First, some facts. Of the Marketing graduates from Oakland 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 20 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 47%, Marketing graduates from Oakland University have a much lower likelihood (-20%) 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 20% 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 Marketing graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 30%We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2016 from Oakland University with a Bachelors Degree in Marketing. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONPDM AnalystFCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles 2017 - Aug 2021 Installation and Service Project Coordinator Ascent Aerospace Aug 2021 - Present ABOUT2016 Oakland University Marketing graduate with bachelors degree. An ardent runner and half marathoner. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
If you look at the job history of graduates from Oakland University's Marketing program, you'll notice a pretty mixed bag when it comes to how relevant these positions are to marketing itself. Many grads ended up in roles like Accounts Receivable or various finance-related jobs, which definitely don't tap into the marketing skills they learned in school. For example, positions like Quality Assurance Manager or Operations Management Specialist are more about processes and numbers rather than connecting with customers or creating campaigns. However, there are also some standout roles that clearly relate to marketing, like Marketing Lead or Social Media Specialist, where graduates are actively using their marketing skills on a daily basis.
It’s safe to say that while some alumni have ended up in jobs where they can flex their marketing muscles, a big chunk found themselves in positions that are far from the marketing industry, leaning more towards finance or operations. You’ve got everything from roles in customer service that touch on marketing principles to management positions that seem to go in a totally different direction. So, if you're thinking about a Marketing degree, it might be worth it to pursue internships or roles that directly align with marketing to ensure you're building on the skills that matter. After all, being in a job that directly relates to marketing can really help you stand out in a competitive job market later on!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Marketing graduates (this is across all Marketing graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Oakland University):
Looking at these career trajectories of Oakland University marketing graduates, it appears that many individuals begin their journeys in entry-level positions that aren't necessarily tied directly to marketing. For instance, several people started in roles like Accounts Receivable, Operations Management, or Customer Service right after graduation. This could indicate that while they all studied marketing, the immediate employment landscape often pushed them into various support or operational roles. However, many seem to pivot into marketing-centric positions within a few years, especially as they gain experience. For example, you’ll find graduates transitioning from financial roles or admin jobs to marketing analyst positions or even management roles in marketing. It’s like they find their way back to their roots as they establish themselves professionally.
If we take a broader look at what graduates are doing five to ten years after graduation, there’s a notable trend toward more specialized marketing roles, particularly in digital marketing, data analysis, and business development. Graduates often secure positions as Marketing Managers, Social Media Specialists, or even Directors of Marketing as they progress in their careers. This suggests a healthy growth trajectory where they gain valuable skills and experiences that better align with their degree. However, it also reflects a mix of pathways, as some individuals pursue careers that diverge from marketing altogether, with roles in finance, operations, and management. Overall, it seems like many graduates find rewarding careers related to marketing over time, but it may take a few years of exploration to get there.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing at Oakland University isn’t too different from most other schools; it’s definitely more challenging than just cruising through high school, but it’s not the toughest out there either. You’ll be diving into a mix of creative projects, data analysis, and understanding consumer behavior, which can be pretty fun, especially if you enjoy working on real-world scenarios. The workload is manageable if you stay organized and keep up with your assignments, but some classes can get a bit intense with group projects and presentations. Overall, it’s a solid mix of work and creativity—definitely a fun ride if marketing sparks your interest!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Marketing.
Looking at the career paths of these Oakland University marketing grads, it seems like they've found their way into a mix of decent-paying roles, especially as they gain experience. For instance, the earlier graduates moved from entry-level positions to roles like Senior Analysts and Marketing Managers, which usually come with a better paycheck. The variety in roles also suggests that many have adapted to industry demands, which typically helps in boosting salaries. However, some are still bouncing around from position to position, which might mean they're still climbing the ladder or exploring their options. Overall, it seems like most of them are doing pretty well, but like any career path, it varies and takes time to hit those higher salary brackets.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Marketing (this is across all Marketing graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Oakland University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Marketing (ordered by the average relevance score of their Marketing graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: