Communications can be a rewarding and fulfilling major for students. However, there are many different paths that a degree in communications can lead you to. And each of these potential careers can be appealing for varying reasons, including salary, work environment, meaningfulness, and more. For this reason, it’s important that students know what kinds of jobs they could obtain with a degree in communications before deciding on a college or major.
Communications majors can get a variety of jobs in a variety of industries. The skills they learn while studying communications make them highly desirable candidates for positions as media specialists, journalists, public relations specialists, and many other types of positions.
Communications majors also have a strong grasp on the English language and are able to write clearly and concisely about any subject matter. This makes them great at editing and proofreading documents, which is a skill that translates well into all sorts of careers.
What jobs can communications majors get
Introduction
You might recognize that the field of Communications is a bit larger than it’s sometimes given credit for. You know it involves writing and speaking, but you probably also recognize that there are many different types of writing and speaking jobs out there. You might even find yourself wondering: What can I actually do with a degree in Communications? Well, you’re not alone. And the good news is that this handy guide will show you five popular careers for people with degrees in Communications, plus why they’re exciting positions to consider going into. It’ll also give you a brief look at what kinds of skills and job duties these professionals take on every day, so if any one of them sounds like something you’d want to try, then you’ll have an idea as to how to start building those skills yourself.
Career 1: Public Relations Specialist
A public relations specialist is a person responsible for managing the perception of an organization, product or individual. This may involve media relations, crisis management and community relations. A typical job description might include:
- Writing press releases about newsworthy events
- Developing media strategies for promoting products or services
- Managing social media accounts to attract attention to your organization
- Creating marketing materials such as brochures, ads and websites that highlight what makes your company unique
Career 2: Copywriter
- A translation of this job description could go something like this: “Copywriters write the words on advertisements, brochures, and other promotional materials. They may also write letters or press releases for clients.”
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for a copywriter in 2017 was $61,000 per year. That’s up nearly 5% from 2016’s average salary of $58,490 per year. It’s important to note that these figures represent median salaries; half of all people in this field make more than the listed amount while half make less.*
- If you want to become a copywriter, you’ll need strong writing skills and an eye for detail. You also need experience at editing documents so that they’re clear and concise—and if possible, some experience working as a writer or editor will be helpful too.*
Career 3: Technical Writer
Technical Writers write and edit manuals, user guides, and other documents that explain how to use products or services. They need to be able to communicate complex information in a clear, concise manner. In addition to being able to work with a wide variety of people (designers, engineers), Technical Writers also need to have excellent grammar skills and the ability to write clearly. There are two basic types of Technical Writer: technical writers who specialize in software documentation (known as “programmers”) and those who specialize in hardware documentation (“hardware engineers”). In either case, Technical Writers must understand their subject matter well enough so they can explain it clearly without making any errors or assumptions on the reader’s part.
Career 4: Event Planner
Event planners are responsible for planning and organizing events. Event planners work in a variety of industries, including sports, entertainment, and business.
Event planners can work in a variety of settings, including corporate, nonprofit, and government.
Career 5: Fundraiser
A fundraiser is a job that requires a lot of creativity. Fundraisers need to be able to write and speak well, manage people, handle money, and network effectively. A communications major will have the skills required for this type of work.
Some of the most popular jobs for people who study Communications are Public Relations Specialists, Copywriters, and Technical Writers.
Communications majors can find jobs in a variety of industries. Some popular options are:
- Public Relations Specialists
- Copywriters
- Technical Writers
Other possible careers include:
- Event Planners and Promoters
- Fundraisers and Fundraising Coordinators
If you’re interested in starting your career as an event planner, keep in mind that this is a very competitive field. The best way to get started is by volunteering for events or interning with an established company.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different fields and industries you can go into after studying Communications. Just remember that choosing the right one for you is all about looking at your options, researching your interests, and considering where they overlap with opportunities to make a difference in the world.
You can also check out our list of jobs for communications majors here!