College programs are always changing, but over the years, one opportunity has remained consistently available: the trusty communication major. Also known as the Bachelor of Arts in Communication or the Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication, this type of degree program has transformed many lives and launched many careers.
What Is a Communication Major?
Most college students are well aware that communication programs exist, but some have no idea what, exactly, this major involves. Yes, as its name suggests, it centers around the development of advanced communication skills — but that’s only the beginning.
This interdisciplinary program also aims to build a far-reaching understanding of several concepts that will help students excel in many career fields. From courses on expository writing to coverage of intercultural communication, several topics help students converse more effectively in both a written and verbal format.
Skills for Communication Majors
By taking challenging courses and completing internships, communication majors can, over time, build a variety of career-oriented skills, including:
1. Public Speaking
By the time they graduate, communication students should feel confident when speaking before a crowd. This ability is critical in a variety of career fields, such as marketing, business administration, and education. Students with a clear command of verbal communication will hold a huge competitive advantage as they enter the job market.
Courses on rhetoric and speech communication are essential for developing this sense of self-assurance, but they aren’t the only classes capable of delivering improvements. Public speaking skills can also be developed while taking classes that seem unrelated at first glance. Often, presentations are built into the curricula for these classes, so students can practice their verbal communication skills while gaining greater insight into, for example, marketing principles or world religions.
2. Quantitative and Qualitative Research Skills
Effective communication means little when there is no compelling message to share. To ensure that written or verbal interactions are chock full of relevant and actionable information, communication students must master the basics of quantitative and qualitative research. Through targeted coursework, students discover the most effective research methods, as well as options for sharing these findings.
3. Media and Marketing
From television ads to digital marketing campaigns, communication graduates should be thoroughly familiar with the myriad of opportunities for reaching consumers. They should understand the key components of persuasive language — and put this knowledge into action by developing compelling content.
4. Visual Design
Communication is by no means limited to text. Students realize that there is a great deal of truth to the cliché about a picture being worth 1,000 words. Hence, the importance of learning about visual design while pursuing a communications degree. For this reason, many students enroll in web design and digital photography classes.
5. Relationships
No matter the format or topic, communication courses help students form strong relationships. These could involve in-person connections or the simple, yet effective, bond between an author and reader. Either way, communicators must be both persuasive and personable. These abilities can be developed while studying communication in college, as discussions (whether online or in-person) are a central component of several classes.
Internships for communication majors further build on this skill by allowing students to put all they’ve learned into practice — and develop valuable networking connections along the way.
Make the Most of Your Communications Degree Program
If you’ve decided that you’re a good fit for a communications degree, it’s now time to dive in and make the most of this exciting opportunity. The following options will help you develop critical skills and have fun along the way.
1. Turn to Career Services for Insight
When you’re struggling to find inspiration for your career or land that much-needed internship, you can count on the experts from the university’s career services to steer you in the right direction. These professionals will help you identify your strengths and develop an actionable plan for pursuing a career you love. Career services experts often have insider information on the best internships and volunteer opportunities, so don’t hesitate to reach out as you seek new ways to gain industry experience.
2. Join Communications and Student Media Organizations
A variety of student organizations allow you to put your newfound knowledge into action while also making lifelong friends. Student newspapers, for example, are great for anyone interested in eventually pursuing a career in journalism or mass media. Other associations, although not directly linked to communication, can aid in skill development — particularly for those who take on leadership roles. If your preferred club isn’t already available on campus, consider starting an organization on your own.
3. Pursue Internships for Communications Majors
As mentioned previously, career services can be an excellent resource for landing an internship. Once you’ve scored an internship position, however, it’s important to embrace this opportunity. Don’t take internships for granted, as these can determine whether and how you’re able to kick off your career in communications.
Arrive at the job site ready to learn — and don’t forget that valuable lessons can be gleaned from a variety of tasks. Make a point of chatting with as many employees and fellow interns as possible, as these connections could potentially lead to your next job. Don’t settle for just one internship; if you get the opportunity to serve in multiple roles related to communications, set aside time to make your mark.
4. Focus on Resumes, Portfolios, and General Online Presence
During your time as a communication student, you’ll complete a variety of projects that can be added to your professional portfolio. This could be a key tool for scoring your first job after graduation. Likewise, any communication-related jobs or internships you work during college should be included on your updated resume.
Don’t forget to optimize your online presence to reflect your status as a communication student. This could be as simple as developing a targeted LinkedIn page — but you’re also encouraged to create your own website or adjust your other social media accounts to reflect your professional aspirations.
Entry Level Jobs for Communication Majors
A communications degree can prepare you to score and succeed in a wide variety of exciting jobs. A few of the many positions held by communication graduates include:
- Content writer
- Content strategist
- Editor
- Social media manager
- Marketing coordinator
- Account executive
Additionally, many communication graduates find work in areas that, from an outside perspective, might seem unrelated. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, however, as communication programs help students develop research, writing, and public speaking skills that are valued across many industries.
Some communication students go on to seek master’s degrees immediately after graduating. This can be a great option for those who are eager to continue their academic journeys or specialize in specific components of communication. Other students simultaneously pursue graduate degrees while working entry level jobs for communication majors.
Job Search Tips for Communications Majors
The first and most important step towards getting a great job in communications? Earning a relevant degree. As we’ve discussed, this credential instantly conveys your readiness for a variety of positions. That being said, a degree alone won’t ensure you land your dream job. Additional steps worth taking include:
- Use internships for communication majors to build connections. Don’t be afraid to draw on these connections during your job hunt.
- Optimize your social media presence. Feel free to let followers know that you’re on the hunt for a great job — and that you have a lot to offer future employers.
- Continuously update your resume and LinkedIn page with new skills gained in college classes and internships.
- Join community organizations related to communications. Examples include the Society of Professional Journalists or the American Marketing Association.
- Attend conferences and networking events for media, marketing, or public relations professionals. If you’re unable to visit in person, try virtual conferences.
- Get involved with alumni organizations and networks as soon as you graduate. Attend alumni events and make an effort to reach out to fellow communication graduates.
Continuing Education and Certifications
By the time they graduate, communication students are well aware that their academic journeys are never truly over. A degree reveals a certain level of competence, but it’s up to graduates to keep updating their skills. The pace of media is always accelerating, so it’s more important than ever to remain on top of new trends and technologies. This can be accomplished, in part, with continuing education courses and certificate programs.
A communications degree can provide a helpful career boost as you seek a job you’re passionate about. Take advantage of this opportunity to develop skills that will give you an edge in your personal and professional lives.
Are you ready to pursue a future in the field of communications? At Siena Heights University, we have the bachelor’s degree in professional communication you need to make the grade in and out of the classroom.