Communication and Media

(See Electronic Media / Broadcasting)

Business

Sales
Customer service
Management
Insurance:
- Underwriting
- Claims management
- Sales
Real estate:
- Property management
- Sales
Human resources
Training and development
Labor relations
Writing/Editing
Corporate communication
Office management

Employers

Product and service organizations
Retail stores
Hotels
Restaurants
Manufacturers
Banks and financial institutions
Insurance companies
Hospitals and other healthcare organizations
Print and electronic media
Real estate agencies
Consulting firms
Research firms
Other business corporations

Strategies

Earn a minor in business or take business classes.
Develop strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
Learn to work well on a team.
Seek leadership roles in other campus organizations.
Gain experience through internships, part-time, or summer jobs.
Develop computer skills in areas such as spread sheets, databases, and presentation software.
Join related professional associations.
Conduct informational interviews to learn about jobs of interest and to build a network of contacts.
Be prepared to start in entry-level positions such as management trainee programs.
Look for companies that have an interest in hiring “any major.”

Public Relations/Advertising

Public relations
Advertising
Marketing
Corporate public affairs
Investor relations
Development
Event coordination
Media analysis/planning
Creative directing
Writing/Editing
Audience analysis
Public opinion research

Employers

Private corporations
Public relations firms
Advertising agencies
Radio and television companies
Public opinion research firms
Sports and entertainment organizations
Hospitality and tourism industry
Nonprofit organizations
Government agencies
Labor unions
Educational institutions
Consulting firms
Freelance

Strategies

Take courses in marketing, advertising, public relations, or other area of interest.
Gain experience through internships, even if unpaid.
Develop excellent writing and public speaking skills.
Serve as public relations officer of an organization.
Develop a portfolio of writing samples, ad campaigns, and other relevant work.
Join related professional associations.
Find a mentor in a related field to provide career guidance.
Consider moving to cities with larger numbers of job opportunities.
Be prepared to start at the bottom and work into positions with greater responsibility.

Media

Writing
Editing
Copywriting
Publishing
Producing
Managing/Directing
Research
Media sales
Media planning
Broadcasting

Employers

Publishing firms including newspaper, magazine and book
Wire services and syndicates
Literary agencies
Internet sites
Television and radio stations
Film industry
Freelance

Strategies

Take elective courses in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, and advertising.
Develop excellent interpersonal, presentation, and research skills.
Work for campus or local newspaper, radio station, or television station.
Get related experience through internships, even if unpaid.
Learn webpage design and software packages relevant to publishing and media.
Develop a portfolio or audition tape depending on the industry.
Be willing to take any job in the field to get a foot in the door.

Non-Profit

Administration
Management
Grant writing
Writing/Editing
Fundraising/Development
Public relations
Volunteer coordination
Program coordination
Research
Religious Work:
- Pastoral and other religious leadership
- Mission work
- Religious camp administration
- Local ministries, e.g. youth, adult, education

Employers

Local and national nonprofit organizations
Professional associations
Chambers of commerce
Community centers
Philanthropies
Hospitals
Foundations
Churches, synagogues, mosques
Religious organizations (e.g. camps, retreat centers, denominational boards)
Think tanks

Strategies

Take courses in psychology, sociology, or social work to broaden perspective.
Develop a wide array of skills including writing, speaking, budgeting, and grant writing.
Obtain leadership roles in relevant campus, church, or community groups.
Complete one or more internship(s) with nonprofit organizations.
Learn to work well with different types of people.
Demonstrate knowledge and experience in a specialty area, e.g. public health, environment, urban issues.
Research organizations’ values to find a good fit with yours. It is critical that you are knowledgeable about and and care about the organizations’ missions.
Consider earning a master’s degree in public administration or non-profit administration.
For religious work, research requirements to enter leadership in the faith you want to pursue. For example, Master of Divinity and denominational ordination are required for most clergy positions.

Government

City or town management
Community affairs
Campaigning
Legislative assistance
Public information
Research
Lobbying
Conflict negotiation
Program administration
General services
Social services
Foreign service
Legislative, executive, or judicial services

Employers

There are over 170 departments and agencies in the federal government. Conduct research to determine which are a good fit for you.
Local and state government
Political parties
Political action committees
Legislatures and other elected public officials
School districts
Court systems
Think tanks

Strategies

Minor in an applicable interest area such as business, political science, or public administration.
Take courses in conflict management and develop negotiation skills.
Volunteer to work on a local or national political campaigns.
Join related student organizations and earn leadership roles. Get involved with student government and campus campaigns.
Complete an internship with a government agency to get a foot in the door.
Maintain a strong grade point average as many government programs are very competitive.
Learn local, state, and federal government job application procedures. Visit the campus career center for assistance.
Develop a network of contacts through informational interviews and referrals.

Law

Prosecution
Defense
Contractual
Corporate
Nonprofit or public interest
Government
Mediation
Other specialties
Law assistance

Employers

Law firms
Federal, state, and local government
Private practice
Corporations
Special interest groups
Universities and colleges
Legal aid societies
Nonprofit and public interest organizations, e.g. ACLU, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Legal Services Corporation
Legal clinics
Other private legal services

Strategies

Develop strong research skills and attention to detail.
Participate in debate or forensic team to hone communication skills.
Choose courses or a minor to specialize in a particular area of law, e.g. a minor in business for a career in corporate law.
Find part-time or summer work in a law firm.
Shadow an attorney to learn more about the field and various specialties.
Get involved in pre-law organizations.
Plan to attend law school and earn a law degree. Maintain a high grade point average and secure strong faculty recommendations. Prepare for the LSAT (Law School Admission Test).
Obtain specialized certification for paralegal positions.

Higher Education

Teaching
Research
Information/Library science
Fundraising/Development
University communications/Outreach
Administration and Student Support Services:
- Admissions, financial aid. advising, development, alumni affairs, international education and study abroad, student affairs (e.g. residence life, student activities, orientation, leadership, Greek life, multicultural affairs, recreational sports)

Employers

Four-year colleges and universities
Two-year and community colleges
Technical schools
Medical and professional schools

Strategies

Ph.D. required for teaching and research in colleges and universities. Maintain a high grade point average and secure strong faculty recommendations. Assist a faculty member with research.
Earn a master’s degree in information science for librarianships or college student personnel/higher education administration for other positions.
Develop strong interpersonal communication and public speaking skills.
Get involved in campus leadership roles in residence halls, student unions/activities, programming boards, orientation, admissions, etc.
Learn to work well with a variety of people.

General Information

Communication Studies is a broad degree that can lead to job opportunities in many different fields. Skills and experiences gained through co-curricular activities, internships, part-time jobs, and volunteering are critical in shaping a career path. Develop a career goal and seek the right background to become a strong candidate.
Communication Studies is good preparation for graduate school in many disciplines including communication, law, education, business, public administration. Maintain a strong grade point average to increase opportunities for admission into graduate programs.
Explore specializations within major and professional field. Select electives to enhance knowledge in area(s) of interest or find a minor that will add value.
Develop strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills. Gain experience with public speaking by joining Toastmasters.
Get involved in campus activities and professional organizations. Learn to work well on a team and develop leadership skills.
Build a network of contacts. Once in a position, find an experienced mentor.

Professional Associations

Occupational Outlook

Related Resources

Employment Opportunities

Electronic Media / Broadcasting

Television

Programming
Producing
Promotion
News reporting
News producing
News videography
Sportscasting
Weather forecasting
Anchoring
Editing
Directing
Casting
Research
Management
Sales
Public relations

Employers

Major networks
Local commercial television stations
Public television stations
Cable television
Private production companies
Government
Business corporations

Strategies

Participate in campus media: student television and cable stations.
Seek part-time or volunteer opportunities with independent production companies.
Complete practicums at local television stations and internships at local or national TV stations, networks, or cable systems.
Join student broadcasting organizations.
Develop excellent writing, reporting, researching, and editing skills.
Volunteer to announce sporting events on campus or at local high schools.
Consider taking courses in political science, economics, sociology, or any applicable field for news broadcasting careers.
Read trade publications.
Be willing to start in smaller markets and work your way up the ladder. Professionals often move frequently for career advancement.
A greater number of opportunities exist in larger cities.
Take time to learn another language as being bi-lingual will give you a competitive edge.

Radio

News
Programming
Production
Promotion
Management
Announcing
Research
Sales

Employers

National networks
National public radio
Digital stations
State or regional networks
Major, medium, and small market stations
Local commercial stations and groups

Strategies

Work at the student radio station. Join radio or music organizations on campus.
Complete an internship at a station.
Announce sporting events for your university.
Host music programming for parties and social events.
Coordinate, program, and promote musical events.
Gain performance experience through music, drama, or public speaking.
Create a demonstration tape to be used as a sample of vocal and speaking talent.
Enhance public speaking skills by practicing with a handheld recorder.
Radio job markets are known to fluctuate, be prepared to weather the changes.

Internet

Webcasting
Podcasting
Web design/development
Website maintenance
Management
Administration
Sales and marketing

Employers

Internet based companies (e.g., Yahoo or Google)
Companies specializing in webcasting services and technology
Businesses in a variety of industries
Colleges and universities
Nonprofit organizations

Strategies

Gain expertise in computer and Internet technology.
Learn how to design websites.
Become familiar with a variety of languages and software packages on various platforms.
Seek certifications in networking, website design, or related areas.
Volunteer to create or maintain websites for student organizations or local nonprofits.
Assist in campus webcasts if possible.

Video Production

Directing
Management
Production
Writing
Post-Production/Editing
Videography
Digital production

Employers

Freelance or private video production companies or videographers
Large corporations
Universities and colleges
Post-production companies
Professional associations
Non-profit organizations

Strategies

Obtain entrepreneurial knowledge and experience through starting a small business or taking business courses.
Volunteer to do video editing/production for campus videographers or television stations.
Gain contacts in the specific industry of interest (e.g., develop relationships with wedding photographers in order to build wedding videography business).
Enter video contests.
Cultivate artistic talents.

Social Media Management

Strategy
Content planning
Community management
Marketing and promotions
Blogging
Copy writing
Search engine marketing
Online customer service
Social photography

Employers

Public relations firms
Marketing agencies
Advertising agencies
Social media management companies
Media outlets
Corporations in a variety of industries
Web application companies
Freelance

Strategies

Gain experience with social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter and location- based social media sites, Yelp and Gowalla)
Be adept at learning new technology and tools quickly. Stay abreast of industry news.
Establish an online presence for yourself, and use it in your job search.
Complete an internship in social media.
Volunteer to maintain social media for campus organizations.
Develop skills important to this field: communication, creativity, relationship building, and project management.
Take courses in marketing, journalism, copy writing, and technology.
Research an industry of interest to learn about its social media presence.
Learn how to effectively manage negative press.

Education

Broadcast management
Production
Journalism
Script writing
Mass communications
Media arts
Digital communication

Employers

Colleges and universities
Technical schools
Public and private high schools

Strategies

Obtain a PhD for college and university teaching opportunities.
Obtain state teacher certification for high school teaching opportunities. You will need certification to teach additional subjects such as foreign languages, English, theater, social studies, or art.
Volunteer to assist local high school students with productions.
Actively participate in campus radio, television, or theatrical organizations.

General Information

Internships are crucial for breaking into the field of electronic media and broadcasting. Complete several internships if possible.
Develop excellent technical and computer skills, especially internet proficiency and knowledge.
Seek opportunities for experience in any performance situation such as drama, debate, public speaking, music or athletics in order to demonstrate talent as well as ability to handle pressure.
Demonstrate curiosity, confidence, assertiveness, creativity, initiative, organizational skills, competitive spirit, enthusiasm, persistence, and diplomacy.
Display appropriate talents for public performance and appearance such as a sense of humor, verbal and written communication skills, imagination, showmanship, and an outgoing personality.
Consider shadowing or informational interviewing as a means through which to gain information, develop contacts, build mentoring relationships, and gain entry into a competitive field.
Be willing to start at the bottom doing entry level tasks before moving up to larger markets or organizations.
Understand that geographic flexibility and a willingness to relocate are important in finding job opportunities.
Study all aspects of the industry and stay up-to-date through continuing education or training.
Maintain an active professional/personal social media account.
Be prepared to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Work environment and schedules will vary. Be flexible, especially in the first years of working.
Many journalists work across television, radio, and digital platforms. Gain experience in all three.