http://www.mastersincommunication.com/top-10-careers-with-a-communications-degree/
Top 10
Careers with a Communications Degree
It is estimated that 75% of
a person’s day is spent communicating in some way. Communications majors study
language tools, both verbal and nonverbal, and how people interact with one
another. Good communicators are articulate and persuasive, and the study of communications
formalizes these skills into a discipline that can be applied to almost every
major employment field. Popular sub-disciplines include journalism, public
relations, writing, foreign languages, business, and marketing. In no
particular order, here are ten careers that communications graduates may
consider:
Career
#1: Writing and Editing
Writers are responsible for everything from
novels to grant applications to news stories to screenplays to instruction
manuals to corporate website content. Most writers are employed by a company,
but some are self-employed or freelancers. For as many competent people are
working in every industry, a surprising number of them don’t know the
difference between a predicate and a prepositional phrase, an apposition and
alliteration, a compound sentence and a complex one. Understanding the
fundamentals of writing opens the door to being a valued member of any team
that needs to create well-written, finely edited content. (Hey, it works for
me!)
Career
#2: Internal Communications
Every company with multiple employees, from
international banks to hospitals to nonprofits, has a need for a communications
specialist. Internal communications managers and specialists ensure the
company’s various departments and employees are working together harmoniously
and efficiently. Large companies employ entire communications departments
responsible for ensuring top-down communication is clear, developing written
materials such as newsletters and style guides, and overseeing the workflow of
any written content. In a small company, the communications manager and
specialist may be the same job.
Career
#3: Public Relations
A public relations specialist, sometimes known
as a media or communications specialist, is responsible for a company’s public
image. They manipulate public opinion and try to earn credibility and trust for
their employer through various means of branding and messaging. Often they are
the mediator between their employer and the press, and they write press
releases and speeches, give public statements, organize events, and act as a
spokesperson. If the company faces any kind of crisis, such as a public
scandal, the public relations specialist coordinates media appearances to
control and direct the story. In government offices, the public relations
specialist is referred to as the public information officer or press secretary.
Career
#4: Publicity
Publicists help individuals like authors,
athletes, politicians, celebrities, and others get the media coverage they need
to succeed in their field. Communications skills are therefore important, as
publicists spend their day talking to the press, arranging appearances on
television or radio shows, landing interviews with key journalists, and
generally generating excitement and interest around their client’s work or
personality. Like public relations specialists, publicists must also spin
negative events like scandals to protect their client’s image.
Career
#5: Market Research Analysis
Market research analysts design questionnaires,
polls, and surveys to gauge the effectiveness of existing products, the reach
of marketing strategies, or the needs and desires of the consumer base. So
these analysts must be proficient in both communications and data analysis.
They gather the data, analyze it, and create recommendations for company
actions. In so doing, they help their employer increase profits and consumer
satisfaction by thinking critically about how the company communicates and
allocates resources.
Career
#6: Newscasting
Broadcast news analysts, news anchors, and radio
personalities are responsible for distilling the day’s events into public
broadcasts. They must be articulate, charismatic, and compelling. They must
also be able to prepare—which means reading, interpreting, and writing—and deliver
the day’s news. In breaking news situations, newscasters must think on their
feet to relay critical information without bias and with sensitivity to those
involved in the situation. Communications majors interested in pursuing
newscasting should take courses in journalism, which can teach you how to write
with a news voice and put together news packages. But beware: While rewarding,
journalism is a highly stressful and competitive industry.
Career
#7: Advertising
Advertising copywriters write brochures, product
packaging, even commercial jingles, while art directors and designers create
advertising images. Both assume responsibility for the development of marketing
ideas and materials; they make up the creative department of advertising
agencies. Other advertising departments are also good places for communications
majors—the media department places ads in the places where the right consumers
will see them. The account planning department advises and develops ad focus
using insight into how consumers make use of marketing communications. The
account management department is the liaison between the agency and the client.
All of these roles require effective communication skills, and as a unit they
make up one of the preeminent careers for communications majors.
Career
#8: Event Planning
Almost everyone plans an event at some point—a
birthday party, a social gathering, a pie-eating contest, what have you. People
skilled at organizing others, remembering details, and leading the realization
of an action plan should consider going into event planning. Event planners
take care of the logistics, like scouting a location, organizing lodging, and
securing food and refreshments, as well as helping to determine the tone and
scope of the event. Due to all the people involved in the process of planning
an event—clients, vendors, attendees—event planning is a people-oriented, and
thus a communicative, profession.
Career
#9: Customer Service
Customer service representatives are employed by
any company that must cater to consumers, including retailers, airlines, and
health care companies. The successful customer service representative is
someone with patience and a positive outlook, who can understand and quickly
address customer issues and find solutions while making the customer feel
valued. Customer service representatives need a tough skin, as people usually
don’t call to tell you how wonderful your product is—they call because there is
a problem. The high number of customer service jobs available across all
industries make this an attractive option for communications majors.
Career
#10: Sales
Salespeople, sometimes known as account
executives, sales agents, or sales representatives, sell products or services
with a focus on building a loyal clientele. It is a highly personal profession,
with the best salespeople being the best communicators and networkers. Often
they meet with clients face-to-face, though some sales jobs are conducted over
the phone or Internet. They need to be aggressive, present a convincing pitch,
stay updated on the industry, and handle stress well. Advertising sales is a
particularly popular niche for communications majors.
Because there is so much choice offered to someone with
exceptional communication skills, communications majors can tailor their career
to their own interests: Those with a passion for fitness may choose to work in
customer service for an athletic gear company. Those who like travel may work
as a communications specialist for a travel agency or a university study abroad
program. Those who love nature may work as a publicist for an environmental
nonprofit. The list is endless!
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