Communication Careers

3 things a Communication major has heard:

1. People major in Communication because they don’t actually know what they want to do in life.
2. You can’t be truly successful with a degree in communication.
3. What jobs can you even do with a degree in communication?

As a communication major, I have been told all three of these things. I have been asked if I’m positive I want to be a communication major, and if this degree will be able to provide me with a successful job and sufficient  income. I have been asked if I’ll be writing and saying speeches, because that’s what communication majors do, write and give speeches. Which is not true.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 1.2 million individuals between the ages of 25 and 64 have graduated from a communication degree program and are employed in full-time work.

Now more than ever companies, organizations, and brands need people who are expert communicators. It is important to understand how a single message can be distributed and translated through out different forms of media. Students who major in Communication, Public Relations and Journalism (which are all majors offered at Olivet) have the potential to earn a job in media, the arts, marketing, public relations, journalism and much more.

The way that our world communicates with each other has changed. The world of digital media has grown exponentially.One of the most common, and well paid jobs for communication majors, are Vice President of Public Relations (PR) and Corporate Communications. In any company or organizations these are very important roles. A VP of Corporate Communications, dictates every message that a company sends to the customer. In these roles, the VP will be working to ensure your company is communicating effectively in all its marketing materials, while maintaining a healthy relationship with the public. The customer is always right and needs to always be put first.

Some other jobs to consider with a communication degree: Broadcast News Analyst, Radio Broadcaster, Fundraising Manager, Promotions Manager, Public Relations Specialist, Event Planner, and Writer

1. People major in Communication because they don’t actually know what they want to do in life – FALSE, there are so many options to choose from
2. You can’t be truly successful with a degree in communications – FALSE, some of the highest paying, and most important roles in a company can be earned with a degree in communication
3. What jobs can you even do with a degree in communication? A lot, and all in a wide range. Having a degree in communication, opens the door to many different pathways, and possibilities.