Careers in Communication
Advertising
For a career in advertising, knowledge concerning how to generate advertising campaigns, expanding advertising strategies, understanding the relationship between advertising and marketing, and the further comprehending the necessary computer skills is a must.
Advertising is a growing field and projected to be one of the top career options for the years 2008 and beyond. There is a high demand for new graduates with extensive oral and written communication skills as well as thorough knowledge of electronic based technologies.
Specific career options found in advertising may include the following: advertising or marketing specialist, account executive, copy writer, sales manager, media planner, media buyer, creative director, public opinion researcher, and media sales representative.
Suggested communication subjects to augment an advertising career are marketing, research methods, copy writing, persuasion, mass media, advertising and society, interpersonal communication, media production, mass media law, public speaking, mass media law, and small group communication.
Communication Education
Though most communication educators are found at the collegiate level, communication instructors are hired at all levels, including elementary schools, high schools, and community colleges.
Careers in communication education include language arts coordinator, high school speech teacher, drama director, forensics/debate coach, college or university professor, and speech communication department chairperson.
Communication subjects which supplement a career in communication education: oral communication, interpersonal communication, public speaking, introduction to media systems, research and methodology in communication, communication theory, communication in the classroom, teaching the language arts, cross-cultural communication, linguistics, sociolinguistics, nonverbal communication, developmental communication, and listening.
Electronic Media, Radio & Television, Broadcasting
The broadcasting field is and has been experiencing significant changes. One of these changes or new trends specifically combines radio and television with interactivity and computers.
There are more available jobs off-camera and off-microphone than on-air positions. On-air job competition is high while the initial pay is low, typically at small town local production facilities, rather than networks.
Careers in electronic media/radio-television/broadcasting include broadcasting station manager, film/tape librarian, director of broadcasting, community relations director, film editor, unit manager, news director, news writer, transmitter engineer, advertising sales coordinator, technical director, traffic/continuity specialist, media buyer, market researcher, announcer, actor, disc jockey, news anchor, comedy writer, public relations manager, casting director, producer, business manager, researcher, account executive, floor manager, and talk show host.
Communication courses which supplement a career in electronic media/radio-television broadcasting: oral communication, print communication, public speaking, interpersonal communication, introduction to mass communication, studio and field production, media research, media criticism, advertising, media law, interviewing, and acting.
Journalism
Journalism is the process of researching and gathering information to communicate it to the public by way of writing or speaking.
Careers in journalism include reporter, newscaster, editor, author, script writer, copy writer, news service researcher, publisher, technical writer, acquisitions editor, media interviewer, and talk show host.
Communication subjects which supplement a journalism degree include oral communication, interviewing, public speaking, print communication, interpersonal communication, editing, nonverbal communication, persuasion, listening, oral interpretation, media theory, and announcing.
Public Relations
Public relations generally involves managing the public image of an individual or an organization. Effective writing is an imperative skill to master. Acquiring a background in media production is a plus when preparing for a career in public relations.
Careers in public relations include: publicity manager, marketing specialist, advertising manager, press agent, lobbyist, account executive, corporate public affairs specialist, development officer, membership recruiter, fund raiser, sales manager, media planner, media analyst, creative director, news writer, and public opinion researcher.
Communication subjects which supplement a career in public relations: advertising, interviewing, oral communication, public speaking, media theory, media research methods, ethics of communication, and organizational communication.
Theatre, Performing Arts, Dramatic Arts
It is important to understand a theatre major will not necessarily lead to becoming a “star.” There are numerous professional, community, and educational theatres looking for new graduates all over the country.
It also important to keep in mind that competition is intense and the jobs may be few. Dedication and talent are essential in finding success. Theatre programs tend to focus on theatre history or literature, acting, stage speech, stage movement, directing, design, makeup, theatrical/arts criticism, costuming, and theatre/stage management.
Careers in theatre/performing arts/dramatic arts include: script writing, performing artist, producer, director, arts administrator, costume designer, scenic director, stage manager, model, casting director, theatre professor, and model.
Communication subjects which supplement a career in theatre: theatre criticism, acting, arts management, directing, designing for the stage, lighting design, directing, costume design, theatre appreciation, public speaking, and nonverbal communication.
Business
Communication plays a vital role in any business or industrial organization.
Careers in business and communication include: sales representatives, managers, public information officers, industrial and labor relations representatives, director of corporate communication, customer relations, newsletter editor, and human resources manager.
Communication subjects which supplement a career in business: public speaking, interpersonal communication, introduction to mass media, organizational communication, small group communication, and interviewing.
Government, Politics
Good communication skills are essential in addressing the issues facing political leaders. Communication is necessary for gaining understanding between people, for discussing similarities and differences between groups, and for settling disputes.
Careers in government/politics include: public information officer, speech writer, campaign director, research specialist, negotiator, lobbyist, and press secretary.
Communication subjects which supplement a career in government/politics: public speaking, interpersonal communication, journalism, mass communication, organizational communication, communication theory, research methods, rhetorical theory, persuasion, communication ethics, and political communication.
Social & Human Services
How people use and evaluate human services is dependent on good communication.
Careers in social & human services include: public administrator, social worker, human rights officer, community affairs liaison, and park service public relations specialist.
Communication subjects which supplement a career in social & human services: public speaking, interpersonal communication, family communication, cross-cultural communication, organizational communication, small group communication, and, communication ethics.
