What can you do with a Public Relations-Image Management degree?

First, some facts. Of the Public Relations-Image Management 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 226 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 57%, Public Relations-Image Management graduates have a lower likelihood (-10%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 57%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

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-Image Management graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Public Relations-Image Management graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 98%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2013 from University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Relations-Image Management. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Intern
Girls Incorporated of Jacksonville
May 2013 - Aug 2013
The internship at Girls Incorporated of Jacksonville may involve some transferable skills related to public relations and image management, but it does not directly require specific knowledge from the Bachelors degree.

President
American Dance Alliance
Aug 2013 - Present
As President at American Dance Alliance, the role likely involves significant public relations and communication efforts, directly utilizing skills and knowledge from the Bachelors degree in Public Relations-Image Management on a daily basis.

ABOUT

[NAME REMOVED] Karpiak graduated from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla. She majored in communications with a concentration in public relations with a Sports Management minor. Prior to attending UNF [NAME REMOVED] earned her Associate of Arts Degree from Tallahassee Community College.[NAME REMOVED] is currently the president of American Dance Alliance (ADA). ADA is a Miami-based event company that host dance competitions and dance camps in Florida. Shes helped promote ADA, pitch new marketing ideas, prepare for camps and competitions, and design merchandise. In the past [NAME REMOVED] worked as a receptionist for an environmental law firm and continues to work part time at LA fitness in the kids club.

What jobs can you get with a Public Relations-Image Management degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


In analyzing the careers of individuals who graduated with a degree in Public Relations-Image Management, it becomes clear that their professional paths diverge significantly based on the relevance of their jobs to the field. Many graduates took positions directly related to public relations, such as Public Relations Specialists, Account Coordinators, or Marketing Communications roles, which directly utilize the skills and knowledge acquired during their studies. However, a substantial number found themselves in roles where the connection to public relations was either minimal or non-existent.

The most common job types among these graduates include positions in public relations agencies, marketing departments, and communication roles within various organizations. Internships and entry-level positions in public relations often served as springboards into more permanent roles in account management or communications - these positions typically require strong knowledge of media relations, brand management, and communication strategies, aligning well with their degree curriculum. Examples of relevant roles include Public Relations Manager, Marketing Coordinator, and Event Planner, all of which necessitate the effective communication and image management skills that students are trained in. Many graduates also took on social media management roles, where an understanding of public relations principles is crucial for shaping a brand’s online image.

Despite the clear relevance of some positions to the degree, there is also a considerable number of graduates who ended up in jobs that do not utilize the core competencies of public relations. For instance, many found work in administrative roles, sales positions, or even fields unrelated to communications, such as education and healthcare. These roles often emphasize customer service, sales skills, or operational management rather than public relations tactics. For example, positions like Customer Service Representatives, Sales Associates, and even educators do not substantially engage with the principles of public relations or image management as outlined in their academic training.

In summary, while many graduates successfully transitioned into careers that are closely tied to the field of public relations, there remains a significant portion who are working in roles that do not directly leverage their degree. This disparity highlights the reality that a degree in Public Relations-Image Management can open many doors, but the relevance of jobs pursued varies widely based on individual choices, market demand, and opportunities available at the time of graduation. Those who actively sought careers in public relations and communication-related fields found their education well-utilized, while others found themselves translating their skills into entirely different contexts.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Public Relations-Image Management graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Public Relations-Image Management graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When looking at the career trajectories of Public Relations-Image Management graduates from various universities, there seems to be a mix of success and struggle. It’s interesting to see the variety in the types of jobs they initially land, and how their careers progress over the years. For many graduates, it looks like they start off with internships or entry-level roles in public relations, marketing, or a related field. For example, several individuals took on internships or positions like Account Coordinator, which are pretty typical first jobs. The focus seems to be on gaining practical experience, which is crucial when climbing the career ladder in this competitive field.

Fast forward five to ten years later, and it’s kinda hit or miss. Some people do end up in solid roles that relate directly to Public Relations or Image Management. It's great to see alumni moving up to positions like Public Relations Manager or Account Executive. These roles indicate a good use of their degree and relevant experience. However, others seem to drift away from their field, taking on jobs that don't really connect back to their studies. For instance, some found success in roles like Sales or Customer Service, which are a bit tangential to what they originally set out to do. This might reflect the reality of job markets today, where having a degree doesn't always guarantee a direct path to a job in that field.

Overall, while many graduates of Public Relations-Image Management start strong, pursuing meaningful internships and entry roles that link back to their education, the long-term picture can be mixed. Some truly thrive in their chosen career, while others may find themselves in unrelated jobs. This highlights an important lesson: having a degree is only part of the journey. Networking, gaining experience, and sometimes being open to unexpected opportunities can shape career paths in ways that a degree alone can't predict.

How hard is a Public Relations-Image Management degree?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations-Image Management can vary in difficulty depending on your interests and strengths, but it’s generally on the easier side compared to some other majors. You’ll get to do a lot of hands-on work like creating campaigns, writing press releases, and using social media, which makes it pretty engaging. Sure, you’ll have some challenging assignments and might need to study hard for certain classes, but if you enjoy being creative and communicating with people, you'll likely find it more fun than stressful. Just stay organized and passionate about the topics, and you’ll probably be just fine!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Public Relations-Image Management.

Do Public Relations-Image Management graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at the career paths of these Public Relations-Image Management grads, it seems like some are doing well financially, while others are still navigating their way up the ladder. For instance, graduates like those who have moved into managerial and director roles, especially in PR and communications, typically earn decent salaries, often reaching six figures. On the other hand, some are stuck in entry-level positions or have switched industries, which might imply they're not making as much at the moment. In general, those who advanced quickly into specialized roles appear to be in a better financial position than those who have taken longer to climb the ladder.

Overall, these graduates show a mix of career trajectories. A few have transitioned into roles with high earning potential, like Account Manager or Director of Communications, suggesting they might be pulling in decent salaries. However, many others remain in less lucrative entry-level positions or service roles that likely don't pay as much. So, while there are definitely success stories within this group, it's clear that financial stability varies greatly depending on factors like job choice and timing in their careers.

What buzzwords do Public Relations-Image Management graduates use to describe themselves?

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-Image Management. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Public Relations-Image Management?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Public Relations-Image Management (ordered by the average relevance score of their Public Relations-Image Management graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count