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First, some facts. Of the Strategic Communications 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 121 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 60%, Strategic Communications graduates have a lower likelihood (-7%) 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 15% 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 Strategic Communications graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 94% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2011 from University of Utah with a Bachelor's degree in Strategic Communications. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONProject Manager II - Medicare Programs Regence BlueCross BlueShield Mar 2011 - Sep 2012 Willow Springs (2014), Soda Springs (2015)  Published Author Aug 2014 - Oct 2015 Marketing Account Specialist - Consultant SelectHealth Apr 2013 - Aug 2018 Provider Communications Specialist and Trainer University of Utah Health Plans Aug 2018 - Present ABOUTMARKETING COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONALSuccessfully presenting organizations through professional communicationsCorporate marketing communications professional with expertise creating and managing communications in the healthcare and technology industries. Worked for the largest health insurance carriers in the Intermountain and Northwest regions, and for international computer and peripheral manufacturers. Strengths include the ability to deliver compelling communications specific to diverse audiences, planning and implementing complex projects, sensitive executive-level materials and innovative solutions. Additional skills include project management, publication design and web content management.SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS Moved Provider Satisfaction Survey from print format to email notification with online survey tool, resulting in 1132% increase in survey completionTransitioned provider newsletter from print to online format, saving $45,000/yearStandardized disparate product administrative manuals into one comprehensive manual, resulting in decreased time to review and update, greater accuracy, and streamlined communication with provider communityRealized 64% increase in Medicare providers submitting documentation for patient visits |
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 individuals who graduated with a degree in Strategic Communications, a few common themes emerge. Many of these graduates found jobs in fields like marketing, public relations, and client management where communication skills are paramount. Specifically, positions such as account manager, marketing coordinator, and communications specialist are frequently listed. These roles generally focus on the core competencies of strategic communications, like effective messaging, audience engagement, and communication strategy.
However, not every role these graduates took on is directly relevant to their field of study. Many ended up in positions that, while they may require some level of communication skills, are not heavily centered around the principles of Strategic Communications. For instance, jobs like data analyst, technician, or roles in customer service largely lack the strategic component. Even within marketing roles, there are instances where graduates have served in capacities that focus more on operational tasks rather than on crafting messages or engaging audiences strategically. Overall, while many graduates found positions that align with their academic training, a significant portion also ended up in roles that could be seen as only tangentially related to what they studied, highlighting the diverse paths that a degree in Strategic Communications can lead to.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Strategic Communications graduates:
When analyzing the career trajectories of graduates in Strategic Communications, a few patterns emerge, showcasing a blend of both success and challenges. Many graduates land positions in their field shortly after graduation, often starting in roles that are aligned with communications, marketing, or public relations. For instance, a majority began with internships or junior roles in their industry. This is encouraging as it indicates that graduates are able to leverage their degrees to find relevant first jobs. Early positions such as marketing interns, communications assistants, or account coordinators pave the way for career growth and are critical in gaining experience right out of school.
As years go by, the trajectory seems to split. Many graduates stay within the realm of communications and marketing, gaining upward mobility into roles such as coordinators, managers, or even directors. A good number of these professionals seem to transition into positions of significant responsibility within five or ten years, moving towards roles like account managers, marketing specialists, or even strategic directors. However, it's also important to note that some graduates drift away from their fields or take on roles that are less relevant to their degrees. It's common to see graduates who initially start strong but eventually end up in unrelated jobs, such as bartending or teaching, highlighting a struggle to find stable employment in their specific area of study.
In the long run, it appears that while some graduates enjoy fulfilling careers directly tied to their Strategic Communications backgrounds, others face difficulties that lead them to backtrack into less desirable jobs. This can reflect the competitive nature of the communications field or perhaps a mismatch between degree expectations and job market realities. Overall, while there's a promising outlook for many, the inconsistency in trajectories serves as a reminder that persistence, networking, and adaptability play crucial roles in achieving sustained career success in this domain.
A Bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communications isn’t the hardest thing out there, but it definitely has its challenges. If you enjoy writing, creativity, and basically connecting the dots between media and messaging, you might find it pretty manageable. However, there are some tough courses that dive deep into theory, research methods, and sometimes even statistics, so it’s not a total walk in the park. Balancing projects, presentations, and group work can be a bit of a juggle, but overall, it’s definitely on the easier side compared to, say, an engineering degree. If you’re passionate about the subject and stay organized, you’ll likely have a good time with it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Strategic Communications.
Looking at these graduates' career paths, it seems like some are doing pretty well financially, while others might be struggling a bit more. For instance, the folks from The Ohio State University who started off with internships eventually worked their way into roles like Benefits Analyst at Gallagher and Client Manager at Gallagher, which are likely decent-paying positions. In contrast, some graduates, like the one from Central Connecticut State University, have positions that seem less stable or lower-paying, like bartendering or being a stay-at-home parent. This could imply they might not be making as much money, at least not in their current roles.
On the other hand, graduates like the ones from Elon University and the University of Utah appear to have landed roles in marketing and management that generally offer higher salaries and more career growth opportunities. Overall, while many have progressed into good positions that likely pay well, some seem to be stuck in jobs that are more transitional or might not provide as strong a financial return on their education. It's a mixed bag, but at least there are examples of success to aim for!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Strategic Communications. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Strategic Communications (ordered by the average relevance score of their Strategic Communications graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Oklahoma State University
|
56 | 12 |
 The Ohio State University
|
46 | 19 |