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First, some facts. Of the Public Relations graduates from West Virginia 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 10 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 47%, Public Relations graduates from West Virginia University have a much lower likelihood (-20%) 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 30% 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: 39% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2011 from West Virginia University with a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONTechnical Support Analyst Verizon Wireless May 2014 - Jul 2016 Operating Risk Representative  Paychex Aug 2016 - Jun 2018 Operating Risk Rep III Team Lead Paychex Jun 2018 - Present ABOUTExperienced Team Lead with a demonstrated history of working in the human resources industry. Skilled in Microsoft Excel, Customer Service, Team Building, Training, and Account Management. Strong support professional with a Bachelor's degree focused in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication from West Virginia University. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From the jobs listed, it seems like many graduates with a Public Relations degree from West Virginia University have ended up in positions that aren't explicitly tied to traditional PR roles. A good chunk of these jobs, like the Marketing Coordinator and various Assistant roles, generally revolve around marketing or account management, which may use some communication skills but don’t really dive into the core of public relations. Even positions like Community Liaison or Corporate Sales Associate, while they involve interaction with the public, don’t necessarily employ the specific strategies and knowledge you would expect from a PR-focused role.
However, there are still some standout positions that directly benefit from and align with a public relations background. For instance, being a Social Media/PR Assistant Intern or Communications Coordinator at various organizations clearly taps into the essential elements of public relations, including crafting messages and managing public perception. Jobs like the Assistant Director of Athletic Communications and Social Media Manager at the University of Miami, too, highlight how the PR degree can lead to roles where the skills learned are put into action, particularly in a sports context. Overall, while many graduates seem to be filling roles far removed from public relations, there are definitely pathways that show the degree is valuable in several communication-oriented fields.
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 West Virginia University):
From analyzing the career trajectories of graduates from West Virginia University's Public Relations program, it seems like there's a mix of paths that people have taken after they leave school. Many of these graduates landed their first jobs in roles that are pretty typical for PR majors, including positions as marketing coordinators, communications specialists, or account executives at PR firms. This is a solid start that aligns well with their education and gives them a chance to build foundational skills in the industry. For instance, one graduate quickly moved up from an Assistant Account Executive to a Communications Coordinator, showcasing a promising early career trajectory.
However, if we look a bit further down the line—say five to ten years later—there’s a noticeable diversity in career outcomes. Some have managed to stick within the realm of public relations and marketing, climbing the ranks to managerial roles or transitioning into specialized fields like communications for health organizations. On the flip side, there are others who have taken quite a detour, venturing into roles that aren't directly related to public relations, such as risk management or even freelance beauty work. While some grads appear to be on solid career paths within integrated marketing communications, others have had varied interests that lead them away from traditional PR roles. Overall, it’s a mixed bag, with many graduates succeeding in related careers while a few drift towards unrelated fields.
Honestly, getting a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations at West Virginia University is pretty manageable, especially if you're organized and passionate about communication. The coursework is definitely challenging—it covers topics like media relations, strategic communication, and writing, but it’s not usually considered harder than average compared to other degrees. You’ll have a mix of theory and practical assignments, which makes it kind of fun if you enjoy being creative and working on projects. For most students, it’s all about staying on top of deadlines and being proactive, so if you can handle that, you'll do just fine!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Public Relations.
So, looking at these Public Relations graduates from West Virginia University, it's a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to their earnings. The ones who graduated in 2010 seem to have climbed the ladder fairly well, especially the Marketing Manager who likely makes decent money now. The 2011 grads show a lot of variation, with some taking on quite a few roles, which might suggest they’re building experience but could be jumping around a bit instead of landing a stable, higher-paying gig. The 2012 graduates appear to be stuck in internships or entry-level jobs longer, which typically don’t pay much. Fast forward to the more recent grads from 2016 to 2023, and you’ll see some promising positions that could lead to better salaries, especially for those in roles like Buyers and Assistant Directors. Overall, while some are on the right track to making decent money, others might be facing a bit of a struggle in their early careers.
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 West Virginia 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:
