What can you do with a Film degree?

First, some facts. Of the Film 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 77 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 58%, Film graduates have a lower likelihood (-9%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 58%
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 19% 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 Film graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Film graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 70%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2022 from University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA in Film. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Substitute Teacher
First Academy-Leesburg
Jan 2022 - May 2022
The role of a Substitute Teacher at First Academy-Leesburg may utilize some skills in critical thinking and communication, but it does not directly require knowledge or skills specific to film, making the relevance indirect.

Creative Associate
RoMac Building Supply
May 2022 - Jul 2023
As a Creative Associate at RoMac Building Supply, the job likely involves some creativity and visual thinking, which could be somewhat related to skills learned in film studies, but it is not focused on film or co-related media production skills.

Production Assistant
Wycliffe Bible Translators USA
Jul 2023 - Present
The position of Production Assistant at Wycliffe Bible Translators USA directly pertains to film production and utilizes specific skills and knowledge taught during the Bachelor's degree in Film, making it highly relevant.

ABOUT

Hello! Im [NAME REMOVED] Patterson, and I have a passion for bringing creative visions to life through film and video. Previously, I have worked for UCF (writing, casting, shooting, sound recording, and editing short films for myself and others), First Baptist Orlando (shooting and editing video content for social media and creating sermon bumpers in After Effects), RoMac Building Supply (creating content for social media, as well as contributing footage and edited material to LakefrontTV and The Villages News Network for their television programs covering their high school construction academies) and myself (writing and directing short films, in addition to wedding and event videography). Currently, I am a videographer and editor for Wycliffe USA, where I help create documentary work on people groups around the world and develop videos for our marketing team. My experience doesnt start and stop at film and video production; I also have written state-award winning essays on historical topics for the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Optimist Club, and have finished top in the nation in the National Entertainment Bee, as well as the top ten in the National History Bee. During my time at UCF, I was a member of Burnett Honors College, where I was a member of the Honors Congress and excelled in a variety of honors-level courses. As a requirement of service, I volunteered at Give Kids the World in Kissimmee, driving families around property, running event booths, and operating rides. More recently, Ive worked a year as a floor manager at Epic Theatres Mount Dora and as a high school substitute teacher at First Academy-Leesburg. Working in the latter two jobs has given me excellent training in customer service and meeting individual needs of students or guests. When Im not doing anything related to film or writing, I can usually be found playing my bass guitar, exploring the outdoors, or spending quality time with my chinchilla, Dusty. I look forward to working with you!

What jobs can you get with a Film degree?

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


When examining the job paths of individuals who graduated with degrees in Film, it becomes clear that there are several common threads in terms of employment. Many of these graduates have secured roles directly relevant to film production, such as Production Assistants, Editors, Videographers, and Production Coordinators. These positions often involve practical application of the skills learned in their programs, including understanding of storytelling, technical aspects of filmmaking, and project management. In fact, many of the highlighted jobs like 'Production Supervisor', 'Videographer', or 'Editor' show a direct correlation between the educational background and the responsibilities they undertake. Graduates who transitioned into roles such as Owner/Operator of film-related businesses also exemplify how the degree can pave the way for entrepreneurial ventures in the industry.

However, it's also essential to note that a significant number of Film graduates found themselves in positions that are either loosely related or entirely irrelevant to their field of study. Roles such as Sales Associate, Project Coordinator in non-media sectors, or even technical jobs like an IT Consultant do not utilize the creative and technical skills inherent to film studies. Additionally, many entries discuss jobs that may have some intersection with media but are primarily focused on administrative, marketing, or unrelated fields, which diminishes the direct relevance to their degree. This discrepancy raises questions about the versatility of a Film degree in the job market. While many graduates do find fulfilling jobs in film, a considerable portion end up in roles where their film education might not be directly applicable, ultimately suggesting that while the Film degree can lead to specialized roles within the industry, it also leaves graduates navigating a broader job market that may not always value their specific skill set.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Film graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Film graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When looking at the career trajectories of Film graduates from various colleges, it's clear that there's a mix of outcomes, ranging from those who find success in the film industry to others who take on jobs that are quite unrelated to their degree. For many graduates, the first job post-graduation is often in an entry-level position, typically as a Production Assistant or Intern. This makes sense, as the film industry is highly competitive, and these initial roles provide critical experience and networking opportunities.

As they progress five to ten years down the line, the paths start to diverge more significantly. Some graduates manage to work their way up to positions like Production Coordinator, Editor, or even Director at notable companies, indicating a successful climb within the industry. Others, however, transition into careers that are not directly related to film, frequently finding roles in sales, real estate, or other corporate environments. This shift can sometimes happen due to the need for financial stability or the realization that a pursuing a film career may not align with their personal goals or lifestyle preferences.

In summary, while many Film graduates start off with the right intentions and potentially exciting roles in the industry, the reality is that a significant number ultimately end up in unrelated jobs. This highlights a common theme for creatives: passion for their field doesn't always translate into a sustainable career within it, and some may need to adapt to more conventional work. It’s this mixture of successes and challenges that shapes the career landscape for Film graduates.

How hard is a Film degree?

The difficulty of a Bachelor’s degree in Film can really depend on your interests and skills, but I’d say it's often a bit easier than some of the more math or science-heavy degrees. You’ll be doing a lot of creative work—like writing scripts, shooting scenes, and editing videos—which can be super fun if you’re passionate about storytelling and visual arts. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park; you’ll still need to juggle deadlines, get comfortable with technical skills, and put in a good amount of effort into your projects. Overall, if you love movies and are ready to dive into the craft, it can feel more engaging than hard. Just be prepared to work hard on your passion!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Film.

Do Film graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at the job histories of these film graduates, it feels like their potential for making decent money really varies. For example, the one from Full Sail University who is running their own production companies and has appeared in roles like Executive in Charge of Production seems like they're probably doing pretty well financially. On the flip side, others, especially those taking on entry-level positions like production assistants and internships, might still be grinding through lower pay. The job contexts really matter; some are venturing into entrepreneurial roles while others are building their careers one gig at a time.

Overall, it looks like some have found lucrative paths with higher-paying roles and entrepreneurial ventures, while others might still be working their way up, potentially struggling with lower initial incomes. It's a mixed bag, which is pretty typical in the creative industry—you might hit the jackpot or it might take a while to get to that point. If you’re considering a film career, just know that your journey can be as unpredictable as a plot twist!

What buzzwords do Film 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 Film. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Film?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Film (ordered by the average relevance score of their Film graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
Full Sail University 50 27