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First, some facts. Of the Media Studies 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 58 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 62%, Media Studies graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-5%) 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 32% 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 Media Studies graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 88% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2016 from Emerson College with a Bachelors Degree in Media Studies. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONEast Coast Page NBCUniversal Media, LLC Nov 2016 - Mar 2018 Floating Assistant  The Gersh Agency Apr 2018 - Sep 2018 Office Production & Development Assistant Stephen David Entertainment Oct 2018 - Feb 2020 Coordinator, Development & Production Sesame Workshop Feb 2020 - Oct 2022 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After analyzing the diverse job paths of individuals with a degree in Media Studies, it is clear that there is a mix of roles, some closely aligned with the skills and knowledge from their studies, while others drift significantly away. In looking at the most common types of jobs, many graduates find themselves in roles related to marketing, communications, and media production. These positions often leverage various aspects of media skills, like communication strategies, audience engagement, and content creation, which are foundational to a Media Studies curriculum.
However, while many individuals have secured positions that correlate well with their degree, such as producers, communications coordinators, and marketing managers, there remains a significant portion whose jobs do not benefit from the core competencies of Media Studies. For instance, positions such as sales team leads, account executives, and roles in entirely separate fields like culinary arts or admin roles appear frequently. These jobs may utilize some general inherent skills, such as communication and organization, but they do not represent the media-focused expertise that one would expect from a Media Studies background. In retrospect, it seems that while Media Studies graduates can and do thrive in roles that utilize their specialized skills, they also often find themselves in positions where these skills are not fully tapped into. This observation speaks to the versatility of the media degree but also highlights a potential gap between education and job alignment for many graduates in this field.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Media Studies graduates:
Analyzing the career trajectories of Media Studies graduates reveals a variety of paths, showcasing a mix of successes and challenges. For many of these individuals, their first jobs after graduating tend to be in fields related to communications, marketing, or media. For example, a graduate from The University of Akron landed a role as a Communications Specialist, while another from UC Berkeley began as a Tour Management Assistant for a major concert tour. These initial positions often serve as stepping stones, enabling graduates to gain essential experience, build their networks, and hone their skills.
Five to ten years later, however, the picture becomes more varied. Some individuals have thrived and advanced in their careers, transitioning to roles like Senior Producer or Marketing Manager, indicating a solid progression in the media and communications fields. Yet, there is a significant portion of graduates who appear to have shifted towards unrelated careers or faced difficulties in climbing the professional ladder. For instance, one graduate from Indiana University found themselves in a job as an Employment Consultant, which, while respectable, may not directly leverage their Media Studies background. In contrast, others with similar degrees have successfully established themselves in specialized creative positions or senior management roles at established companies.
In conclusion, while many Media Studies graduates successfully transition into relevant jobs that align with their education, there is also a notable trend of individuals diverting from that path over time. Some find lucrative positions in creative industries, while others may end up in fields that seem less relevant to their studies. This suggests that while Media Studies can offer a strong foundation for a variety of careers, the outcomes can vary widely based on individual choices, opportunities, and perhaps even personal circumstances.
A Bachelor’s degree in Media Studies can be a mixed bag in terms of difficulty—it really depends on your strengths and interests. If you're into analyzing films, trends, and media theory, you'll probably enjoy it and find it less challenging than some more technical degrees. There’s definitely a lot of reading and writing involved, and some projects might push you to think critically about media representations and societal impacts, which can be tough if that’s not your vibe. Overall, I'd say it's on the easier side compared to degrees like engineering or physics, but it still takes dedication and creativity. If you love media and storytelling, you might find it a fun ride instead of a slog.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Media Studies.
Looking at these Media Studies graduates, it seems like there’s a pretty mixed bag when it comes to how much money they're making. For example, the graduate from The University of Akron has worked their way up the marketing ladder with a series of roles at Lubrication Specialties, leading to a Marketing Manager position, which likely pays well. Another graduate from UC Berkeley has also progressed significantly to become an Executive Producer, which usually involves a cushy salary. On the flip side, some of the earlier roles—like those held by the Indiana University graduate or the Lindsey Wilson College grad—seem more entry-level or freelance, which typically don’t offer the same financial stability. Overall, it looks like a few have hit the jackpot with engaging careers, but a lot are still climbing that financial ladder.
Interestingly, those who landed roles in production or higher management positions, like the graduate from Pomona College or Emory University, seem to have a foothold in more lucrative jobs in the entertainment and media industry, which is promising. Meanwhile, some of the other grads, especially those in assistant or entry-level roles, might not be pulling in the big bucks just yet. Many of them need a few more years of experience or should look for ways to expand their skills. So, while there are definitely success stories among these graduates, a lot of them are still working towards that financial comfort zone.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Media Studies. This may or may not be useful:
