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First, some facts. Of the Public Relations graduates from Penn State 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 33 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 56%, Public Relations graduates from Penn State University have a much lower likelihood (-11%) 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:
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Relevance score: 7% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2018 from Penn State University with a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONPublic Affairs Intern US Army May 2018 - Aug 2018 Photographer/Videographer  Penn State University Aug 2018 - Dec 2018 Social Media Marketing Intern  U.S. Department of State Aug 2018 - Dec 2018 Mortgage Loan Administrator II Metro City Bank Feb 2020 - Jun 2021 Mortgage Loan Officer American Pacific Mortgage Jun 2021 - Nov 2023 Realtor VistaRay USA Inc. Aug 2023 - Dec 2023 Loan Consultant loanDepot Nov 2023 - Present Realtor Real Dec 2023 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From the list of jobs that graduates with a Public Relations degree from Penn State University have taken on, it looks like many of them ventured into roles that aren’t strictly within the public relations field. For instance, quite a number of graduates found themselves in operational roles like Administrative Assistant, Data Entry Clerk, or even jobs related to real estate. While some of these positions might require basic communication skills or organizational abilities, they don’t directly apply the core PR knowledge that these graduates worked hard to acquire. It's kind of like going through a whole course of learning to swim and then ending up at a pool party watching others swim—you're not using those skills in the way you expected!
However, there are definitely graduates who landed more relevant jobs that utilize their PR training. Positions like Communications Associate, Account Executive, and Development Manager show that they’re directly employing their PR skills. Jobs that involve managing member communications or engaging with the public tend to align closely with their studies, supporting their roles in fostering relationships and creating effective messaging. Overall, while many graduates may find themselves in unrelated areas, there are still plenty of opportunities out there that allow them to put their specialized knowledge to good use, especially in fields like marketing, event planning, and communications initiatives.
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 Penn State University):
Graduates from the Public Relations program at Penn State University have pursued a range of career trajectories after earning their degree. When starting out, many of them land in entry-level positions like internships or assistant roles that are closely related to communications and marketing. For instance, several graduates from the early 2010s took on internships at various organizations, such as the YMCA or local PR firms, before advancing to roles like communications associate or marketing managers at larger corporations. It seems that those who stick with PR-related fields tend to flourish, building up solid resumes over just a few years and achieving titles like account executive or manager in reputable firms.
Looking at the longer term, about five to ten years post-graduation, many graduates continue to find success in fields that connect directly to their PR roots. For instance, some have climbed the ladder in agencies like Gregory FCA or big brands like Independence Blue Cross, showcasing their growth from entry-level positions to more senior roles such as marketing manager or corporate relations specialist. However, it's noticeable that there are also some who've veered away from traditional PR roles into real estate or different sectors like healthcare due to various personal or market reasons. Overall, for those focused on a career in public relations or communications, it seems like there are ample opportunities to thrive and build a rewarding career path right from the start.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations can be challenging, but it’s not the hardest degree out there. At Penn State, you'll dive into topics like communications strategy, media relations, and even some writing and research skills, which means you’ll need to stay organized and keep up with deadlines. It's definitely more demanding than, say, some traditional liberal arts majors, but if you enjoy working with people and crafting messages, it can also be pretty fun! Just like any major, it has its tough spots, but it’s all about finding your groove and staying engaged with your classes. So, if you're passionate about PR, you'll likely find the workload manageable!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Public Relations.
When you check out the career journeys of these Penn State Public Relations grads, it looks like they’ve carved out some pretty decent paths for themselves. Some of the earlier graduates, like the ones from 2010 and 2013, started in lower-paying roles but eventually worked their way up, landing management and director positions that likely pay well. Fast forward to the more recent graduates, and you see a mix of internships and entry-level roles but with many quickly moving into positions that suggest solid income potential, especially in fast-growing fields like marketing and communications. Overall, while starting salaries might've been on the lower side, a lot of these folks appear to be seeing good financial returns as they progress in their careers. So, it's a promising sign for anyone considering a degree in PR!
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 Penn State 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:
