First, some facts. Of the Public Relations graduates from Boston 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 11 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 85%, Public Relations graduates from Boston University have a much higher likelihood (+18%) 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 18% 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:
Relevance score: 67%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2022 from Boston University with a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONVideo Production InternBoston International Media Consulting Inc. Jun 2022 - Aug 2022 Global Marketing Intern NIO Dec 2022 - Feb 2023 Global Marketing Intern YAHAHA May 2023 - Jun 2023 Global E-Commerce Intern TikTok Jun 2023 - Aug 2023 Capstone Consultant Intern U.S. Department of State Sep 2023 - Dec 2023 Strategic Planning Intern CHC Consulting Group Dec 2023 - Apr 2024 FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Public Administration - MPACornell University 2022 - 2024 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 career paths of Boston University graduates with a Public Relations degree, it’s clear that many have pursued positions deeply rooted in PR-related fields. Many of them have taken on roles like Public Affairs Officers within the military, various publicist positions, and content management roles that require them to craft strong narratives and engage with audiences. These kinds of jobs directly leverage the skills and knowledge gained through their studies, from media relations to communication strategies, proving their relevance to the degree.
However, not all job choices align seamlessly with the core competencies of Public Relations. Some graduates found themselves in roles like event production or marketing that may touch on aspects of PR, but they don’t fully immerse them in the discipline's fundamentals. Positions such as engineering recruiters or marketing analysts, while employing some transferable skills, seem to stray from the traditional PR path, focusing more on client relations or data analysis instead. Ultimately, while there’s a strong representation of relevant careers, the landscape showcases a mix of both aligned and tangential roles that graduates have chosen.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Public Relations graduates (this is across all Public Relations graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Boston University):
When looking at the career trajectories of Boston University Public Relations graduates, it seems like many of them have really embraced opportunities that align with their studies. Right after graduation, loads of these folks landed jobs in roles like internships in PR firms, assistants in media-related tasks, or positions in organizations like the United States Air Force focusing on public affairs. It’s clear that a lot of these graduates kicked off their careers with positions that not only utilized their PR skills but also gave them plenty of hands-on experience in the industry.
Fast forward a few years, and you can see an interesting mix. Many have moved up into higher-level positions in PR or related fields, with some even landing roles with big names like Apple, Google, and various media companies. However, there are also a few who seem to have branched out or pivoted into different paths, like becoming brand managers or even exploring freelance opportunities. So, while a significant amount of BU grads are thriving in PR roles, a handful are also carving out unique careers that don’t strictly stick to traditional PR. Overall, it looks like a solid foundation for a successful career in communications and media for these graduates, with a healthy blend of those sticking closely to their PR roots and others venturing into new arenas.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, whether at Boston University or elsewhere, can be a mixed bag in terms of difficulty. It’s not the easiest degree out there, but it’s also not the hardest—definitely less challenging than something like engineering or physics. You’ll be writing a lot, thinking creatively, and working on real-world projects, which can be super fun if you're into that kind of stuff. The courses might push you to think critically and stay organized, so if you can manage your time well and enjoy storytelling, you should be fine. Just remember, like any degree, it’ll require effort and dedication, but it can be really rewarding if you’re passionate about it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Public Relations.
From what I can gather, it seems like the Boston University Public Relations grads generally have decent job trajectories and income potential, especially the ones with military connections or those who landed roles at big companies like Apple or in media. For instance, the folks who started out as public affairs officers in the Air Force are likely raking in a solid paycheck now that they've climbed the ranks, and various positions in tech and media usually come with pretty reasonable salaries, too. On the flip side, some of the more recent grads seem to be starting out with internships and freelancing, which might not pay as much initially, but it’s a solid stepping stone towards higher-paying roles later. Overall, it looks like a mix of good starting salaries and potential for growth, especially as they gain experience.
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 is across all Public Relations graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Boston University). 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: