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First, some facts. Of the Comparative Literature 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 59 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 56%, Comparative Literature graduates have a much lower likelihood (-11%) 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, 59% 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 Comparative Literature graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 98% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2013 from Hamilton College with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Comparative Literature. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONIt Intern Siemens Financial Services Jun 2013 - Aug 2013 Domestic Violence Clinical Center Legal Intern  New York Legal Assistance Group May 2014 - Dec 2014 Criminal Defense Practice Legal Intern The Legal Aid Society Jan 2015 - May 2015 Family Defense Practice Legal Intern The Bronx Defenders May 2015 - Aug 2015 Law Fellow New York Legal Assistance Group Aug 2015 - May 2017 Staff Attorney New York Legal Assistance Group Aug 2017 - Nov 2018 Staff Attorney The Legal Aid Society of NYC Nov 2018 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGUnknown degreeBrooklyn Law School 2013 - 2016 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the career trajectories of individuals who graduated with degrees in Comparative Literature, it becomes evident that there is a broad range of job types that these graduates pursue. Many of their roles fall within the realms of education, writing, editing, and content creation, reflecting the strong communication and analytical skills developed during their studies. Jobs like Editorial Assistants, Teaching Assistants, and Writing Instructors are common, and these positions typically utilize the knowledge and skills relevant to Comparative Literature effectively. In contrast, numerous graduates also entered fields that diverge significantly from literary analysis, such as healthcare, technology, and sales, which do not leverage their education directly but may still benefit from transferable skills like communication and critical thinking.
A significant theme that emerges is the connection between teaching and literature. Many graduates find roles in education, whether as teachers or teaching assistants, where they apply their expertise directly. For instance, teaching positions often require a deep understanding of literary analysis, narrative interpretation, and effective communication, perfectly aligning with what they learned in their degree programs. Furthermore, positions in editorial roles—such as Editorial Assistants and Editors—also reflect a strong relevance to their studies, as these jobs require similar analytical and writing skills that are honed through Comparative Literature coursework. On the other hand, roles outside these literary spheres, like healthcare practitioners or software engineers, showcase that although the degree's relevance may be minimal, the critical thinking and communication skills might still offer an edge in diverse job markets.
Overall, while graduates of Comparative Literature remain well-positioned for careers in writing, analysis, and education, many also navigate a multitude of pathways that deviate from traditional literary roles. This duality demonstrates the versatility of a degree in Comparative Literature; it fosters a skill set that can lead to various career contexts, albeit with varied degrees of relevance to the field of literature itself. For students considering this degree, it is crucial to recognize both the potential literary avenues they may explore and the possibility of diverging into a broader spectrum of careers that may utilize their skills in unexpected ways.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Comparative Literature graduates:
When we look at the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Comparative Literature, a wide variety of paths emerge, showcasing diverse interests and skills. The first job after graduation often reflects a blend between the literary world and practical roles across different industries. For example, several graduates started with positions that engage directly with literature or education, such as editorial assistants or teaching roles. Others found themselves branching into fields like journalism, creative industries, or even technical positions that may not immediately seem aligned with literature but leverage skills developed during their studies.
Fast forward about five to ten years into their careers, and we see even more divergence in paths. Some graduates are successfully carving out niches in academia as professors or educators, often landing roles at reputable universities or organizations. Others have transitioned into related fields like editing, publishing, and media, where they can apply their literary knowledge and communication skills. However, there's also a noticeable trend of graduates diverging from the literary arts entirely; roles in healthcare, software engineering, and business development highlight that not all paths are directly tied to their degree. In fact, several individuals are now pursuing careers that feel pretty distant from the world of literature, showing that a degree in Comparative Literature can serve as an excellent launchpad for various fields—sometimes quite unexpectedly!
It's an intriguing mixed bag: some graduates find fulfilling, relevant careers in the literary world, while others take unexpected detours into entirely different sectors. The common thread tends to be strong skills in analysis, communication, and creative thinking, which are handy no matter where you end up. If you're considering a degree in Comparative Literature, keep in mind that your career options could range from writing and teaching to roles you might not even have thought of yet. It's all about how you want to leverage your skills and experiences. Ultimately, that versatility can be both thrilling and a little challenging as you navigate your professional journey!
A Bachelor degree in Comparative Literature can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty—it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you love reading, analyzing texts, and exploring different cultures and languages, you might find it pretty enjoyable and not too hard. There’s definitely a lot of reading and writing involved, and you’ll need to engage with complex ideas, which can be challenging. But if you're into literature, it can feel more like diving into stories than grinding through tough coursework. Overall, it’s not necessarily easier or harder than average degrees; it’s just a different kind of challenge that really relies on your passion for the subject. So if that sounds like you, then you might find it pretty awesome!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Comparative Literature.
Looking at the job histories of these Comparative Literature graduates, it’s a mixed bag when it comes to their financial success. For many, especially those in academic or teaching roles (like the Swarthmore or Dartmouth grads), it seems like they might be earning okay, but not necessarily breaking the bank. Adjunct positions and early-career roles in academia often pay less than what you would expect for someone with those prestigious degrees. On the other hand, the Dartmouth grad who transitioned into nursing is likely making a comfortable salary now, suggesting that some paths can indeed lead to decent earnings.
On the flip side, graduates like those from UCLA or Yale, who have taken on more creative or freelance roles, may struggle financially initially, especially in competitive fields like writing or media. Those in more niche roles, like the graduates from the American University of Paris or Cornell, might find it harder to find stability and good pay, leading to decent money being more elusive. Overall, it seems that while some grads are on solid financial footing, others may not be making as much money as they could have with different career choices, especially considering the investments they've made in their education.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Comparative Literature. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Comparative Literature (ordered by the average relevance score of their Comparative Literature graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: