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First, some facts. Of the Journalism graduates from San Francisco State University 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 16 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 58%, Journalism graduates from San Francisco State University have a lower likelihood (-9%) 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 12% 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: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONNewsroom intern Comcast Sportsnet BayArea Jan 2014 - May 2014 Sports Information Volunteer Sonoma State University Sports Information Oct 2014 - Jan 2015 Sports Information Assistant Sonoma State University Sports Information Jan 2015 - Jun 2015 Sports Information Assistant California State University, East Bay Oct 2015 - May 2016 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After going through the jobs held by graduates from San Francisco State University with a degree in Journalism, it’s clear that many have found their way into roles that heavily lean on their journalistic training. A significant portion of them have taken up positions like reporters, writers, and editors, which directly utilize the skills they learned during their studies. For example, several have worked as staff writers, reporters, and even in various editorial roles—all of which are classic paths for journalism graduates. These positions not only tap into their core skills—such as writing, reporting, and researching—but also reinforce the essence of what a journalism degree offers: the ability to communicate effectively and tell stories that matter. The involvement in roles related to media companies, such as Inside Edition and various local newspapers, further highlights how they are directly engaged in journalistic practices.
On the flip side, there’s a noticeable trend of graduates moving into fields that aren't closely tied to journalism, such as marketing and public relations. While these roles do draw on communication skills developed during their studies, they are generally more focused on promotional strategies rather than storytelling and reporting. Positions like Public Relations Assistant or Marketing Specialist, while relevant in a broader sense, aren't where the heart of journalistic values lies. The mix suggests that while many alumni are thriving in the journalism world, a considerable number are also veering into other communication-related careers which might not fully capitalize on their journalistic training. So, if you're thinking about a degree in journalism, you might want to keep in mind that there are diverse career paths, some more journalistic than others!”
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 San Francisco State University):
Looking at the career trajectories of graduates from San Francisco State University with a degree in Journalism, it seems like there's a mixed bag of experiences. Many of the grads start off in typical journalism roles like reporters and interns, which is great. For instance, those who graduated around 2015 often landed internships at places like SF Weekly and KQED, eventually moving into more permanent positions. However, as time goes on, it seems like some of them shift away from traditional journalism jobs. A number of them are transitioning into roles in marketing, public relations, and even management, which might show that while they kick-start their careers in journalism, they are also exploring other fields that can utilize their communication skills.
Fast forward five or ten years, and some of these graduates have notably moved into significant roles outside the mainstream journalism world. For example, one grad has made a name in Apple's editorial team, and another is managing communications for various companies. While it’s a good sign that they’re finding solid careers, it's also worth noting that a few end up in non-journalism roles entirely, like those in finance or administrative positions. Overall, it looks like if you graduate in Journalism from SFSU, you kick things off with good opportunities in journalism, but the journey often leads into broader areas like PR, marketing, and even more tech-focused roles, which might not align directly with their initial passion for storytelling or reporting. So, while there's a mix of success in journalism, many also carve out a path in adjacent fields, allowing them to leverage their skills in different contexts.
Honestly, getting a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism can be a bit of a mixed bag at San Francisco State University or anywhere else. It's not gonna be a walk in the park, especially if you're looking to really hone your writing and reporting skills. You’ll have to deal with deadlines, classes on media ethics, and some pretty intense projects that might push you out of your comfort zone. That said, if you're passionate about storytelling and enjoy the hustle of gathering news, you might find it more rewarding than tough. Overall, it’s challenging, but not impossible—just be ready to put in the work and stay curious!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Journalism.
Looking at these journalism grads from San Francisco State University, it seems like their paychecks might vary quite a bit, and honestly, they likely aren't rolling in cash just yet. The earlier positions most of these folks held, like reporters and interns, often come with pretty low pay, especially in the early years - think entry-level wages with a lot of hustle. A few later jobs, like the Program Manager at Google or Senior Editor roles at Apple, definitely point toward more decent earnings, but those seem to be more the exception than the rule. Overall, many of them are building their careers step by step, so while they might not be making the big bucks right out of school, there’s potential for growth as they gain experience and pick up more prestigious roles over time!
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 San Francisco State University). 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:
