What Can You Do With a Communications Degree? Careers & Salaries Revealed

Graduates of communications programs possess valuable skills in effectively conveying information that is applicable to various industries. Their curriculum includes topics such as communication theory, public relations, research methods, speech, and mass media, which provide them with a strong foundation of knowledge. Furthermore, they develop valuable skills such as critical thinking and interpersonal communication that are highly sought-after by employers.

Individuals with a communications degree possess in-depth knowledge of communication’s intricacies, including how information is transmitted and received, and the variables that affect it. These skills enable them to deliver company objectives with a high level of precision both internally and externally. Notably, marketing, media, and public relations highly value this degree, but it is versatile enough to be applied to multiple industries seeking effective communication.

The advent of social media and the increasing demand for different media consumption methods have created additional avenues for communication degree holders. Massive social media platforms offer sizable target audiences that seek information on goods and services, heightening the relevance of a communication degree even further. Projections by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that communication and media occupations will increase by 4% over the next ten years, with around 46,000 jobs becoming available. The demand for individuals in this field is driven by the increasing need to create, edit, translate, and distribute information. As of 2019, the median salary for employees in communications and media industries was $60,000.

Communications Degree: 10 Careers & Salaries Revealed

Here are ten lucrative career paths available to individuals with a communications degree.

Social Media Manager

As a Social Media Manager, it is crucial to communicate effectively with the audience to attract a large number of viewers and fans. This profession involves choosing the content to be shared and deciding on which social media platform is best suited to promote the company’s brand. Presenting the planned content to clients in a convincing manner and seeking honest and personalized reviews from customers is also part of their job.

Furthermore, Social Media Managers must possess exceptional writing skills to advance the organization’s message through platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. While social media is a less formal communication method, the company’s mission must still be conveyed to the audience.

What Can You Do With a Biology Degree? Careers & Salaries Revealed

Given that social media is a mainstream method of communication, individuals with a background in communications are well-suited for such jobs. These professionals understand communication patterns and are conversant in various social media platforms, resulting in intriguing and efficient messaging. Social Media Managers receive an average salary of $51,000.

Speechwriter

A Speechwriter is responsible for creating persuasive speeches for various clients, ranging from executives, philanthropists, athletes, and politicians to interest audiences. The Speechwriter works closely with the client to develop the outlines and vital talking points that need to be mentioned in the speech.

Since speeches are delivered in front of a live audience, the writer must keep in mind the audience’s reactions. While some speeches aim to persuade the audience, others aim to express gratitude to donors or explain the company’s history. Effective communication is a key ingredient in speechwriting to convey the client’s mission, background, and overarching message.

Communication experts are experienced in interpersonal communication and can help speeches stand out. Successful Speechwriters need to tailor their writing approach and tone to match their clients’ specific needs. With specialized communications knowledge, Speechwriters receive an average base salary of $84,000.

Event Planner

The role of an event planner involves ensuring the success of an event by understanding the company’s mission, and promoting it to attract attendees through various outlets. Great attention to detail and organization is required to ensure that everything runs smoothly, maintaining the host’s reputation and image. Excellent communication skills are needed to coordinate with vendors, clients, and attendees to handle any issues that arise and create a successful event. An average base salary of $50,100 per year can be expected in this field.

Announcer

Announcers, on the other hand, provide commentary on music, news, and sports through various platforms such as television, radio, and podcasts. These presenters need strong public speaking skills and an engaging personality to keep the audience entertained. They are also responsible for other aspects of broadcasting, such as advertising and content editing, often using social media to connect with their audience and promote their brand. Communications majors make great announcers as they have the ability to communicate effectively and understand factors that influence consumer engagement. They typically have experience broadcasting through a college radio or television station and make a median salary of $34,000.

Human Resource Specialist:

The role of a Human Resource Specialist encompasses a variety of tasks, including recruitment, training, orientation, policy development, benefits management, and internal communication. They play a crucial role in ensuring effective communication between upper management and employees, by disseminating essential information to all members of the organization.

Furthermore, they work closely with prospective employees to help them understand the company’s values, mission, and job requirements. HR Specialists are responsible for leading recruitment efforts, and they work closely with hiring managers to identify candidates who are an excellent fit for the organization. They help to establish systems for conducting interviews, making offers, and performing background checks.

Effective communication skills, both written and oral, are crucial for those in HR positions, as they are instrumental in communicating information across the organization. Communications majors are well-suited to this role, as they understand how to articulate information effectively to employees and candidates. HR Specialists can expect to earn an average yearly salary of $62,000.

Brand Manager:

A critical role in any company, Brand Managers are responsible for promoting products or services to the public. They analyze the public perception of the products they promote and adjust various aspects such as packaging, accessibility, and marketing strategies based on customer feedback and behavior. Their main responsibility is to develop effective branding campaigns that help improve product sales.

Brand Managers play a crucial role in shaping the brand’s personality through their marketing and advertising efforts. Consumer experience and packaging design can significantly impact the public perception of a product. Therefore, a well-conceived advertising campaign can help build a positive brand image and drive customer engagement and improve sales.

Promoting the brand to the right audience is key, and Brand Managers communicate and collaborate with other marketing and advertising departments to create effective advertising campaigns. Communications majors possess the required skill set to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing and advertising campaigns and analyze consumer behavior. Brand Managers can expect to earn an average yearly salary of $71,000.

Journalist

The media industry has two important roles — journalists and communications managers. Journalists play a crucial role in reporting a variety of topics for television, the internet and newspapers. They specialize in various areas of news reporting and research and communicate information to their audience. Journalists use their interpersonal and communication skills to develop relationships with trusted sources to add credibility to their work. They must persuade their editors and higher-ups that their ideas will be well-received by their audience. The median salary for journalists in the US is $41,200.

communications managers

communications managers are concerned about both internal and external communications within a specific organization. They create press releases, media reports, and marketing content that aligns with the company’s mission statement. Communications managers have to be skilled communicators to collaborate effectively with employees from different departments especially in marketing and public relations. They must also provide strong leadership and work towards developing new strategies. Communications graduates make excellent candidates for the position, given their expertise in communication practices and techniques and written and verbal fluency. Communications managers earn an average salary of $66,000.

Advertising Manager

For the role of Advertising Manager, a successful candidate will lead and direct the marketing team in creating effective, brand-specific advertisement campaigns aligned with company goals. Supervising and collaborating with other employees, this manager will work closely with clients to understand project objectives and expectations, ensuring all advertising activities are consistent with the company’s message. Successful Advertising Managers must be creative, collaborative problem-solvers with strong communication skills. Those with background knowledge in marketing, such as communications majors, are highly suited to this position to promote brand messages through print and electronic advertisements effectively. Advertising Managers averagely make a base salary of $65,000.

Public Relations Specialists

Public Relations Specialists are essential in managing the public image of organizations, using various media platforms such as press releases, conferences, and social media. PR specialists provide strong communication skills, and good communicators, from speeches to writing press releases. Communications majors are well-suited for this role, given their understanding of communicating information and public perception. Taking part in local activities and events, Public Relations Specialists attend to informing communities about the organization’s mission. Specialists can work with specific organizations or with agencies serving a broader clientele. They can also work with government agencies in informing the public of governmental activities and goals. A Public Relations Specialist can earn a median annual salary of $61,000.