First, some facts. Of the Communication graduates from University at Buffalo 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 31 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 53%, Communication graduates from University at Buffalo have a much lower likelihood (-14%) 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 29% 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: 43%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2020 from University at Buffalo with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Communication. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONRacial Equity and Inclusion Data InternBest Self Behavioral Health Jun 2022 - Oct 2022 Certified Personal Trainer; Group Fitness Instructor Revolution Buffalo Sep 2020 - Present Project Coordinator Crowley Webb Aug 2023 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Public Health - MPHUniversity at Buffalo 2021 - 2023 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the types of jobs that graduates from the Communication program at the University at Buffalo have landed, it’s clear that there’s quite a mix. Many alumni have ventured into roles that are somewhat aligned with Communication skills, particularly in areas like marketing, customer relations, and social media management. For instance, jobs like Marketing Coordinator or Digital Media Consultant directly leverage the skills learned in their degree. However, a noticeable number of graduates have also taken on positions that are less relevant, such as roles in finance, administration, or technical support, where the core qualifications don’t necessarily relate to communication principles.
Overall, while some graduates have found fantastic opportunities that effectively utilize their Communication degree, many others seem to be in jobs that don’t tap into their specific training in communication skills. This suggests that there might be a mismatch between what they studied and the jobs available or even that graduates are simply taking roles out of necessity in a challenging job market. So, if you're considering a Communication degree, it's great for honing essential skills, but keep in mind the importance of exploring how those skills can be applied across various fields, and be open to jobs that may not seem directly related at first glance!
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 University at Buffalo):
Looking at the career trajectories of graduates from the University at Buffalo with a degree in Communication, it seems like they’ve started off in a pretty diverse range of first jobs, which often include roles in customer service, marketing, and administrative positions. Many of the 2010 and 2012 graduates began their careers in roles like transaction service representatives or operations associates, which may not directly relate to communication but often involve essential skills like teamwork, organization, and interpersonal communication. As time moved on—about 5 to 10 years later—you can see some settling into more specialized roles in marketing, project management, and even owning their own businesses. For example, there's a noticeable trend toward positions that leverage their foundational communication skills in more focused capacities, such as brand strategists, event managers, and marketing coordinators. However, many also drift into unrelated fields or roles that may not fully utilize their degrees.
Overall, it appears that while some graduates have successfully transitioned into fulfilling careers that align well with their communication studies—like brand strategists and marketing coordinators—others have taken paths that feel a bit more tangential to their degree. There are definitely some success stories in terms of starting businesses and climbing the career ladder in corporate environments, but there’s also a fair number who’ve landed in positions that don’t seem directly relevant to what they studied. This suggests a mixed bag in terms of outcomes; while some carve out great careers in the communication field, others may have to get creative in how they apply those skills in their jobs. So, it really varies from person to person, which is pretty typical for any degree, honestly!
Honestly, getting a Bachelor’s degree in Communication at University at Buffalo or anywhere else is pretty manageable compared to some other majors. It usually involves a mix of writing, presentations, and group projects, which is a lot about sharing ideas and working with people. If you're someone who's comfortable talking and writing about topics that interest you, you'll probably find it on the easier side. Sure, there are challenging moments—like if you hit a tough research project or a class that dives deep into communication theories—but overall, it tends to be less intense than degrees in science or engineering. Just stay organized, keep up with your readings, and you'll be fine!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Communication.
Looking at these Communication graduates from the University at Buffalo, it seems like they've had a pretty mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. Some of them have climbed the ladder into solid roles, especially in sectors like banking, insurance, and technology, which typically pay well. For example, positions like Lead Olmstead Housing Specialist and Account Manager usually come with a decent paycheck. On the flip side, some roles—like internship positions or entry-level jobs—are probably on the lower end of the pay scale. Overall, it looks like a few of them are doing nicely for themselves, while others are still working their way up, trying to secure better financial footing. So, it's a bit of a mixed picture—some are thriving, others are still hustling.
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 University at Buffalo). 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: