Career pathways and opportunities for Communication majors
Considering a degree in Communication? Here, you’ll find information on common career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, and the in-demand skills you’ll develop as a Communication major. You’ll also learn steps you can take as a Communication student to maximize career opportunities.
- basic principles of communication that govern interpersonal, public, and mediated communication across platforms
- how to create, build, nurture, and develop interpersonal relationships with others
- how to engage in meaningful, productive communication across cultures, through a deep understanding of the global community
- communication theory’s various approaches and paradigms, allowing them to critically discern the logic and ethics of effective argument
- Produce effective messages, using a variety of communication channels
- Write clearly and concisely, discerning credible sources of information
- Understand the use of video and audio production, social media messaging, and public communication
- Model appropriate communication skills and interpersonal interaction
- Communicate ethically across platforms, while valuing differences of opinion
- Craft messaging to effectively achieve goals (e.g., To promote, gain attention, persuade, build relationships, or educate)
- Devise and evaluate methods and procedures for collecting data, such as surveys, opinion polls, or questionnaires, or arrange to obtain existing data
- Brand strategy
- Corporate communications and public affairs
- Grant writing, fundraising, and development
- Lobbying
- Marketing, public relations, and advertising (in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors)
- Social media management
- Video and audio production
To best prepare to enter or advance in your career field of interest, prioritize gaining specialized knowledge and experiences most valued by employers. This might include internships, on- or off-campus jobs, research experience, a minor, or a certification.
- Develop your portfolio of writing samples, ad campaigns, and other relevant work
- Pursue internships, roles in student media, or related campus/community organizations (and earn leadership opportunities)
- Demonstrate technology skills in data management and presentation software.
- Enhance your publishing and media credentials based on your career goals through certifications like
- HubSpot Academy Certificates in Social Media Marketing, Digital Advertising, or Content Marketing
- American Marketing Association Digital Marketing Certificate
- Accreditation in Public Relations
- LinkedIn Learning Certifications and Badges
