There was a time when people would often ask the question, “What do you do with a communication degree?” On the surface, a communication and media studies degree program may seem broad and non-descript, one that does not lead a student down a specific career path. However, there are many jobs you can apply for with a communication and media studies degree.
Real-World Communication and Media Studies Jobs
A communication and media studies degree program allows a student to develop a better understanding of the pivotal role that communication and technology play in our daily lives. In a globally connected world, effective communication strategies and media literacy skills are more important than ever before. If you don’t know what to do with a communication and media studies degree, these are a few career possibilities that you may want to explore:
Communications Manager
A communications manager is likely one of the most obvious positions that someone with a bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies would pursue, but it’s also one of the most versatile. Nearly every type of organization needs a communications manager on hand, so you can search for a position at a company that fits your own unique needs and interests.
For example, if you have always been passionate about architecture and building development, then you can seek out a communications manager position at a construction management firm. The communications manager plays an important role in any administrative team. The manager often works with a team of communications specialists in order to design and implement a strategic communications plan for the company. This involves coordinating both internal and external communications as well as generating press releases, managing the company’s social content and monitoring headlines about the company.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the media and communication field is expected to grow by about 4 percent. Due to the fact that companies of all sizes and across all industries require the support of communication professionals, the job market is often strong. This is one of the best jobs for communication majors and allows graduates to get their foot in the door of their chosen industry.
Public Relations Specialist
The field of public relations has long been a traditional route for those seeking communication studies jobs. The public relations industry has been a powerful force in corporate America for decades, and it still remains incredibly relevant today. A public relations specialist will often work with a public relations team at an organization in order to craft a more favorable image and brand for that company or individual client. In addition, there are many public relations firms that offer their brand management services to large corporations that prefer to outsource this communication service.
This is one of the best jobs for communication majors because public relations specialists often enjoy an engaging, interactive and challenging environment every day. Each day on the job, public relations specialists are faced with unique issues that they have to overcome, and they are constantly using their toolbox of critical thinking and communication skills in order to come up with innovative solutions.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for public relations specialists is favorable. There should be a 7 percent increase in job growth in the next decade, and the median annual salary for these professionals is about $61,000 per year.
Advertising Manager
Many communication and media studies graduates are able to pursue a career in the advertising field. Communication, media, and advertising are closely related, and an advertising manager is one of the jobs you can pursue with a communication degree. Advertising managers are often employed by advertising firms, and they work to create advertising promotions and materials for their clients. Within the advertising industry, a manager can specialize in specific types of advertising, such as print advertising, digital advertising, or multimedia advertising.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the number of advertising manager jobs is expected to grow by about 6 percent in the coming decade. The average annual salary for an advertising manager is about $135,000 per year, making this a lucrative option for those looking for communication studies jobs.
Event Planner
Communication and media studies graduates who are looking for an exciting, hands-on job after completing their degree program will love the idea of being an event planner. Event planners need to be expert communicators, and they need to know how to use their technology effectively and efficiently in order to execute incredible events.
An event planner can work with both private or corporate clients, and they often partner with a team of professionals in order to pull off an event. From event planners who specialize in parties, showers, and weddings to corporate event planners who focus on trade shows and conventions, there are opportunities for people of all interests and backgrounds in this field.
The event planner job outlook is particularly favorable, with the number of jobs expected to grow by more than 8 percent in the next decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this is much faster than the average job growth rate. The average salary for an event planner was about $50,000 in 2019. Many communication majors find this to be an enticing opportunity after graduating.
Social Media Manager
In the last decade, social media has taken the world by storm. As a result, the communication and media industries have evolved, and many job opportunities have become available for those who are interested in working in the ever-changing online world of social media. Those looking for communication and media studies jobs often find that they are uniquely prepared for this type of position, largely because coursework in communication and media studies focuses on the strategic construction and critical analysis of media messages.
One of the reasons that social media managers are in high demand is that every company or organization, regardless of its size, needs to develop a presence on social media in order to survive. Social media managers work to create and implement a social strategy that helps the organization stay engaged with its followers. In addition, social media managers monitor comments and feedback, and they often serve as the voice of the organization. Social media managers are required to think on their feet and respond quickly if a crisis arrives, which is why communication and media studies majors thrive in this role. Their education allows them to be uniquely prepared to take on the tasks required of a social media manager.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social media managers and other promotions managers can make upwards of $135,000 per year. It is a field that is expected to enjoy significant growth in the coming years.
Content Management Strategist
Another career opportunity that communication and media studies graduates may pursue is becoming a content management strategist. Content management strategists work directly with brands to create the content they need for their organization. This may include internal content, such as e-mails or publications for employees. It also may focus on external content, such as blog posts, website landing pages, and press releases.
Curating content that is both valuable and visible online can be a challenge for any organization, which is why it’s important that qualified communication or media professionals take on these roles. A content manager is another type of marketing manager, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a marketing manager may make an annual salary of about $150,000 per year.
Digital Reporter
A communication and media studies major who is interested in the news industry may be able to find work as a digital reporter. Digital reporters specialize in creating online news content. It is important that anyone who is considering a career as a digital reporter have expert oral and written communication skills. Reporters need to be strong writers who know how to create accurate content in a short amount of time. They must also be effective oral communicators, as they utilize interviewing skills to gather information. The number of online reporting jobs is on the rise, as many news outlets are focusing more on their websites and social media pages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, reporters make about $46,000 per year.
Sales Representative
Another one of the jobs you can pursue with a communication and media studies degree is sales representative. This career possibility is ideal for anyone who wants to use their communication skills in order to earn a lofty commission. Sales professionals need to be able to communicate effectively and clearly in order to motivate their customers to purchase. Graduates from the communication and media studies program are prepared to work in the sales field because they have experience with both traditional and modern persuasive communication strategies that can help bolster sales numbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary of sales representatives can vary greatly depending on the type of sales that they specialize in. Salaries can range from $50,000 to $100,000 per year.
The communication and media field is one that is constantly changing and growing, especially in this time of emerging digital technology. For communication and media studies majors, this means that there are always new opportunities to explore. There are many jobs you can pursue with a communication and media studies degree, and most of those jobs will allow you to combine your education with your interests so that you can enjoy a long, fulfilling career.
For more information on the Communication and Media Studies online degree program at Post University, contact us today.
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Please note jobs, career outcomes, and/or salaries highlighted in this blog do not reflect jobs, career outcomes, and/or salaries expected from any Post University program. To learn more about Post University’s program and their outcomes, please fill out a form to speak with an admissions representative.