Program Analysis
While the career paths listed have high earning potential, these figures often reflect mid-career salaries at large corporations, which isn't the typical trajectory for a Lewis & Clark graduate. Your program is rooted in a liberal arts tradition, emphasizing critical theory and media analysis over purely vocational skills. This academic focus, combined with Portland’s vibrant but competitive market of nonprofits and creative agencies, means your first job is more likely to be mission-driven than corporate. You'll be competing for roles in local media, arts advocacy, or community organizing—fields that are fulfilling but offer lower starting pay than corporate communications in a major business hub. To bridge this gap, your key action is to aggressively pursue internships. Use your summers to gain practical PR, digital marketing, or fundraising experience to complement your strong theoretical foundation.