What can you do with a Communication degree from University of California, Berkeley?

First, some facts. Of the Communication graduates from University of California, Berkeley 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 22 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 69%, Communication graduates from University of California, Berkeley have a slightly higher likelihood (+2%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 69%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

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 Communication graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Communication graduate from University of California, Berkeley and our analysis:


Relevance score: 24%

We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2018 from University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelors Degree in Communication. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Publisher
Best Version Media
Sep 2018 - Oct 2018
The role of Publisher at Best Version Media does not utilize any communication-specific skills or knowledge acquired from a Bachelor's in Communication, as it focuses more on publishing rather than on effective messaging or media strategies.

Account Executive
Transcendent
Nov 2018 - Dec 2018
As an Account Executive at Transcendent, the job may require some communication skills for client interactions, but it primarily centers around sales and account management rather than the specific skills from a communication degree.

Administrative and Accountant Assistant
Ham Radio Outlet
May 2019 - May 2019
The Administrative and Accountant Assistant at Ham Radio Outlet does not relate to communication skills or knowledge, focusing instead on administrative and accounting duties that do not require a communication background.

Brand Ambassador
Mirus Group, LVT Models, and many more.
Oct 2018 - Mar 2020
Working as a Brand Ambassador requires some level of communication skills for promoting brands, but does not fully leverage the depth of knowledge gained from a communication degree, making it only partially relevant.

Amazon Associate
Amazon
Mar 2020 - Aug 2020
The position of Amazon Associate involves tasks primarily related to order fulfillment and logistics, with little to no application of communication skills learned in the degree.

Delivery Driver
Dream Team- An Affiliate of Amazon
Aug 2020 - Sep 2020
The Delivery Driver role at Dream Team does not require communication-specific skills or knowledge, as it centers on transportation and delivery rather than effective communication strategies.

Amazon Associate
Amazon Logistics
Oct 2020 - Oct 2021
Similar to job #5, the Amazon Associate at Amazon Logistics focuses on logistics and operational tasks that do not utilize communication knowledge or skills.

Learning Ambassador
Amazon
Oct 2021 - Jun 2022
The Learning Ambassador at Amazon may involve some communication in delivering training or educational content, but does not make substantial use of the theoretical foundations provided by a communication degree.

Barista and Cashier
Safeway
Jun 2022 - Oct 2022
The role of Barista and Cashier at Safeway centers around customer service and food service skills rather than the communication skills gained from a Bachelor's in Communication.

Financial Agent
New York Life Insurance Company
Oct 2022 - Dec 2022
The position of Financial Agent at New York Life Insurance Company primarily requires financial knowledge and sales skills, which are not core components of a communication degree.

Bio-Surveillance Specialist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Feb 2023 - May 2023
As a Bio-Surveillance Specialist at the CDC, the job involves specialized knowledge in public health and epidemiology rather than the communication skills taught in the degree.

Territory Manager
2020 Companies
Oct 2023 - Jan 2024
The role of Territory Manager at 2020 Companies may require some communication skills for managing relationships, but it's more focused on sales management and operational tasks than on communication theory.

Sales Associate
Eagle Peak Solutions
Feb 2024 - Mar 2024
The Sales Associate at Eagle Peak Solutions does not primarily utilize communication skills learned from the degree, as it centers on sales rather than effective messaging or communication strategies.

Driver
Provado
Jun 2024 - Present
The Driver position at Provado focuses on transportation logistics, which does not require the knowledge or skills from a communication degree.

ABOUT

Previously, as a Territory Manager at 2020 Companies, I excelled in initiating strategic conversations with businesses as part of the American Express welcome team. This role required a sharp focus on detail and the ability to maintain a clear and concise dialogue, ensuring merchants understood the benefits of our services. My commitment to excellence is evident in every interaction, fostering strong relationships and contributing to our collective success.

What jobs can you get with a Communication degree from University of California, Berkeley?

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


When looking at the various jobs held by graduates of the Communication program at UC Berkeley, you'll notice a lot of variation in how relevant these positions are to their degree. Many graduates, especially those who studied in the later years, have secured roles that are directly tied to communication skills, such as Public Relations Specialists, Media Planners, and Marketing Coordinators. These roles involve a strong focus on crafting messages, engaging audiences, and implementing communication strategies, which are all skills honed during their studies. You can definitely see a trend where alumni are applying their knowledge in ways that emphasize communication, whether in creative fields, corporate settings, or community engagement.

However, it's also clear that not every job is a perfect fit with what they learned in school. Some grads ended up in roles that involve minimal communication skills, such as various positions in physical therapy or administrative tasks, which are more about logistics or technicalities than effective messaging. This doesn’t mean their education was wasted; much of what they learned can still be applicable in unexpected ways, like working with people or managing client relationships. In summary, while many UC Berkeley Communication graduates find positions where they can utilize their degree effectively, there are also a significant number who take on roles that may not highlight the core skills they developed, creating a mixed bag of relevance in their career paths.

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 of California, Berkeley):

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

Graduates from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in Communication have generally taken a variety of career paths that align well with their field of study, particularly in areas like digital media, public relations, and marketing. For their first jobs after graduating, many begin with roles such as interns or entry-level positions—like research analysts, public relations assistants, and marketing coordinators—often at reputable companies within their chosen industries. This initial experience helps set the stage for more advanced roles as they gain skills and build their professional networks.

Looking five to ten years later, it seems that a good chunk of these graduates has moved up the ladder into more significant roles. Many have transitioned into management positions or specialized fields, like becoming Digital Media Analytics Consultants, Public Relations Specialists, or even starting their own businesses in areas like physical therapy or media consulting. However, it's worth noting that not every graduate is on a direct path related to their degree; some have explored diverse fields, and a few seem to have had difficulty finding relevant opportunities, taking on roles unrelated to Communication. Overall, while there is a mix of trajectories, the degree appears to equip them with skills that can lead to fulfilling careers, especially in communications-related domains.

How hard is a Communication degree from University of California, Berkeley?

Honestly, getting a Bachelor’s degree in Communication at UC Berkeley can be quite challenging, especially considering the rigor of the university itself. While some might think it's an easier path because it often involves projects and presentations rather than heavy math or science coursework, don’t be fooled! You’ll dive deep into theories, conduct research, and develop strong writing skills, and it can get pretty intense, especially when you're juggling group work and tight deadlines. Plus, you're surrounded by motivated peers, which can crank up the pressure a bit. Overall, it’s definitely a mix of hard work and creativity, so if you're passionate about it and willing to put in the effort, you can definitely succeed!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Communication.

Do Communication graduates from University of California, Berkeley tend to make good money?

Looking at these Communication grads from UC Berkeley, it seems like there’s a mixed bag when it comes to salary. The guy from 2011 has really climbed the ladder and is probably making some solid cash now as a Director at Nielsen, which is impressive! On the flip side, others, like the graduates from 2018 and 2020, have bounced around quite a bit, showing they’ve been in roles that range from internships to part-time jobs; some seem to still be figuring things out. Overall, if they stick with it in their fields, especially in places like media or tech, there's good potential for decent salaries. But for now, some are likely still building their way up the earning ladder.

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 University of California, Berkeley). 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