The job outlook for communications degree graduates will continue to be positive in an information-driven world. Media and communications majors can leverage their technical knowledge of information processing and data presentation along with their verbal and writing skills to provide a crucial service across various industries. According to reports from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, this sector will see a 4 percent growth between 2014 and 2024. Job opportunities for graduates with a communications degree will be diverse, depending on your ability and willingness to refocus your skills on the required specializations.
Specializations in Social Media and New Technologies
Social media platforms have proven to be a potent communication channel for most businesses and other organizations involved with information dissemination. These new and emerging technologies will continue to play an important role for companies and groups that need to deliver fresh and quick messages to the public. Typically, social media experts should also be capable of managing the brands’ online presence through websites and other forms of online participation. If this is your core competency as a communications graduate, expect many opportunities across different industries. However, make sure to stay on top of new developments in social media and other channels.
Public Relations Professionals
Public Relations (PR) professionals may be assigned to creating, monitoring and realigning the brand presentation of individuals, businesses or non-profit organizations (please see: How to Become a Public Relations Manager). In a world where information is a commodity and public perception is integral to the message, PR professionals are on-call to explain inconsistencies or backpedal away from controversial statements. These professionals are among the highest paid in the industry. These jobs are likely to remain in demand, and your employability will depend on how well you can spin information in your client’s favor. PR aims to show clients in the best light by using persuasive and informative communications strategies.
Content Creators, Editors and Managers
As a communications major, you would have honed your ability to create content such as informative articles, press releases, infographics and video presentations. This is a skill that is needed by businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals with a message. You can build your expertise in one industry and focus your content creation on relevant information and strategies only for that industry. You also have the option of specializing in one type of channel such as video. Expect a positive job outlook for communications degree holders in this field because this is an information-driven age where communication strategies drive relationship dynamics among all groups involved in transactions.
Technical Writers
Technical writers are charged with interpreting technical information and presenting it in a format that makes it understandable to consumers. This field may require advance credentials as a higher level of communication skills is necessary. Even so, expect technical writers to be highly compensated and valued in industries that may include pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, health and environmental companies. Technical communicators are responsible for preparing all types of instruction manuals, how-to guides, articles for trade and industry journals and other types of documents and media that will present complex information in an understandable way without compromising accuracy. Based on these functions, expect growing opportunities for technical writers.
The job outlook for communications degree majors will remain positive, depending on what you choose to do with your degree. This is a degree that is flexible, adaptable and renewable in the sense that you can always refresh your credentials to remain relevant in a rapidly changing environment.