What can you do with a Film, Cinema and Video Studies degree?

First, some facts. Of the Film, Cinema and Video Studies 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 593 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 59%, Film, Cinema and Video Studies graduates have a lower likelihood (-8%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 59%
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 15% 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, Cinema and Video Studies graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Film, Cinema and Video Studies graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 100%

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

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2023 from Full Sail University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Film, Cinema and Video Studies. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Director
Breaking Point
May 2023 - Present
As a Director at Breaking Point, this job directly utilizes the skills and knowledge in film, cinema, and video studies acquired during the Bachelor's program, requiring specific expertise in directing film projects.

Director
Self-employed
May 2023 - Present
Being self-employed as a Director involves implementing and applying the core concepts and skills learned in the Bachelor's degree in film, cinema, and video studies, making it highly relevant.

ABOUT

I have a deep passion for storytelling and a good eye for visual composition. During this school year I've learned my skills in both creative and technical aspects of filmmaking, allowing me to bring unique visions to life. My dedication to my craft and my ability to collaborate effectively with actors and crew members have led to successful projects. My goal is to work on a variety of projects, from indie films to major productions, and to continue growing as a director. I aim to tell compelling stories that resonate with audiences and make a meaningful impact in the world of film and television.I want to become a director but I know I have to work my way up. Working in the art department is something I really love.I worked as a Production Designer and it was great. I used Vectorworks to build the set and help visualize how I wanted it to look and dress it. This is great because I could show the director and see if she liked it or not. I made it look exactly identical to how it looked in Vectorworks and was surprised hoe identical it was. I really enjoyed building something from nothing. I know the art department is great for me.

What jobs can you get with a Film, Cinema and Video Studies degree?

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


The data you've gathered presents a complex picture of employment outcomes for graduates in Film, Cinema, and Video Studies. From my analysis, it appears that there are a variety of paths taken by these alumni, with mixed levels of relevance to their field of study. The roles range significantly from those that closely align with film production to others that seem entirely unrelated, suggesting varying degrees of employment satisfaction in terms of utilizing their skills and education.

One of the most common job categories is that of **Production Assistant** and related roles in production support. Many individuals have gained valuable experience in real-world film production settings, indicating that this is a significant entry-level position for those looking to break into the industry. These roles often require direct application of skills learned during their studies—such as understanding camera operation, editing techniques, and film theory—making them highly relevant. Additionally, positions like **Camera Operator**, **Editor**, and **Producer** also surface frequently, reflecting a clear trajectory for those who pursue careers directly within film and video production roles. There’s a notable number who have advanced to positions like **Director**, **Associate Producer**, and **Creative Director**, demonstrating the potential for growth within the industry.

On the other hand, a substantial portion of graduates have found themselves in positions that do not directly require the specific knowledge and skills gained from their degrees. Roles such as **Sales Associate**, **Barista**, **Customer Support Representative**, and various administrative or logistical positions seem to dominate in the narratives of many graduates, highlighting a disconnect between their education and employment. These jobs often lack a creative element altogether, straying far from the career paths envisioned by individuals who dedicated years to mastering film studies. Moreover, many have taken roles in fields such as marketing or events management; while these positions may utilize some transferable skills, they often do not engage the core competencies of film studies, indicating a mismatch in the application of their training.

In conclusion, the outcomes of Film, Cinema, and Video Studies graduates are multifaceted, with a significant number finding relevant roles that leverage their educational expertise in film production and analysis. However, many others are navigating career paths that diverge substantially from their field of study. This illustrates a broader issue in the job market, where even degree holders struggle to find positions that align well with their academic backgrounds, warranting further exploration into how educational institutions can better support their graduates in transition to meaningful careers in the arts and media.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Film, Cinema and Video Studies graduates:

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

When we take a look at the career paths for graduates who've studied Film, Cinema, and Video Studies, it paints a mixed picture. Right after graduation, many of them start off by taking on entry-level positions such as production assistants or interns. These roles are essential for gaining the hands-on experience needed in the industry, even if they often come with little pay or are unpaid. For example, recent graduates frequently nab roles like "Production Assistant" at various TV networks or as interns at film festivals. This seems to be the standard stepping stone into the industry, building a foundation for their future careers.

Fast forward five to ten years, and the trajectories start to diverge significantly. Some alumni climb the ladder within the industry, finding stable jobs in production coordination, video editing, or even as producers. They secure roles in reputable companies like Netflix, Disney, and Paramount. However, a notable number of graduates struggle to remain in the film industry. Instead, they transition into unrelated fields, like sales, marketing, or administrative roles. This suggests a harsh reality where passion for film does not always translate into long-term, fulfilling careers within that niche. While a few individuals manage to find success and stay relevant in the industry, many end up taking jobs that may not utilize their degree, reflecting a challenging job market for film graduates.

Overall, whether a graduate thrives in the film field appears largely contingent on the right networking opportunities, access to internships, and, unfortunately, a bit of luck. So, while many film graduates do start with relevant work directly after school, only a fraction continue on to meaningful careers in the film industry ten years later. It's a tough road, but for those willing to put in the work and navigate the competitive landscape, there is potential for rewarding opportunities in the world of cinema and media.

How hard is a Film, Cinema and Video Studies degree?

Honestly, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Film, Cinema, and Video Studies can be pretty challenging, but it's often seen as easier compared to some other majors like engineering or the sciences. You'll dive deep into film theory, production techniques, and maybe even some heavy analysis of classic films. The workload can vary—there are projects to create, critiques to write, and tons of films to watch and analyze. If you're passionate about storytelling and visual art, it might feel more like fun than work, but be prepared to put in time and effort, especially if you're working on your own film projects. In the end, it really depends on your personal strengths and how much you care about the subject matter!

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 Film, Cinema and Video Studies.

Do Film, Cinema and Video Studies graduates tend to make good money?

Based on these profiles, it seems like the graduates' income potential varies widely depending on their roles and the companies they've worked for. For instance, those who started at notable companies like Paramount or Disney potentially have higher salaries simply because of the industry’s standard pay scales. However, many of these profiles show a mix of internships, freelance positions, and entry-level roles that don’t typically pay well, especially in creative fields. For example, lots of folks have been working in assistant roles or as production assistants, which are usually lower on the pay scale, especially in the early stages of their careers.

Overall, while some graduates may be doing pretty well, especially if they've moved into higher roles or stable positions, many appear to be stuck in more modestly paying jobs or still working freelance gigs. If you're aiming for a career in film or media, just keep in mind that it's often about building experience and connections, which can mean lower wages at the start. However, with perseverance, there are definitely paths to potentially lucrative roles later on in the industry.

What buzzwords do Film, Cinema and Video Studies 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, Cinema and Video Studies. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Film, Cinema and Video Studies?

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

College Score Count
New York University 73 17
Full Sail University 57 34
Georgia State University 56 15
San Francisco State University 51 21
Columbia College Chicago 50 22
University of Central Florida 48 10
California State University, Fullerton 47 11
University of North Carolina at Wilmington 31 10