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First, some facts. Of the Journalism 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 1380 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 61%, Journalism graduates have a lower likelihood (-6%) 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 22% 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 Journalism graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 97% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSummer Judicial Intern North Carolina Court of Appeals Jun 2023 - Aug 2023 Paralegal  Ann Shy Law Firm PLLC Jan 2021 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGDoctor of Law - JDNorth Carolina Central University 2021 - 2024 ABOUTI am a J.D. candidate at the North Carolina Central University School of Law. I hope to work as a family law attorney after receiving my degree from NCCU. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From analyzing the job trajectories of individuals who graduated with degrees in Journalism, it’s clear that many have ventured into fields that are both relevant and irrelevant to their educational background. While some alumni successfully secured jobs directly linked to their studies, such as reporters, editors, content creators, and various roles in media production, many others found themselves in positions that do not leverage the core skills associated with journalism. In fact, many graduates have taken on administrative, marketing, and public relations roles that focus more on communication strategies and client relations than traditional journalistic practices like reporting and editing.
The most common paths taken by Journalism graduates are centered on content creation and media roles. Positions like reporters, editors, and digital content producers highlight the utilization of skills learned during their studies, particularly in writing, storytelling, and investigative research. These positions not only align with the principles of journalism but also require the application of ethics and good practices that form the foundation of the field. For example, graduates working as reporters at various news outlets routinely apply their journalism training—gathering facts, interviewing sources, and crafting stories that inform the public.
However, a significant number of graduates have opted for careers in marketing, public relations, or even completely unrelated fields, indicating a trend where journalism skills are applied in broader contexts of communication but not in the strict realm of news reporting. This shift raises important questions about the versatility of journalism degrees and the nature of job markets today—while the core competencies of journalism can indeed be valuable in areas like content marketing or communication strategy, the relevance to traditional journalism is less pronounced. Overall, the landscape for Journalism graduates appears mixed; while there are ample opportunities to apply their skills in the field of media, many have diverted into areas that do not align strictly with their training, suggesting the need for Journalism programs to potentially adapt and emphasize more transferable skills that are applicable to various industries.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Journalism graduates:
When analyzing the career trajectories of Journalism graduates from various universities, it's interesting to note the patterns in their early careers, as well as where they tend to end up years later. Many graduates often start with entry-level positions such as internships, freelance writing, or roles in lower-level reporting, where they gain valuable real-world experience that is crucial in the competitive media landscape. For instance, a number of graduates began their careers as interns or freelancers, working with established media outlets or even local newspapers, which is typical for someone entering this field. These initial jobs allow them to build a portfolio, establish connections in the industry, and refine their skills.
However, when looking at their positions five to ten years after graduation, there seems to be a mixed bag. Some graduates successfully transition into well-respected positions within media organizations, becoming senior reporters, editors, or producers. Such trajectories can include becoming a breaking news editor at a prominent news network or even a communications manager for significant organizations. On the flip side, a sizable number of graduates have shifted away from traditional journalism roles into marketing, public relations, or other unrelated fields entirely. Some have found themselves in roles that may not directly reflect their journalism training, such as social media managers or marketing specialists, indicating a possible divergence from their initial career aspirations.
Overall, while it’s evident that some journalism graduates carve out successful careers closely related to their degrees, many others veer into different paths, perhaps due to the challenging and ever-evolving nature of the journalism landscape, influenced by factors like market demand and technological changes. This may not be a negative outcome; rather, it highlights the versatility of a journalism degree, allowing graduates to adapt their skills to various fields. So, if you're considering a degree in Journalism, keep in mind that while it can lead to fulfilling media-related jobs, it can also open doors to various other career avenues that can be equally rewarding.
Honestly, a Bachelor degree in Journalism can be a mixed bag—it’s not the easiest, but it’s also not the hardest. You’ll have to juggle writing assignments, research projects, and maybe even some multimedia work, which can get pretty intense. If you enjoy storytelling and have a knack for writing, you might find it a bit easier, but there are definitely challenging aspects, especially when it comes to deadlines and staying on top of current events. Plus, the critique from professors and peers can be tough to take sometimes, so be ready for that, too. Overall, it requires a solid balance of creativity and discipline, but if you’re passionate about it, you might find it more fun than hard!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Journalism.
When you look at the career paths of these journalism graduates, you can see a pretty varied picture of earnings and financial stability. Some, like those who graduated from prestigious schools like Northwestern University or Boston University, seem to be landing solid positions in media companies and public relations that likely pay decent salaries. For instance, roles like "Senior Digital Editor" or "Communications Manager" generally come with more competitive pay. On the other hand, many graduates with roles such as "freelance reporter" or "intern" might still be grinding away in less lucrative positions, juggling side hustles and lower wages, which is not uncommon in journalism.
Overall, while some grads are climbing the ranks in environments that suggest a steady income, others are still in that building stage of their careers. Given the competitive nature of the field, it's fair to say that while some are likely making decent money, many may have to endure lower pay for some time, especially if they're starting out or working in freelance roles. That being said, perseverance and networking can really turn things around for many in this industry. So if you’re eyeing journalism, keep that in mind as you start mapping out your career path!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Journalism. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Journalism (ordered by the average relevance score of their Journalism graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
