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Industries Hiring Communication Graduates

Professional communication is the vehicle to success; employers recognize the importance of communication skills and repeatedly report this as one of the top requirements for new hires and advancement. Students gain the skills and knowledge necessary for both obtaining an entry-level communication position in various fields that relate to communication as well as advancement in their current field. 

Industries for Communication Graduates

These industries specialize in communication, making them an ideal employment choice for communication graduates
  • Corporate Training
  • Human Resources
  • Marketing
  • Mediation and Arbitration
  • Public Relations

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Increase earnings and advancement opportunities

Career Success Starts with a College Degree

Regardless of U.S. labor market conditions one constant holds true: Education boosts earnings and reduces unemployment.

According to the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities (APLU) the earnings gap between college graduates and those with less education continues to widen. In 2021, median income for recent graduates reached $52,000 a year for bachelor’s degree holders aged 22–27. For high school graduates the same age, median earnings are $30,000 a year.

Those with a bachelor’s degree earn, on average, 75% more over the course of their lifetime.* In addition to increased earning potential, a bachelor’s degree can provide opportunities for promotion or entry into a new career.

*Georgetown University Center on Education and Workforce

People with a bachelor’s degree earn

+0%
more over the course of their lifetime

Popular Communication Careers

Training Specialist

National Median Annual Salary
$62,700/year
9% growth increase thru 2029
Local Estimated Base Salary
$58,749/year
updated September 2020
Top Companies for Training Specialists in Kentucky
Boeing
$121,469
U.S. Dept. Health & Human Services
$100,139
FM Global
$91,225
Bachelor typically required for entry-level positions

Mediator

National Median Annual Salary
$66,130/year
8% growth increase thru 2029
Local Estimated Base Salary
$60,504/year
updated September 2020
Top Companies for Mediators in Kentucky
U.S. Government
$101,910
Wells Fargo
$56,796
Bachelor typically required for entry-level positions

Public Relations Specialist

National Median Annual Salary
$62,810/year
7% growth increase thru 2029
Local Estimated Base Salary
$48,111/year
updated September 2020
Top Companies for PR Specialists in Kentucky
U.S. Dept. Housing & Urban Dev.
$150,240
CIG
$136,935
Hill + Knowlton Strategies
$91,225
Bachelor typically required for entry-level positions

*National job opportunities data is based on national medians and figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational outlook handbook.
*Local job opportunities data is based on estimated base pay and figures from Indeed.com.

Other Communication Careers

  • Corporate Trainer
  • Sales Professional
  • Communications Specialist
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Human Resource Generalist
  • Program Coordinator
  • Relationship Manager
  • Consultant
  • Community Engagement Coordinator
  • Community Relations Coordinator

EKU Communication Program in the Workforce

Where Have EKU Communication Graduates Worked?
  • The Bluth Company
  • Bilingvik
  • Buy n Large
  • Cyberdyne Systems
  • Protestant Women of The Chapel
  • Virtucon
  • Wayne Enterprises
  • Acme Corp
  • The Krusty Crab
  • Frontier Nursing University
  • University of Louisville
Communication Studies: A Versatile Degree

Employers recognize that competent communication skills are the heart of advancement, promotion, and leadership opportunities. According to a 2017 article in the Chronicle of Higher Education, employers and administrators report that competent communication skills are one of the top three skills graduates need to succeed. The Association of American Colleges and Universities reported in 2015 that the ability to effectively communicate orally, the ability to work effectively with others in teams, the ability to effectively communicate in writing, and the ability to apply critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills were rated as very important by employers. Eastern Kentucky University’s online communication studies program includes the development, reinforcement, and mastery of these skills. 

EKU Online Career Services

Career planning is tough, but with EKU you don’t have to tackle the process alone.

The EKU Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all of your career and professional development needs. We offer a variety of services to current online EKU students and alumni to help you with your career development, decision-making and job search.

Services include:

  • Creating/Updating Your Resume and Cover Letter
  • Interviewing Tips and Coaching
  • Career Documents Review
  • Job Search
  • “I can confidently say that — as someone who doesn’t even live in the United States — EKU’s online program has been extremely accommodating and flexible. I can discuss advising appointments over email, and I can have my textbooks shipped to my address overseas.” – Sydney Garner Lewis
  • “After the birth of our first child, I knew I needed to go back and finish what I started,” said McKenzie. “I was happy that I could pick up where I left off at EKU even though I lived in a different state.” – EKU Online student and mom
  • “I chose EKU because I am a unique student with unique needs, and EKU provides an avenue for students like me to succeed.” – EKU Online Psychology student Jason Tate
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