See Where a Communications Degree Can Take You

Communications professionals and those with a Communications degree are prepared for a wide variety of careers. The modern communications degree is based on the Greek and Roman study of languages and rhetoric, and how language can be used to benefit society. In the modern world, a course of studies in communications teaches students how to convey effective and persuasive messages.

A communications degree is highly desired in today's information age. If you have strong verbal and writing skills, a communications degree will open the door to careers in all types of media. In fact, the information industry (which includes television, radio, magazines, and the internet), employs nearly 50% of American workers. That's a lot of jobs! The highest percentages are seen in the medical and public relations fields, where good writers and public speakers are very much in demand.

Communications is a very interdisciplinary field that ranges from topics to business writing, mass communication, journalism, and speech writing. Since the course of studies for communications students is so varied, there are lots of career options out there. Nearly every business and industry needs effective communication in order to be successful. Communications students often take the following career paths:

A public relations specialist works to develop a positive image for a certain company. They are frequently employed by consulting firms, helping their clients to reach out to their target audience. Public relations specialists need to be strong writers and researchers since the majority of their time is spent writing press releases and other promotional pieces, and doing research on target groups.

A technical writer is responsible for all the technical writing for a specific industry. For example, a technical writer of an engineering firm may write user manuals, online help instructions, and packaging content.

A communications director frequently works in non-profit organizations to promote the companies goals. In order to develop a higher profile for their company, communications directors work with the public to increase sponsorship, funding, and to ultimately help more people.

Some other fields that employ communications students include:

• Advertising agencies
• Book publishers
• Community organizations
• Libraries and museums
• Magazines and newspapers
• Radio stations
• Non-profit organizations

If you have strong verbal and writing skills, a communications major may be perfect for you! Communications students are able to translate information into messages that are easy to understand, and have an innate desire to teach and inform other people.