	68	11
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	67	16
George Mason University	67	17
University of Maryland	67	19
University of Maine	67	11
Loyola Marymount University	67	20
Tulane University	67	11
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville	67	10
University of Arizona	66	28
Central Michigan University	66	18
California State University, Northridge	66	44
University of Virginia	66	14
University of Utah	66	29
Northern Illinois University	66	12
University of San Diego	66	23
Texas A&M University	65	56
University of Houston	65	18
DePaul University	65	15
California State University-Fullerton	65	18
University of California, Santa Barbara	65	26
University at Albany, SUNY	65	17
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse	65	11
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania	65	14
Eastern Illinois University	65	15
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi	65	12
Valdosta State University	65	18
Marymount Manhattan College	65	11
James Madison University	64	31
California State University, Fullerton	64	39
University of Kentucky	64	29
Appalachian State University	64	24
University of Massachusetts Amherst	64	22
Wake Forest University	64	12
University of South Florida	63	74
Towson University	63	39
East Carolina University	63	27
Clemson University	63	17
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities	63	35
University of Connecticut	63	30
Sam Houston State University	63	33
Baylor University	63	12
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale	63	11
California State University-San Bernardino	63	19
Utah State University	63	11
Fordham University	63	22
University of Tennessee-Knoxville	63	14
University of North Carolina Wilmington	63	13
State University of New York College at Cortland	63	11
University of Montevallo	63	10
Brigham Young University - Idaho	62	29
The University of Texas at San Antonio	62	29
Bowling Green State University	62	20
University of Rhode Island	62	38
San Diego State University-California State University	62	13
Western Kentucky University	62	10
University of Massachusetts, Amherst	62	23
Coastal Carolina University	62	25
The College of New Jersey	62	12
Radford University	62	20
Hunter College	62	11
University of Illinois Springfield	62	11
Texas State University	61	35
Grand Canyon University	61	26
University of Colorado Boulder	61	29
California State University-Sacramento	61	40
University of Pittsburgh	61	22
West Chester University of Pennsylvania	61	30
Northwestern University	61	14
St. Cloud State University	61	19
University of West Georgia	61	21
Saint Joseph's University	61	12
University of Houston-Clear Lake	61	10
Arizona State University	60	123
North Carolina State University	60	24
Ohio University	60	56
University of Oklahoma	60	24
University of Maryland College Park	60	25
UC Santa Barbara	60	37
California State University, Fresno	60	17
California State University-Los Angeles	60	11
Curry College	60	12
University of Washington	59	67
University of California, Los Angeles	59	32
University of Michigan	59	20
Florida Atlantic University	59	25
University of Delaware	59	17
University of North Carolina at Charlotte	59	25
Boston College	59	16
California State University San Marcos	59	36
The University of New Mexico	59	13
Wright State University	59	15
University of Northern Iowa	59	10
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania	59	20
Fairfield University	59	10
Wittenberg University	59	10
Texas A&M International University	59	10
University of Central Florida	58	49
University of Cincinnati	58	46
Kennesaw State University	58	25
Portland State University	58	17
California State University, Long Beach	58	30
California State University, Chico	58	16
Saint Louis University	58	11
University of San Francisco	58	15
Christopher Newport University	58	22
Temple University	57	42
Illinois State University	57	25
Northern Arizona University	57	12
Eastern Michigan University	57	20
Rutgers University	57	12
Boise State University	57	31
University of Louisville	57	30
Florida Gulf Coast University	57	25
Texas Christian University	57	15
Cleveland State University	57	13
East Tennessee State University	57	14
Bridgewater State University	57	24
Bowie State University	57	14
Michigan State University	56	45
Old Dominion University	56	30
St. John's University	56	14
Villanova University	56	16
Southeast Missouri State University	56	11
Tennessee State University	56	12
University of Phoenix	55	32
Liberty University	55	16
San Jose State University	55	47
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee	55	27
University of North Florida	55	23
University of New Hampshire	55	21
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)	55	11
Stephen F. Austin State University	55	13
Northern Kentucky University	55	15
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	55	13
California State University-Dominguez Hills	55	13
Sonoma State University	55	18
Prairie View A&M University	55	13
Indiana University Bloomington	54	10
Texas Tech University	54	21
Iowa State University	54	13
Kent State University	54	25
Washington State University	54	11
College of Charleston	54	37
Indiana University of Pennsylvania	54	13
University of Colorado Denver	54	13
Virginia State University	54	13
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	53	30
Western Washington University	53	30
University at Buffalo	53	31
Eastern Kentucky University	53	11
Millersville University of Pennsylvania	53	12
Winston-Salem State University	53	11
State University of New York College at Oneonta	53	10
San Diego State University	52	29
University of Iowa	52	33
University of Tennessee, Knoxville	52	29
University of Mississippi	52	10
Oakland University	52	37
Wayne State University	52	13
University of Maryland University College	52	11
Minnesota State University, Mankato	52	23
Southern Utah University	52	10
San Francisco State University	51	59
California State University-Long Beach	51	33
University of Nevada-Las Vegas	51	12
University of North Carolina at Greensboro	51	29
Kean University	51	22
Eastern Connecticut State University	51	19
University of California, Davis	50	28
University of North Carolina at Wilmington	50	16
University of Missouri-Saint Louis	50	17
Western Illinois University	49	13
The Ohio State University	48	18
The University of Akron	48	10
University of Maryland Baltimore County	48	11
University of Tampa	48	21
University of Washington Tacoma	48	10
Clark Atlanta University	48	15
Colorado State University	47	30
West Virginia University	47	19
Delaware State University	47	12
State University of New York at Fredonia	45	10
University of Colorado Colorado Springs	44	13
Rowan University	43	19
SUNY Oneonta	43	19
Grand Valley State University	42	16
Mississippi State University	42	10
Southern Oregon University	30	10