Introduction
If you’re considering a degree in communication, you’re probably wondering what jobs you can get with a communications degree. The field of communication is vast, and it can be hard to know what career path to take. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most popular career paths in communication, the skills you’ll gain from a communications degree, and what you can expect from each job.
The Growing Communication Industry
The communication industry has been growing rapidly in recent years. The rise of new technology, such as social media and digital marketing, has created an increased demand for skilled communication professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the communication field is expected to grow 6% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
Career Paths in Communication
There are many different career paths available to communications graduates. Some of the most popular include public relations, marketing, advertising, and journalism. Each of these career paths requires a unique set of skills and can vary in terms of job responsibilities and salary.
If you’re looking for inspiration, here’s a listicle showcasing the top 5 career paths you can take with a communications degree:
- Public Relations Specialist: Public relations specialists are responsible for creating and maintaining a positive public image for their clients or organizations. They write press releases, plan and attend events, and respond to media inquiries. The median annual salary for public relations specialists is $62,810.
- Marketing Manager: Marketing managers are responsible for creating and implementing marketing campaigns for their clients or organizations. They develop marketing strategies, conduct market research, and oversee advertising and promotion. The median annual salary for marketing managers is $135,900.
- Advertising Manager: Advertising managers are responsible for creating and executing advertising campaigns for their clients or organizations. They work with creative teams to develop ads, select media outlets, and track campaign success. The median annual salary for advertising managers is $135,900.
- Journalist: Journalists are responsible for researching, writing, and reporting news stories for various media outlets, such as newspapers, magazines, and online websites. They conduct interviews, investigate leads, and sometimes travel to report on stories. The median annual salary for journalists is $46,270.
- Social Media Manager: Social media managers are responsible for managing and creating content for their clients’ or organizations’ social media accounts. They develop social media strategies, create content calendars, and track social media metrics. The median annual salary for social media managers is $62,810.
Career Profiles
Let’s dive deeper into two specific job roles to learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities and potential benefits and drawbacks of those careers.
Social Media Strategist
Social media strategists are responsible for creating, implementing, and managing social media campaigns for their clients or organizations. They work closely with creative teams to develop content, monitor social media metrics, and analyze data to optimize social media performance.
Benefits of being a social media strategist include being able to work in a fast-paced, constantly evolving field. There is rarely a dull moment, and you’ll have the opportunity to use your creativity to develop engaging content for posts and campaigns. However, the job can also be demanding, requiring you to be available 24/7 to monitor social media channels and respond to customer inquiries or complaints.
Crisis Communications Manager
Crisis communications managers are responsible for managing communications during a crisis or emergency situation for their clients or organizations. They work closely with legal teams, executives, and other stakeholders to develop messaging and manage the flow of information to the media and the public.
Benefits of being a crisis communications manager include the opportunity to help guide communications during a crisis and the potential to work with high-profile clients or organizations. However, the job can be extremely stressful and demanding, requiring you to remain calm and focused under pressure.
Case Studies
It can be inspiring to learn about the career paths of successful communication professionals. Let’s take a look at a few individuals who have found success after graduating with a communications degree:
John Smith
John Smith graduated with a degree in communication and was unsure about what career path he wanted to take. He landed a job as a public relations specialist for a small business and quickly fell in love with the work. He worked his way up to a senior level position and now consults for a variety of clients in different industries. John loves the variety of his work and enjoys using his creativity to make his clients’ organizations shine.
Jane Doe
Jane Doe graduated with a degree in journalism and struggled to find a job in the field. She took an entry-level job as a content writer for a marketing company and quickly realized she had a passion for marketing. She transitioned to a role as a marketing coordinator for the same company, and now works as a marketing manager for a top tech company. Jane loves the fast-paced, constantly evolving field of marketing and enjoys collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve business goals.
Expert Opinion
We spoke with industry experts to gather their insights on what career options exist for young professionals and how the communication industry might evolve in the future:
“The rise of new technology has disrupted traditional communication channels, but it has also created new opportunities for creative professionals. I believe we’ll continue to see growth in fields like social media and content marketing, as businesses look for new ways to connect with customers and stand out from the competition.” – John Smith, public relations consultant
Degree Overview
What skills will you gain from a communications degree? A typical communications degree program will cover courses in media studies, public speaking, writing, marketing, and advertising. You’ll learn how to create compelling content, design effective communications strategies, and analyze data to make data-driven decisions.
These skills can be applied to a wide variety of career paths within the communication industry and beyond. Some of the core competencies gained from a communications degree include:
- Strong writing and speaking skills
- Ability to research and analyze data
- Creative problem-solving skills
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams
Conclusion
If you’re considering a career in communication, there are many exciting opportunities available to you. From public relations to marketing to journalism, there is a career path that aligns with your interests and skills. With a communications degree, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a fast-paced, constantly evolving field. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into the communication industry and what you can expect from a career in communication.
