Does today’s communications degree have a good return on investment? The question of return on investment is one every student should address, no matter the degree program they are considering. As to the communications major, let’s take a look at the current picture as well as some interesting facts on the subject.
Facts and Figures
Communication is everywhere. The skill of being able to use it masterfully is thus widely needed in virtually all lines of work to some degree or another. On this premise alone, the communications degree has renowned cross-applicability throughout countless disciplines and professions.
However, it is also important to note that competition among this group of background-holders is often high. A resulting 8% growth rate in this type of occupation, which is slightly slower than average growth rates, is thus expected through 2022. In addition, it’s reported that many undergrads start into communications work at a pay rate of around $40,000 per year but often quickly increase to around $70,000 yearly with experience and tenure.
Looking to the Jobs
Aside from statistics and figures, another great way to gauge if a communications degree has a good return on investment is by taking a look at the many jobs made available with such a degree. If these jobs are few and not very esteemed, chances are we would consider this a bad return on investment. To the contrary, though, the communications degree can open a wide range of doors at a wide range of necessity and esteem.
In general, one can expect to find the highest concentration of communications degree occupations in the following fields.
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– broadcasting, media correspondence
– journalism
– editing
– public relations
– technical writing
– non-profits
– promotions and marketing
– government
– social assistance
– healthcare
– education
As to some of the specific positions opened by the possession of a communication degree, here are just a few examples.
As a communication researcher, you work to research and better understand communication and the various elements of it. From there, you may present your findings or even take them a step further by applying them to a particular project or company endeavor.
Technical writers are the professionals who create official documents of a technical nature such as manuals, specification guides, safety policy guidebooks, and more. Attention to detail and concise, effective communication is imperative.
This position is all about coaching and helping college students to successfully complete their degree programs and ambitions. The student success director will thus perform all kinds of functions, including meeting with students, creating strategies and guides for students, working with other staff to create supportive organizations and groups, and more.
Proposal writing is the art of generating written propositions which are effective in a multitude of ways. So important is this function in some cases that companies can actually sink or soar much to the credit of the individual in this position.
Communication is everywhere. As a result, those holding a degree in this particular discipline are highly likely to find success in many places in the professional world. In addition, there are countless jobs and pay rates to be found therein. For those asking, “Does a communication degree have a good return on investment?”, the answer is a resounding “Yes.”