What can you do with a Journalism degree from University of Florida?

First, some facts. Of the Journalism graduates from University of Florida 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 29 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 68%, Journalism graduates from University of Florida have a slightly higher likelihood (+1%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 68%
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, 37% 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 you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Journalism graduate.

See the details:

View a random Journalism graduate from University of Florida and our analysis:


Relevance score: 12%

We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2013 from University of Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Intern
The Ledger
May 2013 - Jul 2013
As an intern at The Ledger, this position directly utilizes journalism skills and knowledge developed during the Bachelor's program, requiring specific editorial and reporting expertise on a daily basis.

Freelance Writer
Osprey Observer
Oct 2014 - Jan 2015
The freelance writing position at Osprey Observer directly employs journalism skills, allowing for the practical application of knowledge obtained in the Bachelor's degree focused on writing and reporting.

Guest Services Supervisor
Amalie Arena
Oct 2013 - Sep 2016
The role of Guest Services Supervisor at Amalie Arena does not require journalism-specific skills or knowledge, as it primarily focuses on customer service and operations rather than writing or media-related tasks.

ABOUT

I am a graduate of the University of Florida and am looking for a career that will challenge me when I go into work. I value my family and the time I spend with them.

What jobs can you get with a Journalism degree from University of Florida?

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


When looking at the jobs that University of Florida journalism graduates have pursued, a mix of traditional journalism roles and positions in communications and marketing jumps out. Many alumni find themselves as reporters, editors, or writers at various news outlets and publications, which makes total sense as these positions require the very skills taught in their journalism programs. For instance, roles like Staff Writer, Multimedia Producer, and Engagement Reporter directly engage with core journalistic practices such as reporting, researching, and storytelling. Additionally, some graduates have taken on roles as communications specialists or digital strategists, demonstrating how journalism skills in writing and media engagement can crossover into marketing and public relations.

However, not all the jobs these graduates found are closely related to journalism. A significant number have ventured into marketing, communications, and public relations, where the emphasis might lean more towards crafting marketing messages than traditional journalistic reporting. While positions in these fields can certainly utilize writing and communication skills, they often don't require the in-depth journalistic knowledge that a traditional newsroom job would. Overall, many of these roles do retain a semblance of relevance to journalism, but it's clear that a number of graduates have moved towards careers distant from the classic paths, reflecting a broader trend in how journalists adapt their skills across various job markets.

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 University of Florida):

What kind of career trajectories do Journalism graduates from University of Florida have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Looking at the career paths of Journalism graduates from the University of Florida, it's clear that many start off their professional journeys in roles directly tied to writing, reporting, and communication. For instance, many of the graduates find entry-level jobs as staff writers, editors, or marketing assistants right after finishing their degrees. This is promising, as it shows they are stepping into fields related to their education early on, like working for local newspapers or magazines. Some even land internships at reputable organizations, which can be a great stepping stone into more permanent positions.

However, as we look five or ten years down the line, the trajectories start to diverge a bit. While some graduates stay firmly rooted in journalism—moving on to roles like investigative reporter or communications specialist—others shift towards marketing, public relations, or even completely different fields like human resources and retail management. This transition might suggest that while these individuals are starting out in journalism, not all of them remain in the field long-term, possibly due to the challenges facing traditional journalism today. It's a mixed bag, with some finding fulfilling careers in journalism and communication, while others seem to veer off into roles that, while successful, are less tied to their original passions for reporting and storytelling. So, if you're considering a degree in journalism, it's essential to be open to various paths, as you might encounter unexpected opportunities along the way!

How hard is a Journalism degree from University of Florida?

Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism at the University of Florida, or really anywhere, can be a mixed bag—it’s definitely not a walk in the park, but it’s not the hardest major out there either. You’ll tackle writing, reporting, ethics, multimedia storytelling, and maybe even some design, so you've got to be ready to put in some effort and stay organized, especially with deadlines and projects. If you have a passion for storytelling and a knack for communication, it will definitely make things more enjoyable and a bit easier. But, like any degree, it comes with its challenges, especially when you’re expected to be both creative and detail-oriented. Overall, it’s a manageable degree, but you’ll need to commit to developing your skills and staying on top of your coursework.

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 Journalism.

Do Journalism graduates from University of Florida tend to make good money?

Looking at the job paths of these University of Florida journalism grads, it's a mixed bag when it comes to how much money they're likely making. Some, like those who landed positions at big names like The New York Times and ProPublica, are probably doing pretty well, especially as they climb the ranks into editorial and managerial roles. Others have taken more varied routes in marketing and communications, where pay can vary wildly based on the company and location. On the flip side, graduates who ventured into smaller publications or freelance gigs may find themselves earning less, especially initially. Overall, it seems like some have found decent-paying jobs in established sectors, while others might be still working on leveling up their income. If you’re looking into journalism, just know it can be a bit of a rollercoaster in terms of salary!

What buzzwords do Journalism 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 Journalism (this is across all Journalism graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to University of Florida). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Journalism?

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:

College Score Count
Northwestern University 84 22
Ithaca College 77 11
Northeastern University 76 10
University of Maryland College Park 75 11
University of Houston 74 11
The University of Georgia 74 11
The University of Texas at Austin 70 21
Colorado State University 69 13
University of Missouri-Columbia 69 26
Boston University 69 12
University of Florida 68 29
Michigan State University 68 17
Ohio University 68 17
Hofstra University 68 10
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 63 10
San Jose State University 62 12
University of Oregon 62 31
Penn State University 61 16
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 61 10
Indiana University Bloomington 58 26
San Francisco State University 58 16
Temple University 57 26
University of North Texas 56 10
Columbia College Chicago 56 16
West Virginia University 54 10
The University of Kansas 52 16
Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Georgia 51 10
Georgia State University 49 34
University of Arizona 48 15
University of Oklahoma 41 12