Those that are unfamiliar with the communications industry may ask, “What can you do with a communications degree?” The answer might be surprising as there are a lot of career options for those who decided to major in communications. Majoring in communications involves a course of study designed to improve the student’s use of all types of media to present clear messages to their defined key publics. This is a very general definition and can include mass communication or aspects of information technology.
One of the main goals of communications experts is to establish relationships with different publics. Careers can range from public relations and journalism to marketing and advertising.
Figuring out what can you do with a communications degree is important when picking a degree program. If visual communication interests you, you might try studying graphic design. Video and art can be just as valuable to help convey a certain message as a printed article. If you are a good writer, textual approaches to delivering a message might be worth pursuing. Other possible media examples can include internet webpages, posters, billboards, report writing, and even audio advertisements.
Communications personnel are very involved in the concept of branding. McDonald’s, Nike, Apple, and Reese’s each have a unique image that both their customers and investors recognize. All organizations that wish to be successful work to develop their brand. This is more than just having a company logo. In order to be effective, companies must protect their brands from being stolen and used by other individuals.
Careers in Communications
If you are still asking what can you do with a communications degree, it could be helpful to try to ask anyone you may know who majored in this field. There are some fields that directly benefit from having employees with a background in communications.
There are many examples out there, but public relations is a good example of what someone may do with this degree. Large corporations, businesses, law enforcement and even colleges and universities are interested in communicating to an audience an important and clear message. Public relations professionals generally work either in an agency or for a corporation. Those that work in an agency will work with several different clients on many different public relations projects. Those that work in a corporation work only with that corporation on the different projects relating specifically to them.
Advertising is similar to public relations in that advertising personnel seek to promote the well-being of the company they work for. But whereas public relations seeks to manage company communications through news outlets and other media corporations, advertisers generally pays for the space they use for advertisements. Advertisers generally create ads (obviously) whereas public relations personnel produce more press releases.
College students usually have some time and resources to use in order to help them decide on which direction to take their education. Advisers and career development counselors are usually willing to answer students’ questions. Students looking to begin a career in communications should look to get all of the experience possible before applying for jobs. Internships can be very valuable to communications students.
Online education is an excellent way of working towards a communications degree. Taking online classes from an online school is becoming more popular than ever. Make sure the online college is accredited and that any credits transfer.