A communications degree can lead to a variety of exciting and lucrative careers. Communications workers earn an average salary of $54,000 per year, and the job market for communications workers is projected to grow by 10 percent in the next decade. In this blog post, we will explore some of the different career paths available to communications graduates. We will also discuss the necessary skills for success in these careers. So if you are wondering what you can do with a communications degree, read on!
Career Options for Communication Major
Public Relations Specialist
Organizations of every type are concerned about how they look to the general public. Communications majors can use media strategy to shape public perceptions through communication strategies. PR specialists create press releases, stage press conferences, and other gatherings and persuade journalists that stories about the organization are newsworthy.
Public relations staff work for public relations, marketing, and advertising firms that serve various clients. Others operate in communications departments at companies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to get the appropriate messages about their employer.
Salary and Job Prospects: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, public relations specialists made a median annual salary of $62,800 in May 2021. The bottom 10% earned less than $37,020, while the top 10% earned more than $124,620. Public relations specialists will have an employment growth rate of 11 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Skills Needed: Communications majors who want to become public relations specialists should hone their writing skills and learn how to use social media platforms to spread messages effectively. They also need to think strategically, identify target audiences, and understand how the media works.
News Analyst, Reporter, and Journalist
The field of journalism is in a state of flux, with traditional media outlets struggling to stay afloat. However, this creates opportunities for communications graduates who want to become journalists. They can use their skills in digital media and storytelling to create content for new platforms that are emerging online.
Journalists work in various settings, including newspapers, magazines, television stations, radio stations, and online sites. They may write articles, produce videos, or host podcasts.
Salary and Job Prospects: In 2021, the typical annual wage for journalists was $48,370. Salaries, however, vary considerably according to the sort of publication or broadcasting service. For example, reporters and correspondents working for newspapers earn a median salary of $38,210, while those working for radio stations earn a median salary of $49,720. The journalism profession is expected to grow at a rate of 6 percent from 2020 to 2030.
Skills Needed: To be a successful journalist, you need to be an excellent writer and have strong storytelling skills. You should also be familiar with the latest digital tools and platforms for creating content. And of course, you need to have a deep knowledge of current events and the ability to report on them accurately.
Writer and Author
There are many different types of writers and authors, including content writers, copywriters , speechwriters, etc.
Most writers and authors are self-employed, which means they work independently and are not employed by a specific company. Writers and authors may work for magazines, newspapers, online publications, or any other type of organization that publishes content. They may also work freelance, which means they are not employed by any specific organization but instead work on a contract basis for different clients.
Salary and Job Prospects: In 2021, the median annual wage for writers was $69,510. The employment of writers and authors is projected to increase by 9 percent from 2020 to 2030.
Skills Needed: Some of the skills that writers and authors should have are creativity, persistence, flexibility, strong research skills and self-discipline.
Editor
Some examples of editors are managing editors, publication assistants, proofreader, executive editors, copy editors, assistant editors, developmental editor and etc.
Editors typically read and evaluate manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, determine if a material is appropriate for their publication, work with authors to improve the quality of submitted materials, ensure that the material submitted for publication meets the standards of the publication, decide which materials to publish, and coordinate the efforts of writers, artists, and other staff who work on a publication.
Salary and Job Prospects: In 2021, the median annual wage for writers was $63,350. The employment of editors is projected to increase by 22 percent from 2020 to 2030.
Skills Needed: The skills you need to become an editor vary depending on the type of editing you want to do. If you want to be a copy editor, you will need strong grammar and punctuation skills. If you want to be a proofreader, you will need to be able to spot errors quickly. If you want to be a developmental editor, you will need to be able to provide feedback that is both constructive and helpful.
Social Media Specialist
A social media specialist is an expert who understands the various social media platforms available, how they can be used to reach a target audience, and how to enhance the brand of a company on social media.
The social media specialist must monitor the online activity of the company and be able to quickly respond to the latest trends. They must also be able to create and implement social media strategies that are based on the latest trends and a thorough understanding of how people are using social media.
Salary and Job Prospects: A social media specialist annual wage can vary depending on the size of the company they work for, their experience, and the location of the company. In 2015, the median annual wage for social media specialist was $69,510. Job prospects are good for social media directors, as the demand for their services is expected to grow.
Skills Needed: Social media specialist need to be skilled in digital media and marketing. They should also have a strong understanding of how social media works and create engaging content and on-brand.
Broadcast Announcer and Radio DJ
Broadcast announcers and radio DJs present music, news, sports, the weather, traffic, and other information on the radio. Broadcast announcers and radio DJs may also interview guests, promote contests, and give public service announcements.
Broadcast announcers and radio DJs typically work in studios, but they may also travel to do on-location broadcasts, such as at sporting events.
Salary and Job Prospects: In 2021, the median annual wage for broadcast announcers and radio DJs was $37,630. Their employment is projected to increase by 15 percent from 2020 to 2030.
Skills Needed: Some basic skills that a broadcast announcer or radio DJ needs are the ability to speak clearly, articulate their words well, and have a pleasant voice. They also need to be able to think on their feet and be quick-witted, as they will often have to come up with impromptu commentary or banter. Additionally, they need to be well-versed in the music they are playing and be able to talk about it knowledgeably.
Event Planner
Event planners are responsible for the coordination and execution of events. They work with clients to develop ideas, create budgets, and select vendors.
Event planners typically work in a studio setting but may also be required to travel to remote locations. They must be able to manage their equipment and troubleshoot problems.
Salary and Job Prospects: In 2021, the median annual wage for event planner was $49,470. The employment of event planners is projected to increase by 18 percent from 2020 to 2030.
Skills Needed: Some of the skills that event planners need include strong organizational skills, attention to detail, multitasking abilities, and excellent communication skills. Event planners also need to be creative, resourceful, and able to work well under pressure.
Technical Writer
Technical writers are responsible for the creation of technical documentation. They work with engineers and product managers to develop user manuals, installation guides, and troubleshooting manuals.
Technical writers typically work in an office setting but may also be required to travel to remote locations. They must be able to manage their equipment and troubleshoot problems.
Salary and Job Prospects: Technical writers earn a median annual salary of $78,060. The employment is projected to increase by 12 percent from 2020 to 2030.
Skills Needed: Technical writers need to be skilled in writing and editing. They should also have a strong understanding of the industry and current events. In addition, they need to manage their equipment and troubleshoot problems.
Human Resources Manager
The human resources manager is responsible for all aspects of the human resources function in an organization. This includes recruitment, selection, training, and development of employees, as well as employee relations, compensation and benefits, and health and safety.
Human resources managers typically work in offices, and their work may require some travel to meet with employees or visit job sites.
Salary and Job Prospects: Human Resources Manager earn a median annual salary of $126,230. The employment of human resources managers is projected to increase by 9 percent from 2020 to 2030.
Skills Needed: In order to become a human resources manager, you will need strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. You should also be able to effectively manage change and be familiar with relevant legislation.
Marketing Manager
There are many types of marketing managers: product marketing managers, brand marketing managers, digital marketing managers, content marketing managers and etc. In small companies, marketing managers often have to wear many hats and perform the duties of several different managers. They may oversee all product, brand, and social media marketing, as well as content management.
The general duties of marketing managers include developing and overseeing marketing campaigns, researching and analyzing market trends, developing pricing strategies, and managing the overall marketing budget.
Salary and Job Prospects: Marketing managers earn a median annual salary of $135,030. The employment is projected to increase by 10 percent from 2020 to 2030.
Skills Needed: Some essential skills that are needed in order to become a marketing manager include excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, creativity, organizational skills, time management skills, and leadership skills.
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price. They study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. They collect data on consumer demographics, preferences, needs, and buying habits. They can also collect economic and business data, such as competition, supply, and demand.
There are a number of ways that market research analysts can get data, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and market analysis.
Salary and Job Prospects: Market Research Analysts earn a median annual salary of $63,920. The employment is projected to increase by 22 percent from 2020 to 2030.
Skills Needed: Some skills that may be needed to become a market research analyst include excellent analytical skills, strong communication skills, and the ability to use market research software.
Communications Teacher, Postsecondary
Communications teachers have courses in communications, such as speech, radio, television, and film. Some Communications teachers may also teach courses in journalism, public relations, or advertising. They may be primarily engaged in teaching or they may do a combination of teaching and research.
Other duties of communications teachers may include developing curriculum, teaching courses, advising students, and conducting research.
Salary and Job Prospects: Communications teachers earn a median annual salary of $77,560. The job outlook for communications teachers is good. Employment is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Skills Needed: To become a communications teacher you need to have patience, good organizational skills, good verbal and written communication skills, and good public speaking skills.
FAQ’s
Is a degree in communications useful?
A degree in communications can be helpful for a variety of careers. Communications graduates are typically skilled in writing, public speaking, and digital media. They can work in various industries, including advertising, marketing, PR, and journalism.
What does a degree in communications give you?
A degree in communications gives you the ability to communicate effectively with others. It also gives you the ability to understand and interpret communication messages.
What is the highest paying job with a communications degree?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the highest paying job with a communications degree will vary depending on the individual’s skillset, experience, and location. However, some potential high-paying jobs for communications degree-holders include public relations manager, marketing manager, and advertising manager.
Are communications jobs in demand?
Yes, communications jobs are in demand. The demand for communications workers is expected to grow as more and more companies rely on digital media to reach their customers. Communications graduates have various skills that can be used in multiple industries.
Conclusion
A communication degree can be helpful in many ways. It can help you learn how to communicate effectively, how to understand communication theories and how to apply them in real-world situations. It can also help you develop important skills such as writing, public speaking and interpersonal communication. There are many different types of jobs available for those with a communication degree, such as public relations, advertising, event planning, marketing and etc. Each of these positions can be profitable depending on the company and position.
