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First, some facts. Of the Geography 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 415 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 56%, Geography 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, only 34% 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 Geography graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 50% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2010 from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Geography. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSupervisor EVERGREEN INTERNATIONAL AVIATION, INC. Sep 2010 - Dec 2012 Business Manager Hallmark Aviation Dec 2012 - May 2020 Regional Operations Manager Hallmark Aviation May 2020 - Present ABOUTCurrently appointed as Regional Operations Manager with Hallmark Aviation Services. I have the opportunity where I can maximize my management skills, conduct quality assurance, follow programdevelopment and enhance training experiences. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When we analyze the career paths of individuals who have graduated with a degree in Geography, several trends emerge regarding the types of jobs they take on and the relevance of those jobs to their field of study. A significant portion of graduates have moved into roles that are somewhat tangentially related to Geography, such as sales, customer service, and management positions. It’s surprising to see how many graduates find themselves in jobs where they’re not actively utilizing the core competencies from their Geography curriculum.
Among the profiles reviewed, a notable number of individuals ended up in roles as GIS Analysts, Technicians, or Specialists. These positions are directly aligned with their studies, leveraging skills in geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis, which are integral parts of a Geography degree. Such specific job titles highlight that while some graduates do find relevant employment, many others are caught in a mismatch between their education and job opportunities, with about a third of the roles being largely unrelated to geography. For example, roles like waitress, retail manager, or various positions in customer service illustrate how geography graduates might drift into fields far removed from maps and spatial analysis.
Additionally, some individuals have transitioned into education roles, like teaching math or environmental science, which may occasionally involve geographical concepts but do not necessarily focus on Geography as a core subject matter. Even when they manage to incorporate some aspects of their degree into their work, the connection to Geography may not be strong enough to claim that they are utilizing their education to its fullest potential.
Moreover, there are several profiles showcasing graduates in roles within environmental services or planning sectors, such as urban planners and environmental consultants. These positions can often be more directly related to their Geography training, reflecting the applicability of geographic knowledge in broader contexts. However, despite the relevance in some cases, there's still a concerning theme of underemployment in regards to the Geography degree's core skills and knowledge.
In conclusion, while there are commendable paths into GIS and planning roles, a prevalent portion of Geography graduates end up in positions that lack strong ties to their field. This disparity raises important questions about how well the educational system is preparing students for the job market and the necessity of aligning geographic education and professional opportunities. More outreach and potential pathways in the job market may help graduates better utilize their unique skill sets in future roles.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Geography graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Geography, you can see a wide range of experiences, jobs, and specialties. Right after graduation, the first jobs tend to vary a lot. Many of the profiles show people starting in roles that may not directly relate to Geography, such as customer service positions, administrative roles, or even teaching jobs. For instance, one graduate from Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University started as a cashier after their 2016 graduation. This suggests that while some graduates find themselves in positions closely related to their degrees, like GIS analysis and planning roles, others might take longer to get fully into their field of study or even pivot into entirely different areas.
Fast-forward five to ten years, and the trends start to show a more positive progression for many graduates who have positioned themselves within the Geography field. Many individuals transition into roles that align more closely with their studies, like GIS Analysts, Urban Planners, or Environmental Consultants. For example, a graduate from Georgia College and State University is still working as a Spatial Analyst years after graduation. This signifies a steady career progression that allows Geography graduates to leverage their skills and education into more specialized, relevant roles. However, there are also those who may continue to drift away from the traditional geography career paths, reflecting a combination of adaptability and possibly the challenges of the job market.
In general, while some geography graduates find lucrative and fulfilling careers related to their studies—such as GIS roles, environmental management, and urban planning—others seem to settle into unrelated roles or jobs that rely on soft skills rather than where their education initially led them. This variability might reflect both personal choices and broader job market trends where opportunities in Geography-specific fields fluctuate. It's a mixed bag overall: on one hand, there are some success stories highlighting solid alignments with geography-related careers; on the other hand, the experience of many graduates suggests a reality where flexibility and diversification in skills can sometimes overshadow the direct application of geography education in their careers.
A Bachelor's degree in Geography can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. It’s definitely not the easiest degree out there, but it's also not the hardest—kind of like a solid C average on a test! You’ll get to study cool topics like human relationships with the environment, physical landscapes, and even tech stuff like GIS (geographic information systems). Some classes can get pretty technical or require a lot of fieldwork and research, which might feel challenging if you’re not super into that. But if you enjoy learning about the world and how everything fits together, you might find that it’s a manageable ride overall. Just be prepared to put in the effort, and you'll likely be just fine!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Geography.
Looking at these Geography graduates, it's clear that their earning potential varies widely based on their career paths and the sectors they've jumped into. For instance, graduates from more competitive schools like UCLA, University of California, and University of Florida seem to have secured positions with stable progression into higher-paying roles, particularly in sectors like GIS, project management, and planning. Meanwhile, some graduates from less renowned institutions or those pursuing entry-level positions that don’t align with high-demand sectors, like retail or customer service, have likely struggled to make a decent income early in their careers.
Overall, while some graduates are raking it in with solid career trajectories—think project manager roles or GIS analysts—others seem stuck in lower paying jobs, especially if they started in sectors like customer service or entry-level positions. So, it's not just about having that degree; the field you end up in matters a lot when it comes to salary. Still, with the right opportunities and experience, many of these graduates could potentially improve their financial situations in the long run.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Geography. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Geography (ordered by the average relevance score of their Geography graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 University of North Texas
|
54 | 11 |