First, some facts. Of the Communication graduates from University of Pittsburgh 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? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 61%, Communication graduates from University of Pittsburgh have a lower likelihood (-6%) 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, 40% 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 you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Communication graduate.
See the details:
Relevance score: 48%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2011 from University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONProfessional Basketball PlayerCB Las Rozas Aug 2011 - Apr 2012 Marketing Public Relations Assistant PREEMPT Corp Aug 2012 - Oct 2012 Account Representative KJ Innovations Oct 2012 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
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 University of Pittsburgh Communication graduates, it’s clear that many of them ended up in roles directly tied to the field of communication, especially in areas like media production, journalism, and public relations. Common job titles include Production Assistant, Associate Producer, and various roles within journalism, such as Freelance Journalist and Senior Journalist. These positions typically require a solid understanding of communication theories, media strategies, and effective storytelling—all of which are central to a Communication degree. So, for a good chunk of these alums, their job experiences align well with their studies, making their degrees quite relevant.
However, not every graduate has gone into roles that are a direct fit. Some have taken paths like administrative roles, property management, or social work, where communication skills might play a role, but the jobs don’t fully capitalize on what they learned in school. For example, being an Administrative Assistant or a Property Manager involves some level of communication but isn’t heavily focused on the core aspects of a Communication degree. In summary, while many find relevant positions in the communication field, others may drift towards roles that don’t fully utilize their educational background in a meaningful way.
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 Pittsburgh):
Graduates from the University of Pittsburgh's Communication program seem to have a pretty diverse set of career trajectories, but there's a noticeable trend toward media and communication roles. For many, the first jobs after graduation often involve internship positions or entry-level roles in the media industry, such as production assistants or marketing interns. This makes sense because these positions help build relevant experience and connections in a field where networking can be just as important as skills. Over the first five years, many alumni transition into more advanced roles, often taking on positions like producers, public relations specialists, or even freelance journalists. It's pretty encouraging to see that many graduates are landing solid roles that relate closely to their degree.
However, it’s essential to note that not all pathways lead directly into impactful careers in communication. Some graduates find themselves in unexpected fields, like sales or property management, which may not feel as aligned with their studies. Fast-forward about ten years, and the alumni landscape shows a mix of successful communication careers and a few veering off into unrelated professions, possibly due to the evolving job market and individual choices. Overall, it appears that those who stick with communication or media-related paths are finding fulfilling careers, while a segment takes a broader approach, leveraging their skills in various other industries. It’s a mix of the expected and the surprising, but the future obviously holds many possibilities for these graduates!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Communication at the University of Pittsburgh, or really anywhere, can be a bit of a mixed bag. Generally, it’s not considered one of the hardest degrees out there compared to something like engineering or pre-med, but it still requires a good amount of effort and engagement. You'll spend a lot of time on writing papers, doing presentations, and working on group projects, which can definitely be a challenge, especially if you're not a fan of public speaking. If you enjoy interacting with people, being creative, and exploring media and messaging, you might find it more on the easier side. But like anything, it really depends on your interests and how much you're willing to dive into the material. Overall, it's manageable if you stay organized and keep up with your classes!
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 of Pittsburgh, it seems like their earnings vary quite a bit depending on their career path. The grads who jumped into the entertainment industry, like the ones working at NBCUniversal and Fox, likely had some decent pay especially as they climbed the ranks to roles like associate producer and booking producer. However, others in fields like education and social work might not be raking in the same cash, given those roles often have lower salaries. Overall, while some of these folks are probably doing well financially, others might be struggling a bit more, especially if they started with internships or positions that pay less. So, it’s a mixed bag!
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 Pittsburgh). 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: