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Communication Studies

Occupational Possibilities

The study of communications is superb preparation for work in a wide variety of fields where skills in interpersonal relations are central-in business, media, or government and public service, for example. Many communication studies majors go on to graduate study in law, media, and other fields.

The following list of occupations pursued by communication studies majors offers a glimpse of the wide-ranging career paths for which the major provided preparation. For some of the occupations listed below, such as experiential educator, additional skills and/or related training may be necessary. Additional graduate study is generally expected for those occupations marked with a * on the following list.

Government and Public Sector

  • Lobbyist
  • Public relations coordinator
  • Legislative press secretary
  • Community affairs director
  • Special events promoter
  • *Attorney
  • Public affairs analyst
  • Media consultant
  • Experiential educator
  • *Public administration



Business and Industry

  • Sales associate
  • Corporate communications director
  • Account coordinator
  • Advertising coordinator
  • Customer representative
  • Corporate trainer
  • Direct marketer
  • Human resources manager
  • Investor relations manager
  • *Management consultant
  • Marketing manager
  • Marketing researcher
  • Media planner
  • Publicist

Film, Radio and Telecommunications

  • Announcer
  • News director
  • Newscaster/narrator
  • Producer
  • Writer (e.g. news, film, documentary)
  • Director
  • Audio/visual technician
  • Sound mixer
  • Traffic manager
  • Film editor
  • Film/editor engineer
  • Telecommunications manager

Journalism and Publishing

  • Editorial project manager
  • Reporter
  • Managing editor
  • Publisher
  • Researcher
  • Copy editor
  • Correspondent
  • Photographer



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Skills and Abilities

Communication studies majors develop communication skills for different media-writing, speaking, filming, and broadcasting as well as a solid understanding of how communication affects human interactions. Skills such as critical thinking and analysis, exploring and evaluating ideas and perspectives, and working in group settings are developed and may be applied to job responsibilities in a variety of ways. For example, whether working as a film director, a lobbyist, or a sales representative, creating a persuasive message will be a regular part of that occupation. A sampling of representative skills and abilities follows.

Organizing

  • Planning and managing
  • Working within deadlines
  • Working independently
  • Attending details
  • Working in teams and small groups



Research and Analysis

  • Defining hypotheses
  • Evaluating ideas and their presentation
  • Gathering information and data
  • Comparing/contrasting evidence
  • Evaluating information and sources
  • Thinking critically
  • Developing market research
  • Measuring media effects

Interpersonal Relations

  • Identifying and managing different needs of individuals, groups, and mass audiences
  • Understanding institutional and cultural values
  • Working teams
  • Rewriting/editing with others
  • Explaining processes, plans, and concepts
  • Interviewing people





Communication

  • Writing clearly
  • Speaking effectively
  • Presenting specific viewpoints
  • Influencing/persuading
  • Synthesizing information
  • Interpreting
  • Reporting and editing
  • Creating entertaining and persuasive messages
  • Demonstrating creativity and artistic expression

 

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Career Planning and Resources

Internships

Job Search

Professional Associations

For More Information

...about careers, graduate and professional schools, internships, professional associations, or job descriptions contact:

University Career Center
110 Burge Union
(785) 864-3624

For information about majors and concentrations in linguistics:

Communication Studies Department

3090 Wescoe Hall
(785) 864-3633

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