How a Communications Major Prepares You for the Job Market
Communication is a fundamental practice used in all businesses, relationships and educational settings. Therefore, a communication degree is highly beneficial to students and the skills learned can be transferred to virtually any career. Communication majors study the process of transferring information from one source to another, through the practice of communication. Students will explore all forms of communication and the process in which words and messages are received and decoded, as well as the different kinds of communication. They will also study non-verbal communication, such as body language, sign language, physical contact and eye contact. Much of their curriculum will focus on the fundamentals and social impact of language and rhetoric in today's society. Students will give a variety of speeches and use different communication techniques to successfully argue or support ideas and opinions.
Best Career Paths for Communications Majors
A communications degree is beneficial for all fields that need leaders, good listeners, speakers and cooperative professionals. The best career paths for communications majors are:
- Broadcaster. Broadcasters can work in a variety of markets and focus on different topics, such as sports, politics and music. Their main duty is to accurately communicate news and information to audiences in the most clear and concise manner. Radio and television broadcasters announce public-service information and host live programs. They follow prepared scripts and do some impromptu commentary for entertainment and newsworthy presentations, under the supervision of a producer. Broadcasters often interview guests, as well as participate in or mediate discussions. With adequate on-air work, broadcasters become well known to their audiences and may make promotional appearances to support their stations. Some broadcasters at smaller stations have more off-air tasks, such as operating the control board, supervising the transmitter and selling commercial time to advertisers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, radio and television broadcasters made a median hourly wage of $12.95 in 2008, and public address and other system announcers made $13.18 an hour.
- Technical Writer. Technical writers interpret technical information into easy-to-read written works. Technical writers are employed in a variety of fields, especially information technology industries, to produce how-to manuals, operating and assembly instructions and other documents for consumers. They may develop documentation for computer programs, as well as monitor quality control and customer satisfaction aspects of a business. Technical writers do a great deal of research and communicating with specialists, in order to seek the most accurate information and translate it for all readers to understand. All technical writers have to adapt to the profession they are working in, by learning the processes and terminology of the field and putting technical information into an understandable language. Technical writers made an average salary of $61,620 in 2008, according to the Bureau.
How to Market Your Communications Degree
A communications degree can be easily marketed, based on your obtained skills and understanding of communication. Years of experience in public speaking and communication techniques have made you more aware of your words, and taught you how to effectively communicate ideas and opinions. In return, you have used this knowledge to improve your oral, listening and writing skills.
