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Should I major in communications? 2023 Communications Guide

Communications Guide

By Bryan SmithPublished about a year ago 6 min read
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Should I major in communications? 2023 Communications Guide
Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash

Introduction

Communication is a broad field, but it all comes down to one thing: getting information from point A to point B. The world is becoming increasingly digital and interconnected, meaning that communications are more important than ever before. Whether you want to work in marketing, media relations, or public relations, a degree in communications can help you develop the skills necessary for success in any of these fields—or any other field, for that matter. If you’re not sure whether communication is the right path for you, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

What Exactly Is Communication?

In a word, communication is the study of how to communicate effectively. It's a discipline that teaches you how to use various types of communication tools and techniques in order to deliver your message successfully. The field also offers many different areas for specialization, including public relations (PR), marketing, broadcast journalism, and advertising.

In short, communication is a broad field where you can learn how to tell stories effectively through various media channels (like social media or email).

What Is a Communications Degree?

A degree in communications is a broad field that allows students to study all aspects of the communication process. It’s a multidisciplinary program that combines elements of business, marketing, media studies, journalism, and more to provide students with a solid foundation for careers in the communications field.

Communications degrees are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as through certificate programs. Some schools offer specialized programs that focus on a specific area of communications, such as public relations or journalism.

Is communications a good major?

Communications is a good major for students who are interested in pursuing careers in fields that require strong analytical and critical thinking skills, such as law or business. Students who major in communications also learn how to effectively communicate with people, which is an important skill for many jobs and professions. Many people who choose to major in communications go on to work as public relations specialists, journalists, or media consultants. Communications majors are also well-prepared for careers in advertising, marketing, and sales.

Communications majors learn how to write, speak, and listen effectively. These skills are useful for a variety of professions, including journalism, public relations, teaching, sales, and marketing. Communications majors also learn about media ethics and the legal issues surrounding free speech; these topics will help them make better decisions as professionals in their field.

Is a communications degree worth it?

A communications degree is a valuable asset for anyone who wants to work in media or communications. A degree in communications can help you land a job that pays well and offers opportunities for advancement.

The Zip Recruiter reports that as of November 21, 2022, the average annual pay for the Communications Major jobs category in the United States is $65,368 a year, which is significantly higher than the median salary for those with only a high school diploma. Communications majors can also pursue advanced degrees in law or business and become corporate lawyers or business executives who specialize in communications, public relations, and marketing.

Are communications degrees valuable in the job market?

Communications degrees are highly valuable because they teach students how to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. They also provide a solid foundation for those who want to enter careers in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, or advertising. Communications majors learn about the different forms of media that exist today and how to use them effectively to deliver messages to the public. They learn how audiences consume information, what motivates them, and why they make the decisions they do.

For organizations to have their messages heard, the people in charge of communicating those messages must understand these concepts and know how to apply them. This is why communications degrees are so valuable for job seekers.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports says that the media and communications industry will grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, at about the same rate as other industries—a rate that should result in 68,600 new jobs over 10 years.

Careers for Communications Majors

Advertising

If you're interested in advertising, there are a variety of jobs you can pursue. You could work for an agency, where you would develop campaigns for companies and organizations. Or, if you prefer to be the one in charge of creating ads, consider starting your own business or working as a freelancer.

Marketing

Marketing is another great option for communications majors, who will be able to use all they've learned while earning their degree to help businesses grow and reach their goals. You'll likely start out by working at a company as part of its marketing team before moving up into higher positions within the company or at another one altogether (depending on your interests).

Public Relations (PR)

PR professionals use their communication skills to manage the relationship between companies and consumers—and they're skilled communicators! Someone with this degree should be good at building rapport quickly with people so that they can make friends easily when new opportunities arise. This skill set is especially useful if you'd like to pursue public relations as a career path someday.

Market research analysts

If you're interested in market research, then a degree in communication or marketing can help you get started. Many companies hire analysts who specialize in studying the marketplace, and this type of work requires excellent listening skills and the ability to effectively express your ideas in a written format. If you'd like to work for a company that focuses on market research, then a degree in communication or marketing is probably your best bet.

Writers and authors

If you're interested in becoming a writer or author, then a degree in communication or marketing is definitely worth considering. Writers and authors spend their days writing and editing for various publications, so these skills are essential for anyone who wants a career in this field. In addition, a degree in communication or marketing can help you understand how the publishing industry works and how to market your own book.

Reporters and Journalists

If you're interested in becoming a reporter or journalist, then a degree in communication or marketing is probably the best choice for you. Communication degrees can help them understand how to get information from sources and how to present it in a compelling way. This is essential for anyone who wants to write for the media and tell stories that will interest readers. For example, if you want to become a journalist and write for newspapers or magazines, then it's important to understand how to write compelling stories and get interviews with people.

List of Communication Skills

The following is a list of communication skills that are required for any job in the field of communications:

  • Written communication (memos, reports, emails)
  • Verbal communication (meetings, presentations)
  • Listening (active listening, understanding the message)
  • Presentation (practicing, rehearsing)
  • Negotiation (knowing when to negotiate and how to negotiate)
  • Collaboration (working with others in a team)
  • Teamwork (managing a team, working in a team)
  • Leadership (taking initiative, managing teams)
  • Conflict Resolution (understand when to employ conflict resolution skills)
  • Persuasion (knowing how to persuade people)
  • Creative brainstorming (knowing how to brainstorm)
  • Conclusion

    Majoring in communications is a great choice for students who want to pursue a career in media, advertising, or public relations. It's also an excellent option if you're interested in starting your own business one day because it will teach you how to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. The skills that you learn in a communications degree program can be applied to many different jobs and industries, so it's an excellent major for students who are looking for a degree that will provide them with a wide range of career opportunities.

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    About the Creator

    Bryan Smith

    Bryan Smith is a content writer who helps companies tell their unique stories. An experienced writer who delivers content that solves problems for audiences.

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