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First, some facts. Of the Mass Communications 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 61 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 55%, Mass Communications graduates have a much lower likelihood (-12%) 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 26% 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 Mass Communications graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 43% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mass Communications. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONLicensed Sales Producer for Allstate Your Benefits Partner, LLC. May 2014 - Dec 2015 Individual Health Broker  Your Benefits Partner May 2014 - Dec 2018 Account Manager Your Benefits Partner Jan 2018 - Mar 2021 Account Manager Employee Benefits of Virginia Mar 2021 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the types of jobs that people with a Mass Communications degree end up doing, it's pretty clear that there's a mix of relevance and divergence from the core focus of their studies. Many graduates find themselves in marketing, public relations, and media-related roles, which directly incorporate their skills in communications, writing, and media production. For example, roles such as Marketing & Events Assistants, Public Relations Strategists, and Digital Content Producers align closely with the practical applications learned during their degree. These positions often utilize the core competencies of mass communications, such as effective messaging, audience engagement, and media production.
However, not every graduate ends up in a role that directly reflects their educational background. Some take on jobs like Sales Representatives, Administrative Assistants, or even Customer Service roles, where the tasks might lean more towards general business operations rather than communication strategies. For instance, positions like Technical Recruiter or Human Resources Specialist can use some communication skills but generally do not require a Mass Communications degree. This indicates a significant portion of graduates might not fully utilize their specialized training in their careers. Overall, while many of the jobs are relevant and directly tied to skills learned in Mass Communications, a notable number take paths that, while benefiting from communication skills, don’t heavily rely on the discipline's core teachings.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Mass Communications graduates:
Looking at the career trajectories of graduates in Mass Communications based on the data you've provided, it's clear that they take quite varied paths, with some aligning well with their degree and others straying into unrelated fields. Many graduates start out in entry-level positions, often in marketing, public relations, or communication roles. For instance, several graduates began their first jobs as interns or assistants in marketing agencies, PR firms, or even internal company communication roles. These entry points are pretty typical for Mass Communications degrees, as they strongly focus on building soft skills and experiential learning through internships and assistant positions.
However, as we look five to ten years down the line, the landscape of careers becomes a little more mixed. For some, like the Winona State University grad who climbed from Account Coordinator to Associate Marketing Director, the trajectory appears successful and relevant to their degree. Yet, several others, especially those from Virginia State University or the University of South Florida, have remained in roles like cashiering or customer service, which do not directly utilize their communications training. This divergence suggests that not all graduates secure positions that reflect their academic backgrounds. It seems that while a number of Mass Communications graduates do find fulfilling careers in the field, there are also many who end up in jobs that are not closely related to what they studied, sometimes simply working in different industries altogether.
Moreover, there are graduates who have evolved their careers significantly but drifted away from traditional Mass Communications roles. For instance, while some roles at educational institutions or in customer service may not directly align with what someone learned in Mass Communications, they can still utilize the communication skills they honed in college. Other graduates have taken up quasi-related roles like teaching or project management, which could leverage those skills but in an unexpected direction. It’s important for future graduates to consider how flexible and transferable the skills gained in a Mass Communications program can be, as there are avenues beyond journalism and advertising that they might explore.
In summary, while there are certainly success stories showcasing fulfilling careers stemming from a Mass Communications degree, there is also a notable population of graduates who find themselves in jobs that do not utilize their education directly or are in unrelated industries. This reflects a broader reality in today’s job market, where securing a position that genuinely aligns with one’s degree often requires persistence, networking, and sometimes a bit of luck. For high school students considering this field, it’s important to be aware of both the potential and challenges that may lie ahead after graduation.
A Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications is generally considered to be on the easier side compared to some other majors, but that doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park. You’ll dive into subjects like media theory, journalism, and public relations, and while creative projects can be super fun, there are still deadlines and requirements to juggle. If you enjoy writing, storytelling, and staying up-to-date with current events, you might find it more engaging than challenging, but don’t underestimate the need for critical thinking and teamwork. Basically, if you’re passionate about the content and willing to put in the effort, you’ll likely find it manageable and enjoyable!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Mass Communications.
Looking at the job histories of these Mass Communications graduates, you can see a mix of trajectories. Some, like the one who graduated from Winona State University and climbed the ranks from an Account Coordinator to an Associate Marketing Director at UnitedHealthcare, likely found themselves in a decent financial position. Their consistent progression suggests they've been able to command a better salary in more senior roles.
On the other hand, others like the Virginia State University grad who has stuck with Harris Teeter in various roles since graduation seem to have remained in lower-paying positions, which likely hasn't led to a high income. It's clear that a lot depends on the industry and the specific paths chosen after graduation. Overall, while some have definitely found ways to boost their earnings, others seem to be still searching for more lucrative opportunities.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Mass Communications. This may or may not be useful:
