What Can You Do With a Communications Degree?

Written and verbal communication is at the heart of human interaction, which is why a communications degree is a versatile academic qualification. With a degree in this field, you could pursue a position in the nonprofit, for-profit or governmental sectors. In addition, all industries hire communications specialists, ranging from manufacturing to aeronautical companies. Here are some jobs you can pursue with an online communications degree.

Social Media Specialist

Do you enjoy interacting with an audience on Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms? With a degree in communications, you might consider pursuing a job as a social media specialist or manager. This specialty is within the digital marketing field, as social media managers are typically responsible for developing and maintaining the brand of a company or organization.

Effective social media managers know their organization’s brand and mission inside and out. They look for ways to post text, images and videos that not only draw positive attention to the company but also encompass the brand voice. For example, a social media manager working for a sports team will typically take on a fun, informal tone, whereas someone managing the social media accounts of a manufacturing plant will take a more technical, formal tone. Social media managers must also consider current events so they can post content that is relevant to their customer base.

Human Resources Manager

The human resources (HR) field is popular among graduates with a degree in communications. HR managers are responsible for the administrative functions of an organization. Working in every sector and virtually every industry, HR managers strive to coordinate their organization’s workforce to align with the needs and objectives of the brand. The specific tasks of an HR manager might include any of the following:

• Recruiting, hiring, training and motivating employees
• Creating and maintaining the organization’s employee handbook
• Administering benefits programs
• Conducting employee relations counseling and mediating disputes
• Planning and implementing professional development opportunities, such as training workshops

A strong grasp of interpersonal communication is essential for this role. Effective HR managers tend to be approachable and capable of working well with a range of personality types.

Journalist or Broadcast Journalist

If you are particularly passionate about written communications, you might consider pursuing a career as a journalist. Journalists work for newspapers, magazines and other publications, either on an employee or a freelance basis. Their job is to collect information, often by interviewing people, to fact-check information and then present that information to the public impartially. Since journalists might interview dozens of sources for one article, it is essential to have strong organizational skills. Effective journalists can take note of small details while striving to understand how those details fit into the larger picture.

A related role is that of a broadcast journalist. Broadcast journalists research stories, interview subjects and write about their findings, just like print journalists. However, broadcast journalists present their work usually via TV or radio. Some broadcast journalists work on local news channels, for instance. It is also possible to specialize in this field. As an example, sports broadcast journalists educate the public about the latest happenings in the sports world.

Event Planner

Another exciting career possibility for communications majors is the role of an event planner. This represents a faster than average 7% growth rate. On any given day, an event planner might do any of the following:

• Meet with new clients to develop an understanding of the proposed event’s purpose
• Nail down the main details about the event, such as its date, location and budget
• Explore potential venue sites and discuss them with the client
• Negotiate contracts with vendors
• Coordinate event logistics

Event planning is particularly well-suited to well-organized individuals and creative problem solvers who remain calm under pressure. Since last-minute problems can always occur, it is helpful to know how to think well on your feet. And of course, good listening and speaking skills are crucial, which is why many graduates with a degree in communications thrive in this field.

Explore the principles and learn the best practices of interpersonal and organizational communications while you work toward your communications degree at Grand Canyon University. In the Bachelor of Arts in Communications degree program, you will emerge prepared to pursue a variety of roles across all types of industries. Learn more about the College of Humanities and Social Sciences by clicking on Request Info at the top of this page.