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First, some facts. Of the Communication, Public Relations graduates 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 62 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 57%, Communication, Public Relations graduates have a lower likelihood (-10%) 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 8% 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, Public Relations graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 8% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2022 from University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Communication, Public Relations. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONIntern Mission Driven Studios Jan 2022 - May 2022 U.S. Coast Guard Recruit  U.S. Coast Guard Dec 2022 - Feb 2023 Seaman U.S. Coast Guard Feb 2023 - Present ABOUTI am currently a recruit for the U.S. Coast Guard completing basic training. I graduated from the University of North Florida in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in communication/public relations. I plan on using my public relations education and experience in the Coast Guard to become a Public Affairs Specialist.Prior experience includes promotion and social media management for my family's business, Volare Cycling, graphic design and blog writing for Martha's Mix and interning at Missio Creative agency, a full service creative agency owned by Tim Tebow. My skillsets include an understanding of Microsoft Office programs, proficiency with Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and PremirePro, video production and editing experience and being bilingual in English and Spanish.Outside of the professional setting I enjoy going to the gym and running. I am active in my church community and create video content when I travel or have interesting experiences. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When we look at the career paths of people who graduated with degrees in Communication or Public Relations, a common theme emerges: many of them end up in roles that directly relate to their studies. Positions like Public Relations Specialists, Account Coordinators, and roles at PR firms dominate their resumes. These jobs demand the communication strategies, media relations skills, and public engagement expertise that these individuals honed during their education. For instance, many graduates moved into roles such as Communication Specialists or Social Media Managers, indicating a clear alignment between their academic training and their professional paths. Even those who worked as Account Managers in various industries often used communication skills they learned during their studies, even if their jobs weren't solely focused on public relations.
However, not everyone found their way into roles that directly utilized their degree. Some ventured into fields like sales or marketing, taking on jobs that, while involving communication skills, didn't squarely fall under the traditional umbrella of PR. Positions like Sales Associate, Customer Service Rep, and Marketing Coordinator appear frequently, reflecting a trend where graduates apply their communication skills in more broad or unrelated fields. Ultimately, while many have successfully leveraged their Communication degrees into relevant careers, there’s a sizable chunk whose roles don't fully tap into the expertise expected from a Public Relations academic background. It's a bit of a mixed bag, showing that the versatility of Communication skills can lead to diverse paths, some of which may not fully represent the core focus of their studies.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Communication, Public Relations graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of graduates from communication and public relations programs, it's clear that many have followed paths that are quite aligned with their fields of study, especially in the first few years after graduation. For instance, many recent graduates start with internships that provide them with valuable hands-on experience, often transitioning into roles that emphasize digital PR, social media management, and strategic communications at well-known firms. The individuals who graduated from the University of Maryland and Boston University, for example, smoothly moved from internships to permanent roles within reputable agencies, showcasing that a solid foundation in PR can lead to continued growth in the same sector.
However, not every graduate seemed to stick strictly to PR and communications after their initial job. Some opted for different career paths like real estate, sales, or even roles completely unrelated to communication. For instance, graduates from Florida Gulf Coast University showed a tendency to shift towards sales positions, and others, like those from the University of Tennessee and Kean University, moved into fields where their communications skills might not be fully utilized. A decade down the road, one can expect to see a mix of seasoned PR professionals climbing the ranks alongside those who may be pursuing entirely different careers, highlighting that while many find success in their field, others divert from the path that once seemed intended for them. In short, while the degree sets the stage, the choices graduates make can lead them in various directions, literally and figuratively.
A Bachelor's degree in Communication, especially with a focus on Public Relations, is generally considered to be on the easier side compared to some other majors, but that doesn't mean it's a walk in the park! You’ll dive into topics like media relations, writing skills, and strategic communication, which can be super engaging and fun. The workload is often manageable, with lots of group projects and presentations, rather than heavy math or science courses. That said, it still requires solid effort and dedication, especially when it comes to honing your writing and critical thinking skills. So, if you enjoy storytelling and working with people, you might find it more enjoyable than tough, but don't underestimate the commitment needed!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Communication, Public Relations.
When looking at these graduates' job trajectories, it seems like some of them have really hit the jackpot in terms of earnings, especially those from schools like Boston University and the University of Maryland. For instance, the Boston University grad worked their way up to a Senior Vice President position, which typically comes with a hefty paycheck. Likewise, the University of Maryland grad has progressed quickly within Weber Shandwick, which is a solid sign that financial stability isn't too far off. In contrast, those from schools like Florida Gulf Coast University or Eastern Washington University have more scattered job experiences, which might mean they’re still in the early stages of finding their financial footing.
On the flip side, graduates who have pursued sales roles, like those from Kean University and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, could be earning decent commissions that boost their salaries, depending on their performance. Real estate grads also have potential if they can navigate the market effectively. But overall, while some individuals are clearly on paths leading to great financial outcomes, others might still be figuring things out, suggesting a mix of financial situations among this group. If you're looking at this field, remember, it's not just about the degree; it's about how you leverage your opportunities!
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, Public Relations. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Communication, Public Relations (ordered by the average relevance score of their Communication, Public Relations graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: