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First, some facts. Of the Journalism graduates from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 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 10 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 61%, Journalism graduates from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 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 30% 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: 83% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONPublic Relations Intern Crowe PR Jan 2022 - Jul 2022 Account Coordinator Crowe PR Jul 2022 - Mar 2023 Account Executive Crowe PR Mar 2023 - Feb 2024 Front of House  Coronado Brewing Company Mar 2024 - Present ABOUTAs a strategic public relations and communications professional with 4+ years of experience, I have a proven track record of driving growth for brands in the consumer goods and hospitality sectors. Leveraging strong media relations and cross-collaboration with national partners, I consistently deliver impactful results that generate ROI and brand awareness. Raised in San Diego, CA, I have mastered the skills of adaptability, coachability and effective communication, positioning me as a key team player whos able to pivot mid-crisis and strategically lead others. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Looking at the job history of people with a Journalism degree from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, it seems most graduates have taken various paths that don’t always directly relate to their field of study. Many of them have ended up in roles such as administrative assistants, career advisors, and marketing positions, which while they may utilize some communication or organizational skills, do not strictly involve journalism principles. It's kind of surprising since one would think that a journalism degree would lead you straight to writing or reporting jobs!
On the flip side, there are definitely some standout roles that reflect a direct application of their journalism education. For instance, positions like News Reporter, Traffic Anchor, and Copy Editor show a clear use of writing and reporting skills. Yet, these relevant positions are outnumbered by jobs in other fields like education and marketing, hinting that journalism graduates often find themselves in diverse roles, sometimes outside of traditional journalism paths. So, it's a mixed bag—some excel right into journalism-related jobs, while many others veer off into different territories altogether.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Journalism graduates (this is across all Journalism graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo):
So, looking at the career trajectories of graduates from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo who studied Journalism, it seems like there's a mix of success and some people finding their way into unrelated fields. For many, their first jobs right after graduation tend to be in areas directly linked to media, education, or internships. For instance, some started as multimedia journalists or news anchors, which is pretty standard for someone who pursued a Journalism degree. However, you also see graduates taking roles that seem quite far from the traditional journalism path, like working as an academic advisor or in public relations, suggesting they may be using their communication skills in various sectors.
Fast forward five years or so, and you can see that some of these individuals have really solidified their footing in reputable roles within media and communications—like sports directors at news stations or positions in significant health journalism roles. But then there are others who veer off into education or marketing, which may not directly align with their degree. Overall, it does seem that while some have found fulfilling careers in journalism and related fields, a good number have ended up in jobs that don’t fully utilize their Journalism training. So, if you're considering a path in journalism, it's definitely possible to succeed, but be ready for a journey that might lead you down some unexpected paths, too!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is generally considered to be pretty challenging, but it’s also really rewarding. The program is designed to be hands-on, so you’ll be spending a lot of time working on projects, mastering writing and reporting skills, and getting real-world experience. It’s not just about sitting in class and taking notes; you’ll be expected to meet tight deadlines and juggle multiple assignments, which can be stressful. But don't let that scare you too much—if you’re passionate about storytelling and willing to put in the work, you’ll definitely find it doable. Overall, it's a tough degree like many others, but if you stay organized and engaged, you should be more than fine!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Journalism.
Looking at the career paths of these journalism grads from Cal Poly, it seems like they’ve had a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to making money. Some of the earlier positions, like working at Disneyland or in various educational roles, probably didn’t pay super high, especially right after graduation. However, roles like digital producer or marketing manager could signal better salaries as they progress, especially since many are moving into established companies like Google and DoorDash. Overall, their income likely varies significantly depending on each person's specific role and location, but they seem to be carving out careers that can lead to decent pay over time. So, while they might not be rolling in dough right away, there’s room for growth if they keep climbing the ladder in their fields.
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 is across all Journalism graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo). 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:
