First, some facts. Of the Communication graduates from The University of Akron 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 10 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 48%, Communication graduates from The University of Akron 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 10% 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:
Relevance score: 68%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from The University of Akron with a Bachelor's degree in Communication. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONNetwork MarketerPlexus Worldwide 2016 - Nov 2019 Photographer Ellie's Design Photography Oct 2014 - Present Co Creative Director WeCollab Jan 2014 - Present Marketing Manager Total Vehicle Control Aug 2015 - Present Marketing and Public Relations Assistant Manager Pittsburgh International Race Complex Aug 2015 - Jan 2017 Marketing And Public Relations Manager Pittsburgh International Race Complex Jan 2017 - Present ABOUTWith over eight years of experience in marketing and communications, I am passionate about creating and delivering compelling campaigns that promote events, products, and services. I have a strong background in graphic design, video editing, press releases, blog posts, and printed material, as well as automotive industry experience. I currently work as the Marketing and PR Manager at Pittsburgh International Race Complex (PITT RACE), a premier motorsports destination in the region.At Pitt Race, I develop and implement marketing strategies and oversee the social and digital distribution of our content. I also manage the facility, staff, renters, and spectators during designated weekends, and capture content for future media use. Additionally, I partner with the sales department to represent the company at local chamber meetings and trade shows. Some of the skills that I use and enhance in this role are communications strategy, marketing communications, and events. I enjoy working with a dynamic and diverse team that shares my vision of providing a thrilling and safe experience for our clients and guests. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After looking at the job histories of graduates from The University of Akron with a degree in Communication, it seems like many have ventured into roles that don't align perfectly with the typical career path you'd think of after studying communication. A lot of them ended up in positions like management, sales, or even roles as general assistants, which focus more on operational and administrative tasks rather than the core principles of communication. For example, jobs such as Team Lead, Office Manager, and even roles in customer service don’t deeply engage the communication theories and strategies that were likely a big part of their studies. Some graduates landed in marketing and public relations, which do make better use of communication skills, but even those roles often veer into areas that prioritize marketing knowledge over direct communication practice.
On the flip side, there are some standout examples of graduates who found their way into jobs that are closely related to their degree. Roles like Multimedia Journalist, News Anchor, and Promotions Director definitely require strong communication skills, and you can see how the degree would be essential for success in those positions. It just seems that while a few graduates have found jobs that directly tie back to their communication training, a significant number have taken on roles where their specific skills in communication aren't fully utilized. This suggests that there's a mix of relevance in the jobs these graduates pursued, with many exploring paths that diverge from their degree's core focus.
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 The University of Akron):
Looking at the career trajectories of Communication graduates from The University of Akron, it seems like they have a pretty diverse range of experiences right after graduation. Many of them kick things off in roles that might not immediately scream "Communication," like sales associate or customer service positions. For example, some graduates took up roles at companies like Sears or worked in restaurant environments. It appears that the first jobs often blend into general customer service, sales, or entry-level administrative roles. Interestingly, while these positions may not be directly aligned with a Communication degree, they do offer practical experience that can be valuable down the line.
As we look five or ten years out, there's a noticeable shift. Many graduates appear to have transitioned into roles that are more specialized and relevant to their field of study. For instance, some have moved into management positions, marketing roles, or have taken on project management responsibilities. Graduates who started in more general roles are often progressing to positions such as marketing manager or client services specialist, which showcase their Communication skills in a more direct way. Overall, while it seems that some early career paths might be a bit sidestepped, many graduates can find themselves in fulfilling roles related to their Communication background within a few years. It’s a journey that highlights the adaptability of a Communication degree, leading to careers that evolve and often align more closely with their studies as they gain experience.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, including the one at The University of Akron, is generally considered on the easier side compared to some other majors, but that doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park! You’ll be doing a lot of writing, group projects, and presentations, which can be fun if you enjoy expressing your ideas and collaborating with others. The coursework typically covers a mix of theory and practical skills, so while there can be some heavy reading and research, most students find the topics engaging. As long as you stay organized and keep up with your assignments, you should manage just fine!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 5 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Communication.
Looking at these Communication grads from The University of Akron, it seems like they’re working in a mix of entry-level and some mid-tier positions, which can indicate a pretty decent income but varies widely. The earlier graduates seem to have started in roles that might pay around the lower to mid-range salary scale, especially with positions like “Sales Associate” or “Crew Member.” However, as time has passed, especially for those who’ve moved into project management or marketing roles, salaries likely increased, eventually landing them in better-paying positions. The more recent grads are still in the early stages of their careers, making it too soon to tell how much they'll rake in long-term. Overall, it looks like with some experience and growth, many of them have decent earning potential down the line, especially those moving into management or specialized roles.
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 The University of Akron). This may or may not be useful:
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: