Degrees
Colleges
About
First, some facts. Of the Women's Studies 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 71 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 53%, Women's Studies graduates have a much lower likelihood (-14%) 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, 44% 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 you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Women's Studies graduate.
See the details:
|
Relevance score: 0% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2012 from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Women's Studies. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSenior Quality Engineer Raptive Mar 2024 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When diving into the professional paths taken by graduates with degrees in Women's Studies, it becomes evident that the variety of jobs pursued showcases a mix of relevance to their academic training. The careers these individuals have embarked upon span education, healthcare, advocacy, and corporate roles, but a significant portion appears to not fully leverage the specific insights and principles obtained through their studies in Women's Studies. While it's clear that some graduates have found their niches in roles directly tied to gender advocacy and social justice, many have transitioned into positions that, while they may call upon general interpersonal skills or social awareness, lack explicit connections to the comprehensive understanding of gender issues that a Women's Studies program emphasizes.
The common types of jobs held by Women's Studies graduates include positions in education, healthcare, non-profit organizations, and various corporate roles. For instance, many graduates have taken on teaching roles, like substitute teachers or special education educators, where they can indirectly address topics of gender and equity within their curriculum. Additionally, some individuals have worked as advocates within healthcare settings or non-profit organizations focused on women's rights or related social issues. However, numerous graduates have also found themselves in administrative, customer service, or corporate roles where the connection to their degree seems minimal. These positions often emphasize organizational skills or customer relations rather than the critical analysis and knowledge of gender dynamics that Women's Studies education promotes.
Overall, while some graduates undeniably engage with the tenets of Women's Studies in their roles, a considerable number seem to drift into jobs where their degree’s relevance is only tangential. This raises critical questions about the pathways available to Women's Studies graduates and highlights a potential gap between academic preparation and career opportunities. Many of these roles may benefit from the graduates' understanding of social dynamics, but it’s clear that the depth and focus of a Women's Studies degree aren't typically the central qualifications required. So, while the breadth of career options is impressive, there appears to be a disconnect regarding the use of specialized Women's Studies knowledge in many of these job functions.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Women's Studies graduates:
Looking at the career trajectories of Women's Studies graduates, there's a mixed bag of outcomes that reveal both success in relevant fields and paths that diverge significantly from the core themes taught in their degrees. Immediately after graduating, many tend to find positions that aren't always aligned with Women's Studies directly, such as roles in customer service, administrative work, or as interns in various organizations. For example, graduates from California State University, Chico took on customer service roles or office assistant positions, while others from San Diego State University shifted through several jobs in health-related fields. This suggests that the immediate job market can be quite challenging, leading many graduates to enter roles that may be more related to survival than to a direct application of their Women's Studies education.
Fast forward five to ten years after graduation, and we see a more interesting landscape. Some individuals do stick to their roots and manage to land positions in social services, education, or advocacy that resonate more with their background. For instance, graduates from institutions like Spelman College and DePaul University eventually worked their way into significant roles focusing on health and education. Others, however, veer off into more corporate or unrelated fields, such as marketing or human resources, where their Women's Studies degree may be less applicable. Notably, a graduate from UC Santa Barbara moved into administrative roles after starting in hospitality, signaling a career path that may not fully utilize the skills gained from their studies. While some graduates seem to be leveraging their education effectively in roles that champion women's rights or support marginalized communities, many others appear to be navigating careers that have little to do with the ideals and knowledge they gained during their studies.
In conclusion, while there are indeed standout careers that align closely with the principles of Women's Studies, there’s a reality check for many graduates. It appears that while some individuals move into fulfilling roles that embody their educational ideals, a significant number settle into jobs that, while stable and necessary, may not fully tap into their training or passions. This dichotomy serves as a reminder that navigating the job market, particularly for specialized degrees like Women's Studies, can often mean straddling a line of practicality and purpose.
A Bachelor’s degree in Women's Studies can vary in difficulty depending on your interests and strengths, but many students find it to be on the easier side compared to more technical or math-heavy degrees. If you enjoy reading, writing, and discussing social issues, you might find the coursework engaging and approachable. There’s a lot of focus on critical thinking and analysis of culture, history, and identity, which can be super interesting if you’re passionate about those topics. However, like any degree, it requires commitment and effort, so if you’re not into the subjects, it might feel a bit tougher for you. Overall, it’s often seen as less rigid than some other degrees, but it definitely has its challenges!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Women's Studies.
Looking at the career paths of these Women's Studies graduates, it seems like they’ve generally found jobs that pay decently, especially for recent graduates. For example, those who have moved into roles like Human Resources Coordinator or Media Planner likely earn a good salary given the industry standards. It’s pretty common for entry-level jobs in their fields to start low, but many have quickly climbed to higher positions or taken on specialized roles that suggest a significant increase in earnings over time.
However, some graduates, like those in education or social services, might be facing a bit of a pay ceiling, especially in positions like substitute teaching or paralegal work. These jobs typically don’t pay as well compared to corporate roles. So, while many seem to be progressing and can expect to make decent money eventually, it varies widely. Overall, if they remain focused and continue developing their skills, they should find better opportunities ahead!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Women's Studies. This may or may not be useful:
