What can you do with a Communication degree from Western Illinois University?

First, some facts. Of the Communication graduates from Western Illinois 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 13 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 49%, Communication graduates from Western Illinois University have a much lower likelihood (-18%) 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 30% 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 Western Illinois University?
• What do Communication graduates from Western Illinois University do 1, 5 or 10 years out?
• How hard is a Communication degree from Western Illinois University? How long does it take?
• How much money can you make with a Communication degree from Western Illinois University?
• What are the best colleges for Communication?

View a random Communication graduate from Western Illinois University and our analysis:

Relevance score: 61% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree. DEGREE INFO Graduated in 2014 from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION Audiology Intern Veteran Administration May 2015 - Dec 2015 Although the Audiology Intern position at the Veteran Administration may involve communication with patients, it primarily focuses on audiological skills and knowledge which are not directly tied to a Bachelor's in Communication. Audiology Intern ECU Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic Aug 2014 - May 2016 The Audiology Intern role at ECU Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic may involve some skills relevant to communication, but it centers more on audiological practices than on core communication qualifications. Graduate Research Assistant East Carolina University Division of Health Sciences Aug 2014 - Jun 2015 As a Graduate Research Assistant at East Carolina University Division of Health Sciences, the job may involve communication skills, but it primarily emphasizes research methodologies and health sciences rather than communication-specific skills. Graduate Clinical Assistant East Carolina University Division of Health Sciences Jun 2015 - Jun 2016 The Graduate Clinical Assistant position leverages some communication skills, yet the focus on audiological and clinical practice takes precedence over core communication requisites. Student Liaison to the Dean's Office East Carolina University Division of Health Sciences Oct 2014 - Dec 2016 The role of Student Liaison to the Dean's Office involves administrative support and organizational tasks, which do not significantly engage the specific knowledge or skills from a Bachelor's in Communication. Audiology Intern Carolina Ear and Hearing Clinic Aug 2016 - Dec 2016 The Audiology Intern position at Carolina Ear and Hearing Clinic entails some patient interaction and communication, but predominantly relies on audiological training, which is not the focus of the communication degree. Audiology Intern Vidant Medical Center Jan 2016 - May 2016 As an Audiology Intern at Vidant Medical Center, core qualifications involve audiological expertise rather than communication skills, rendering it unrelated to the Bachelor's degree. Audiology Technician Vidant Medical Center Apr 2016 - Feb 2017 The role of Audiology Technician at Vidant Medical Center does not utilize communication-specific knowledge, focusing instead on technical skills relevant to audiology. Audiology Intern Duke Raleigh Hospital Jan 2017 - Apr 2017 The Audiology Intern position at Duke Raleigh Hospital may require some communication skills for patient interaction, but the core duties are more aligned with audiological expertise. Graduate Research Assistant ECU Research Internship May 2016 - May 2017 As a Graduate Research Assistant at ECU Research Internship, the position may involve some communication skills, but it primarily centers around research tasks not directly linked to a communication degree. Judith Gravel Fellow in Pediatric Audiology UNC Health Care May 2017 - May 2018 The Judith Gravel Fellow in Pediatric Audiology at UNC Health Care directly applies communication skills and knowledge in an audiological setting, making it highly relevant to the Bachelors degree. Pediatric Audiologist North Carolina Eye Ear Nose and Throat May 2018 - Apr 2019 The role of Pediatric Audiologist at North Carolina Eye Ear Nose and Throat necessitates effective communication with patients and families, leveraging skills acquired from the Bachelor's in Communication. Clinical Instructor East Carolina University Division of Health Sciences May 2019 - Present As a Clinical Instructor at East Carolina University Division of Health Sciences, the position requires communication skills for effective teaching and patient interaction, making it closely aligned with the Bachelor's degree in Communication. FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING Doctor of Audiology, AuD East Carolina University 2014 - 2018 ABOUT Specific career interests include pediatric audiology, particularly early intervention, electrophysiological diagnostics, and the fitting and management of hearing aids. Relevant experience includes conducting and designing research in auditory brainstem response testing with chirp stimuli. Relevant clinical experience includes pediatric inpatient and outpatient hospital setting, private otology practice, hospital, university clinic, and Veteran's Affairs settings with geriatric, adult, and pediatric populations.

What jobs can you get with a Communication degree from Western Illinois University?

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

• Audiology Intern
• Customer Service Representative
• Account Manager
• Graduate Research Assistant
• Public Relations Intern
• Section Supervisor
• Outdoor Ministry
• Surety Fulfillment Specialist
• Human Resources Specialist
• Human Resources Manager

When looking at the types of jobs that Communication graduates from Western Illinois University have taken on, a few common patterns emerge. Many of them have ended up in areas such as human resources, account management, or roles related to audiology and healthcare. These positions often involve some level of interpersonal communication or client interaction, but not all of them truly tap into the core skills and theories that you'd expect from a Communication degree. For instance, while HR roles certainly require communication abilities, they often focus more on policy and operations rather than communication principles. Similarly, account management roles are more sales-driven and less about effective communication strategies.

Overall, there's a mixed bag regarding how relevant these jobs are to the Communication degree. Some, like roles in public relations or internal communications, really embody the skills taught in the program. Others, however, such as management or customer service roles, may utilize basic communication skills but don’t make use of the in-depth knowledge or specialized training that comes with a Communication degree. So, while it's clear that these graduates are using their degrees in various fields, the direct relevance to Communication can be quite limited in many cases.

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 Western Illinois University):

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

Looking at the career paths of graduates from Western Illinois University who studied Communication, it appears that many have found success in roles that utilize their communication skills. Generally, right after graduation, a lot of these individuals have landed jobs in customer service, management, and various types of internships, which is pretty typical. As they gain experience, many have transitioned into more specialized roles like human resources, public relations, and marketing, indicating that they’ve leveraged their degree effectively in the job market.

Fast forward five to ten years, and it's clear that some graduates have climbed the ranks into significant positions, especially in HR and management roles, such as Directors and Managers, which showcases a solid trajectory aligning with their communication education. However, there’s also a mix of jobs that seem less directly connected to their degree, like case management or working as technicians. While not everyone has landed in their ideal communication career, many have had varied experiences that still demonstrate their adaptability and transferability of skills. Overall, it looks like the Communication degree provides a versatile foundation, but outcomes can vary widely among alumni, with some thriving in their field while others take a more circuitous route in their careers.

How hard is a Communication degree from Western Illinois University?

A Bachelor’s degree in Communication at Western Illinois University, like many similar programs, is generally considered to be on the easier side compared to some of the more technical degrees out there. You’ll do a lot of reading, writing, and presenting, and while that can feel challenging, especially if you're not super confident in public speaking, the coursework often emphasizes creativity and expression rather than heavy math or science. Plus, it can be really engaging, with opportunities to explore different media and communication theories. Overall, if you're passionate about the subject, it might feel more like an enjoyable challenge than a grind!

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 Western Illinois University tend to make good money?

Looking at these Western Illinois University Communication grads, it seems like they’ve made some decent money, especially the ones who have moved up the ladder in their careers. The early graduates who started in account management and HR roles have climbed their way up to director and senior director positions, which usually come with pretty solid salaries. There are also folks like the one in audiology who went from internships to a clinical instructor role, suggesting they found a good niche that likely pays well. On the flip side, some younger grads are at entry-level jobs, which might not be amazing for their bank accounts right now, but it's early in their careers. Overall, it looks like a mix; some are doing great financially, while others are still building towards that.

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 Western Illinois 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