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What Does a Career in Communications Entail?
A career in communications entails a professional level of skill in developing effective messaging. This is for the public, and other audiences, that an organization seeks to reach and engage. The communications field includes elements of marketing, writing, journalism, business administration, and public administration. A career in communications can take you into private, public, or non-profit organizations. There are lines of communication that face outward to the public and other organizations; in the same way, there are communications that primarily face inward and reach employees and other members of the organization.
At nearly every level, the field of communications is a hands-on activity. Professionals may begin as entry-level, with a bachelor’s degree, or they may be middle-ranked employees with master’s degrees. The career of a communications professional builds from experience. When selecting a program of study, students should include with the idea of internships and studies that promote learning by doing.
Business Degrees & Career Paths
Components of A Successful Career In Communications
The Communications Skill Set
Communications professionals must have quick and incisive minds. They must develop the art of critical self-assessment to keep their work/product relevant to its purpose. The below-listed items represent skills needed for this field.
Attentive listening is the foundation for understanding and successful interpersonal relationships.
With today’s technological innovations, writing and oral presentations include evolving forms like video, imaging, and global marketing.
Critical thinking and creativity are essential to problem-solving.
Understanding the Internet and engagement in technological innovation.
Modern Communications Tools
In today’s public and private sector business environments, communications are a computer-based activity. The use of software is everywhere in today’s work environments, and students must master the more common types such as word processing, presentations, and data entry. Research assistance software is also high on the list of necessary knowledge and they include legal research software, data analytics, and social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
How to get a Career in Communications
Is Communications Right for You? The field is so broad that nearly everyone can find some interest in one or more fields using communication experts. Communications are essential to every type of business activity.
Education is the key to entering the field. A good entry degree is a bachelor’s degree in combination with internships or other hands-on experience.
Getting experience is the best way to explore the real-world work environment for communications jobs. These exposures offer opportunities for networking and referrals.
Your first communications job is an important step. The first job could follow from contacts and experience gained in real-world placements like internships or projects.
Professional organizations will help students learn about the industry and gain exposure to opportunities and networking.
What is the difference between a Communications Specialist and a Communications Manager?
The communications manager has more responsibility than a specialist, supervising a staff of employees, and having general control over communications functions. These functions include public relations, employee relations, external relations, and government communications. In today’s high-tech environments, digital communications may dominate traditional areas like advertising, branding, and customer relation content. Digital communications bring new opportunities and responsibilities for communications managers. They can involve international scopes of operations.
Typical Communications Degree Requirements
The typical educational requirement is a bachelor’s degree, focused in a relevant subject area like public relations. Communications a recognized major, but it is a broad area that students can narrow into more specific areas such as marketing or social media communications, along with some schools that offer majors in digital communications.
Hands-on experience can be just as important as a degree with a specialization. Internships can open doors to jobs and careers. Projects, collaborations, and other real-world type experiences are excellent additions to a solid resume of education and coursework.
Typical Communication Certifications Needed or Recommended
There are no typical certification requirements for communications because the field is broad and the work situations vary. However, students that gain certification in certain tools and skill areas can have a significant advantage in the early career stages and on a long-term basis. These tools can include foreign language training, and experience with software systems and applications. Certification is proof of skills, training, and knowledge and demonstrates a commitment to learning and self-improvement.
Academic Standards for a Communications Degree :
The Associate Degree in Communications requires about 60 credit hours of accredited coursework.
The Bachelor’s Degree in Communications can be either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. The B.A. degree is a well-rounded approach featuring literature, general knowledge, and cultural studies. The B.S. degree emphasizes math, science, and information technology. The communications degree requires about 120 credit hours of which 60 hours are in required general education coursework. Communications or related majors require 30 credit hours and completion of a designated core of coursework.
The Master’s Degree in Communications requires a bachelor’s in communications or a related field. Students can complete the typical master’s curriculum in 12 to 24 months. If done online or part-time, then the course completion can vary from one year up to six years at some institutions.
Exam/Experience Needed for a Communications Specialist/Manager/Director
There is no entrance exam for communications specialists or communications management positions. The typical educational paths include advertising, marketing, digital communications, journalism, and public relations. An internship or any hands-on project is an excellent way to gain a foothold in the field.
Communications specialist positions can be entry-level to mid-level depending on the organization. Newcomers may get supervision and limited responsibility for tasks and assignments. Specialists work in teams, particularly in large organizations that report to a team leader, manager, or director level supervisor.
Communications Manager positions are mid to senior level in most organizations. These important executives usually have responsibility for an organizational function such as digital communications, social media advertising, or external communications.
Communications Director positions are senior-level and, in large organizations, they typically control an organizational process such as advertising, marketing, or public relations. Director level positions have primary organizational responsibilities for internal and external communications, communication strategies, and may often be a spokesperson for the organization.
How long does it take to earn a Communications bachelor's degree online?
A communications degree can be a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. Students can typically complete either type of degree in four years of full-time study either online, on-campus, or in a combination of both. Many part-time students take more time to complete their degree than full-time attendees, and a term of six to eight years is well within the range of typical experiences. When selecting a school, students should assess their potential for finishing the degree within the period permitted. Working parents, business owners, and caregivers are among the many types of students that require more than four years to complete a degree in communications. The time spent is justified by the career advantages for improving an existing profession or entering a new line of work or business.
How much does a Communications bachelor’s degree cost?
The average costs of a bachelor’s degree depend on the school and location because the cost of living varies with the city, state, or region. The average for the 2017-18 school year was $35,000 for private four-year schools, $9,970 for in-state students at public schools, and $25,620 for out-of-state students at public schools.
Communications Bachelor's Degree Coursework
The titles of courses vary from school to school, but the core subjects include the below.
Media, Culture, and Societies
Introduction to Communications
Writing
Media Economics
Communications Policy and Regulation
Research Methods for Communication
Media Processes and Effects
Journalism and Law
News and Reporting
Digital Media
Elective areas include International Business, Marketing, Business Management, Business Organizations, Politics, and Public Administration.
Does the school have the major(s) you’re considering?
Communications includes many other disciplines like economics, public relations, advertising, business, and marketing. The field of communications is broad. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) includes ten occupations including writers, technical writers, reporters, and news analysts. Given the wide range of occupations in the field of communications, students should determine whether the school under consideration has the preferred major courses of study. Communications includes technical, broadcast, and media subjects; it also has traditional topics like advertising, marketing, and public relations.
How many students graduate “on time,” in four years?
The average attendance figures show a trend towards longer tenure at four-year schools. Students should look up the graduation rate of the schools under consideration. The graduation rate is a significant predictor of your experience. The US Department of Education offers the College Scoreboard; this portal provides transparency on the costs of education. The significant national trend is towards longer periods of attendance that push the typical experience towards the six-year completion level rather than the traditional four-year pattern. Four-year public institutions show 35% graduate in four years while 58.6% finish at the six-year mark. Four-year private schools show a 53% graduation rate at four years and 58.6% at the six-year marker. The additional time spent in matriculation adds to the costs of a four-year degree and can greatly increase student debt at graduation.
What kind of accreditation does the program hold? How is it regarded in the field?
Accreditation is an essential part of getting a degree. It affects the value of the degree because it promotes acceptance of educational achievement by a wide group of employers, businesses, governments, and educational institutions.
There are two types of accreditation; they are institutional accreditation and program accreditation. Institutional accreditation looks at the entire school, and program accreditation looks at one program within the school.
Institutional accreditation, in turn, has two branches- the national and regional accreditation.
Regional accreditation is often considered the best. This type of accreditation covers most of the top colleges and universities in the US. Regional accreditation covers most research-based public and private colleges and universities.
National accreditation covers non-traditional schools including online schools. It looks to a national framework for comparing schools rather than a specific region. National accreditation has two branches; they are the career or technical schools and the faith-based institutions. National accreditation is not as widely accepted as regional accreditation. Most employers and government programs accept national accreditation although some regionally accredited schools do not accept credits from nationally accredited schools.
Program Accreditation covers a specific academic program such as a master’s degree in Business Communications. Program accreditation has the same positive impact on jobs, salary, and outlook as regional accreditation.
Software/Technology/Skills Needed
Some areas of communications are technical. These include photography, film and video editing, technical writing, and some digital communications. These fields can benefit from extensive coursework in those subjects with hands-on experience.
Associate Degree in Communications
The associate degree is the first educational level for a communications career. These two-year degrees can help qualify you for an entry-level position. It typically requires 60 credit hours total, 18 hours in the communications major, with six hours of related electives. The other 36 hours consist of general education courses. The A.A. degree can reduce the time needed for a B.A. or B.S. degree.
ASSOCIATE DEGREE COURSEWORK
• Interpersonal and Business communications review the business environment and effective presentations.
• Critical thinking prepares students to engage in problem-solving.
• Writing and oral communications help students function in real-world settings.
Bachelor’s Degree in Communications
The B.A. or B.S. in Communications prepares students to enter the workforce as writers, public relations specialists, and print or broadcast journalists. Some students choose concentrations to refine their career focus like politics, healthcare, or public administration.
BACHELOR’S DEGREE COURSEWORK
• Management communications involve groups, teams, internal, and external communications.
• Digital platform communication is an involved and growing area as marketing, engagement, and strategic planning can revolve around social media.
• Presentations occur in many firms and settings. Persuasive speech is a vital tool in communications.
Earning Potential for Communications Degree Fields and Occupations
The difference in salaries based on levels of education is revealing. At each level of educational attainment, the median compensation figure reflects a distinct advantage. The below-listed items describe salaries and educational levels, from a comparison of education level and average median compensation based on a 2017 survey of jobs and salaries.
Communications Salaries by Occupation
• Introduction
At the entry level, communications occupations typically require a bachelor’s degree. Students can enter some technical fields without a B.A. or B.S. with some technical background. At the mid-career level, professionals with about ten years of experience reach higher income levels and often have mid-level to senior level positions. The late career stage brings greater rewards and responsibility, and many professionals occupy senior level positions at this point.
Some mid-level to senior level positions require a master’s degree or an extensive background and set of experience. Experience is an important factor in communications occupations. It is a foundation for advancement and greater rewards and job satisfaction.
• Communications Occupations
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies media and communications occupations into these ten representative categories.
Announcers - broadcast and ceremonial roles that announce information and lead proceedings.
Broadcast and sound technicians manage hardware and systems that support broadcast communications.
Film editors manipulate images to produce effective messaging.
Technical writers produce technical copy such as instructions and reports.
Reporters and correspondents broadcast news and analysis.
Interpreters and translators provide all forms of communications across language barriers.
Public relations specialists connect organizations with internal and external audiences.
Photographers manage a form of visual communications.
Writers and authors develop content for print, video script, and digital media.
Editors prepare many forms of content for publication and distribution.
Communications Scholarships
High school seniors and college students can compete for scholarships for general scholastic achievement. Some scholarships focus on people with particular ethnic heritage, location, immigration status, or gender. The below itemized list of six scholarships focus on students in or about to enter one or more fields of communications study.
Six Noteworthy Scholarships in Communications
Students pursuing careers in communications have many scholarship opportunities. While the list below contains private funds, nearly every school or college that offers communications courses provides scholarships. Students should consult their list of possible schools to determine the availability of scholarships for communications majors.
New York Women in Communications Inc. Foundation Scholarship Program
The New York Women in Communications Foundation Scholarship Program helps empower women attempting to enter one or more fields of communications. The program accepts residents of New York that are undergraduates majoring in communications or high school seniors about to enter an undergraduate program. The program awards scholarships in amounts of $2,500, $5000, and $10,000 to 15-20 women each year. The program selects students based on academic and community performance, achievement, personal background, and demonstrated financial need. The annual deadline for filing applications is January 31 of each calendar year.
The MillerCoors National Scholarship
This communications program has an annual filing deadline of May 27 each calendar year. The Miller Coors National Scholarship focuses on Hispanic students. Eligible students must be juniors or seniors attending college and enrolled in a communications, marketing, or business program. The Fund works with a group of partner schools. To qualify, students must be a US citizen, have a 3.0 or higher GPA, and maintain full-time enrollment. The number of awards varies from year to year.
The Electronic Document Systems Foundation
The EDSF offers scholarships for students pursuing degrees in the fields of document management and graphic communications. The foundation awards more than 40 scholarships each year, and the decisions rest solely on academic achievement. The scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year. The Foundation administers many honors including the Lowe Scholarship at $2000, the $1,000 Cartun Scholarship, the $2,000 Wayne Alexander Memorial Scholarship, and the $5000 Output Links Communications Group Woman of Distinction Scholarship.
• The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
This national organization offers scholarship opportunities for students of television and broadcast journalism. The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences total benefits are more than $40,000 per year. Among the larger NATAS programs are the Jim McKay and Mike Wallace Memorial Scholarships. The Academy awards these $10,000 scholarships in honor of these legendary broadcasters. The Academy presents two $10,000 scholarships every year to high school graduates to pursue a communications-related bachelor’s degree. The awards support students that intend to begin a career in television. Other students can compete for and receive awards from the Academy that total about $20,000 per year. The Academy determines awards based on academic achievement.
• National Association of Black Journalists, NABJ Scholarships
This journalism association offers seven scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 per year. The funds support minority students seeking a career in journalism.
The NABJ Scholarships include the below-listed awards.
o Allison E. Fisher Scholarship for $2,500
o Carole Simpson Scholarship for $2,500
o DeWayne Wickham Founder’s High School Scholarship for $2,500
o Larry Whiteside Scholarship for $2,500
o Les Payne Founder’s Scholarship or $2,500
o NABJ Scholarship in the amount of $2,500
o Visual Task Force Scholarship for $1,500
• National Association of Hispanic Journalists
The Hispanic journalist’s association offers scholarship benefits of $1,000 – $2,000. The association awards the four below-described scholarships annually.
o NAHJ General Scholarships Ruben Salazar Fund for college-bound high school seniors, college undergraduates, and graduate students pursuing careers in English or Spanish-language print, photo, broadcast, or online journalism.
o NAHJ Ford Motor Company Fund Scholarships awards amounts up to $2,000 for students to pursue careers in journalism. Students must have a 2.5 or higher GPA, and be college-bound high school seniors, college undergraduates, or graduate students.
o NAHJ PepsiCo Scholarships provides awards up to $2,000 to support students seeking careers in print, broadcast, online, and visual journalism. Eligible students must have a 2.5 or higher GPA. The scholarships go to college-bound high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students.
o NAHJ Sports Journalism Scholarship is a $2,000 annual scholarship to support students that seek to work in the field of sports journalism. The awards go to eligible college undergraduates and graduate students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Undergraduate students might major in various other subjects. Some doctoral programs need a master's degree in communications or a relevant area for admission, while others require just a bachelor's degree. Doctoral prospects ought to compose an argumentation. It can remove from 4 as well as also 6 years to make a Ph. D. Some master's degree programs require pupils to make up a thesis.
If you are captivated by just how you could influence, mesmerize, in addition to educate others by establishing the greatest possible media web content for a target audience, a degree in interactions might be appropriate for you. The communications substantial covers various self-disciplines containing advertising, advertising, public connections, journalism, broadcasting, media, in addition to film. Communications majors discover exactly how to check out the demands as well as options of customers, visitors, along with audiences.
Communications majors learn to produce efficiently in a number of settings, consisting of innovative, convincing, descriptive, as well as also journalistic styles. They furthermore exercise the capability to integrate images, video, as well as likewise appear appropriate into the communications they develop. Students who substantial in communications uncover to prepare, arrange, as well as also apply jobs, programs, and additionally occasions. They need to be conscientious to info yet at the same time understand the large picture.
Your last choice concerning a career with a level as differed as communications will certainly be influenced by your exclusive interests, skills, along with worth's, yet below are some encouraging choices for your aspect to consider. Assessment several of the most reliable job opportunities for communications majors, in addition to the capacities you will certainly need to get employed.
Communications majors are well positioned to think strategically regarding precisely just how to influence public understandings through the media. Public Relations experts write news release, prepare press meetings as well as likewise other events, and also encourage the media that stories relating to the business have journalistic high quality. Some public relationships agents profit public links, marketing, and also marketing firms, which service a lineup of various clients.
Development law enforcement officers study potential contributors as well as additionally use the elements of the university that correspond to the rate of interests of specific people. The capacity of interactions majors to create very carefully worded and also succinct composed interactions helps the development policeman to make their pitches efficiently. Development as well as alumni law enforcement agent both require to exercise a huge amount of social skill in their interactions with graduates, moms and dads, as well as additionally numerous other prospective donors.
The dispersing of financial in addition to business media has really opened opportunities for interactions majors with a rate of interest in company as well as likewise cash. Organization reporters touch journalistic composing abilities to cover growths within services, market, along with the economic situation overall for web websites, television stations, papers, along with magazines. They must have the ability to connect company information in language understandable by the public.