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First, some facts. Of the Public Relations 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 1590 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 59%, Public Relations graduates have a lower likelihood (-8%) 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 19% 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 Public Relations 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 2021 from University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONEvents Assistant Green Bay Botanical Garden May 2021 - Apr 2022 Events Coordinator Green Bay Botanical Garden Apr 2022 - Jun 2022 Special Events Coordinator Green Bay Botanical Garden May 2022 - Apr 2023 Event Manager PMI Entertainment Group Apr 2023 - Oct 2023 Owner and Event Planner Natural Charm Weddings and Events Dec 2022 - Present ABOUTOwner and Event Planner of Natural Charm Weddings and Events. I provide wedding and event planning services including budget creation and management, event design, vendor management, timeline creation, and day-of services. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Analyzing the LinkedIn data for graduates with a degree in Public Relations has revealed a pretty mixed bag of job experiences, showcasing varying levels of relevance to the field. It’s clear that some grads landed positions closely tied to their academic training, while others seem to have veered off into roles where public relations knowledge is hardly utilized. For example, many went on to work as Account Managers, Social Media Managers, and Public Relations Assistants, where their skills in strategic communication, media relations, and audience engagement come into play daily. These jobs are firm alignments with the principles learned during their studies, confirming their relevance to Public Relations.
On the flip side, numerous graduates have ended up in roles that diverge from their intended career paths, such as in sales, teaching, and various administrative positions. Many of these jobs—like cashiering at a supermarket or working as a property manager—primarily focus on customer service and operational tasks rather than communication strategies or public perception management. Roles in hospitality and event management also popped up, where some skills might be beneficial, but the core responsibilities often focus on logistics and organization rather than the extensive application of PR concepts. This highlights a common struggle for recent graduates who often find themselves needing to pay bills and may take on jobs that were never part of their career aspirations.
Furthermore, a standout trend indicates that while a significant number of Public Relations graduates land relevant roles soon after graduation, many do shift over time to jobs that, while not directly related, allow for the application of skills in communication and relationship management. This trend illustrates a broader reality: although graduates may start on the path expected of them, adaptability often leads them to different roles that still leverage the communication skills they honed in school. Ultimately, while some graduates find themselves in ideal PR positions, an equal number are navigating through varied career landscapes, testing the waters of related fields—proving that the versatility of a communications degree can be a significant asset, even outside of traditional public relations roles.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Public Relations graduates:
Analyzing the career trajectories of Public Relations graduates from various universities reveals a mixed bag of outcomes. Let's break it down into two main phases: the immediate post-graduate years and the longer-term career paths that unfold five to ten years later.
For many graduates, the first job after completing a degree in Public Relations often involves entry-level positions such as internships, assistant roles, or related support jobs. These initial roles typically provide valuable on-the-ground experience in communications, marketing, or social media management. For instance, several graduates from schools like Hofstra University, the University of Florida, and Eastern Michigan University began their careers focusing on social media marketing, public relations assistant roles, or event planning internships. These positions may not seem glamorous but serve as critical stepping stones that can lead to more significant opportunities once the graduate has honed their skills and built a professional network.
Fast forward five to ten years, and the trajectory for many of these Public Relations graduates starts to look quite promising. Graduates from institutions like the University of Southern California and the University of Georgia have moved on to higher-level roles such as account executives, client managers, and marketing directors in well-respected firms and large organizations. Some even ascend to leadership roles in public relations agencies, marketing departments, or corporate communications teams, indicating a successful progression that is quite relevant to their fields of study. For example, individuals who started in intern roles at agencies have advanced to account supervisor positions, demonstrating growth in responsibility and expertise. This suggests that while the starting point may be less than ideal for some, their efforts generally tend to pay off, leading to careers that align with their educational background in Public Relations.
However, it's not all rosy. Numerous graduates found themselves on less directly relevant career paths or in roles that take them away from traditional PR functions. Some have taken positions in sales, administrative support, or other unrelated jobs that are not closely tied to the essence of Public Relations. For example, individuals who graduated from institutions such as Berry College and Southeastern Oklahoma State University seem to have diverged significantly from the PR field, with roles in customer service or administrative assistants that may not leverage their degrees effectively.
In conclusion, while many Public Relations graduates do successfully find relevant and rewarding careers in the field, others experience varying degrees of success, with some moving into unrelated domains. The first job for most graduates is typically foundational—often a mix of internships or entry-level roles that eventually lead to climbing the ladder in the PR world or branching off into alternative career paths. Just like any degree or career field, persistence, networking, and continued skill development play pivotal roles in determining long-term success.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations can be a mixed bag, honestly. It’s not the hardest degree out there, but it definitely comes with its challenges. You’ll need to be good at writing, understanding media, and working on projects with a lot of different people, which can be tough if you’re not used to teamwork. The workload can vary, with some classes being pretty chill and others requiring a good bit of research and presentations. Overall, I’d say it’s about average in terms of difficulty—you’ll have to put in the effort, but if you’re interested and passionate, you’ll probably find it more enjoyable than draining!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Public Relations.
Based on the various job histories of the Public Relations graduates you've analyzed, it seems like their earning potential varies quite a bit depending on the paths they have chosen. Graduates who started in entry-level roles such as cashiers or customer service representatives typically show a gradual progression towards higher-paying roles over the years, suggesting they might be on a decent trajectory but might still be facing lower earnings initially. On the other hand, those who graduated from more prestigious schools or moved into roles with established firms almost immediately tend to have much higher earning potential and appear to be securing well-paid positions early on.
For instance, individuals stepping into senior roles within established PR firms like Edelman or Golin can expect to make significantly more than those who have remained in less specialized positions over time. Overall, while many graduates seem to be climbing the career ladder and potentially earning decent salaries, it's clear that a few have a significant edge in terms of roles and companies that could positively affect their income. In short, while things are looking mostly decent for these graduates, their paths can lead to vastly different financial outcomes depending on their choices and circumstances.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Public Relations. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Public Relations (ordered by the average relevance score of their Public Relations graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
