If you enjoy influencing, advocating, or informing others, a communication studies degree may be right for you. Communication studies majors learn how to assess the needs and preferences of their audience and formulate a plan for conveying a message. Students who major in communication studies are prepared for a wide range of careers, because they learn how to plan, organize, and execute projects, programs, and events.
An effective communicator is able to resolve conflict, sell products and services to the public, maintain strong relationships with clients, customers, and investors, and make sure everyone is operating on the same page. Employers increasingly list communication skills as the heart of advancement, promotion, and leadership opportunities.
Communication is the vehicle to success, and a communication studies degree prepares students for a range of successful careers including:
- Business executive
- Human services professional
- Public relations specialist
- Marketing executive
- Advertising executive
- Health care manager
- Sales director
- Media planner
- Web content manager
Communication careers in business
With communication playing such an important role in any business or organization, a communication studies degree is a great way to enter the business world. Regardless of the industry, entry-level communications roles will require you to demonstrate strong written and oral communication and presentation skills, along with knowledge of how a business functions across departments. There is potential for career development into executive, managerial and training roles after gaining some experience.
Communication careers in human resources
A key department of any large business, human resources is crucial for developing and maintaining employee ethics, performance, and motivation. HR specialists help keep businesses profitable through a variety of activities such as recruiting new staff, creating a positive work environment, implementing training and professional development programs, administering benefits packages, and ensuring company guidelines and regulations are clearly communicated. Careers in this area will benefit from an aptitude for nurturing relationships and communicating well with many different types of people.
Communication careers in marketing, public relations and advertising
Marketing, public relations and advertising are three more great answers to the question “what can you do with a communication studies degree?” In these related fields, graduates will deliver effective written and oral communication to consumers, colleagues or clients. This could be in the form of press releases, advertising scripts, company presentations and print campaigns, as well as attendance at media events and the ongoing development of professional relationships with clients and the media.
Communication careers in media
Media jobs with a communication degree are large in number. Whether you’re interested in becoming involved in magazine and newspaper journalism, online and digital channels, or TV and film production, media careers all require graduates with excellent communication skills, and the ability to curate and disseminate information in engaging and relevant ways. Online news sites, social networks and digital technologies are all areas of the industry continuing to expand, leading to significant increases in job opportunities for those with a combination of communication skills and digital proficiency.
Interested in advancing your career?
Earn your online bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university that has been an online education leader for more than 15 years. EKU’s 100% online communication studies programs provide students with the critical thinking and leadership skills needed to build a rewarding career in a range of industries.
To learn more about navigating the intricacies of communication and enhancing your career opportunities complete the learn more form or check out our Communication Studies Program.