7 answers
Nayla
Student
Martinez, GA
1
Question
Asked
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How can I navigate communications majors?
It can be hard to define being a communications major.
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7 answers
Joseph Maltby
Analysis and Management
21
Answers
Richmond, VA
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
If you're trying to understand any degree and what you can do with it, the best thing is research. Aside from reading about it, you can also learn a lot from people in the field. Most people will be happy to talk about their experience and where they think people should start. The more people you talk to, the better, to balance out the limitations of any one person's experience. It also helps to get some experience in the field to see what aspects of the work appeal to you so you can focus your studies around those things. High school and college are good times for internships because you can afford to get that entry-level experience with low or no salary.
You will also find that many people who work in the field don't have that degree. I definitely never studied communications or anything related in college.
You will also find that many people who work in the field don't have that degree. I definitely never studied communications or anything related in college.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1914
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Nayla !
Yes, there is certainly a wide range of careers that a degree in Communications can open the door for. It would be good to first learn about the various careers and than learn about some or all of them and pick your choices. There's a lot you can do with this path and many people in this field are versatile so they can work on various projects, sometimes more than one at the same time.
The various areas that you can work in with a Communications degree are: Journalism, Broadcasting, Public Relations, Advertising, Radio, Television, Film, Publishing, Human Resources, Marketing, Customer Service, Product Management, Education, Brand Strategy, News Anchor, Reporter, Copywriter, Managing Editor, Social Media Manager, Event Manager, Fund Raiser, Media Buyer, Public Affairs, Technical Writer, Producer, and Speech Writer. Which ones do you think you would enjoy doing as a career ?
Communications is one of those majors that looks good for any possible job. You will have polished communications skills as well as creativity that you can use on any job. It isn't very hard to navigate, really, just read about the careers that you don't know much about and think about a group of categories that you can see yourself doing. You have to look into them in order to see that you can make a choice. Only you can make the decision and it will be much easier if you major in Communications and discover things while you are in college. Think about why you were led to consider Communications as a major. What did you think it was about when you started thinking it could be a major for you ? I think you'll find that you may like a few areas of the subject.
Get together with some groups at school and discover some of the activities such as video, broadcasting, debate team or anything that your school offers related to the categories I've previously mentioned. Start exploring hands on. Read websites of colleges that you're interested in and compare their course offerings for that major. To navigate, it does take a lot of reading and initiative so this would be a good time to start. Try to find videos that explain what a Communications major can expect in college and the types of careers people have with that degree.
Once you get your degree, you will have gained contacts and many skills and you'll know which positions you would like to apply for. Take it a step at a time and gather the information for you to make a beneficial choice. It is a good major, one that can benefit just about any field of work.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best on your journey !
Yes, there is certainly a wide range of careers that a degree in Communications can open the door for. It would be good to first learn about the various careers and than learn about some or all of them and pick your choices. There's a lot you can do with this path and many people in this field are versatile so they can work on various projects, sometimes more than one at the same time.
The various areas that you can work in with a Communications degree are: Journalism, Broadcasting, Public Relations, Advertising, Radio, Television, Film, Publishing, Human Resources, Marketing, Customer Service, Product Management, Education, Brand Strategy, News Anchor, Reporter, Copywriter, Managing Editor, Social Media Manager, Event Manager, Fund Raiser, Media Buyer, Public Affairs, Technical Writer, Producer, and Speech Writer. Which ones do you think you would enjoy doing as a career ?
Communications is one of those majors that looks good for any possible job. You will have polished communications skills as well as creativity that you can use on any job. It isn't very hard to navigate, really, just read about the careers that you don't know much about and think about a group of categories that you can see yourself doing. You have to look into them in order to see that you can make a choice. Only you can make the decision and it will be much easier if you major in Communications and discover things while you are in college. Think about why you were led to consider Communications as a major. What did you think it was about when you started thinking it could be a major for you ? I think you'll find that you may like a few areas of the subject.
Get together with some groups at school and discover some of the activities such as video, broadcasting, debate team or anything that your school offers related to the categories I've previously mentioned. Start exploring hands on. Read websites of colleges that you're interested in and compare their course offerings for that major. To navigate, it does take a lot of reading and initiative so this would be a good time to start. Try to find videos that explain what a Communications major can expect in college and the types of careers people have with that degree.
Once you get your degree, you will have gained contacts and many skills and you'll know which positions you would like to apply for. Take it a step at a time and gather the information for you to make a beneficial choice. It is a good major, one that can benefit just about any field of work.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best on your journey !
Melissa Woodcock
Product Manager
5
Answers
Cumming, Georgia
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
I'd suggest exploring a range of courses that cover different topics. This will guide you in discovering what truly excites you. Once you've identified your passions, delve into researching professionals in those fields that pique your interest. This will help you uncover practical steps to kickstart your journey.
Wei He
Communications/Public Relations/Journalism
3
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Wei’s Answer
Hi Nayla,
Building on the answers provided by previous folks:
1. Use the likes of Gen AI to help streamline initial research.
2. There are a number of streams in Communications (it is broad). things i can think of are: Journalism/PR/Social media/Eminence/Marketing communications...etc. Try to figure out the raw differences (using tools available and then talk to people you think of as an expert, or you just raise it here!)
Thanks!
Wei
Building on the answers provided by previous folks:
1. Use the likes of Gen AI to help streamline initial research.
2. There are a number of streams in Communications (it is broad). things i can think of are: Journalism/PR/Social media/Eminence/Marketing communications...etc. Try to figure out the raw differences (using tools available and then talk to people you think of as an expert, or you just raise it here!)
Thanks!
Wei
Rachel Simoneau
Sr. Program Manager
4
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hi Nayla! It looks like you got some great advice here about specific, direct Communications careers. You mentioned that it can be hard to convey what the value is of your communications education. I had an English major in undergrad and a Communication grad degree. My goal in doing that was to be able to learn and then demonstrate how I know how to take abstract thoughts and make them more tangible and communicate in various tones to a wide variety of audiences. So I saw it as a key skill in any position I took in the future. I have found success in the job search process leaning into how important communication is in order for businesses to work effectively. For instance, if the people doing the work are speaking a "different language" than those in leadership, how will the team every collectively reach their goals? I was able to leverage this into working in non-profits doing grant making, partnerships and program management, and now at Chegg doing program management work. I'd encourage you to really focus on how you can help translate among people, effectively communicate both challenges and the value your company provides, and all-around be a great team player with your communication background!
Emily Kleber
Culture Specialist
1
Answer
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Hi Nayla!
This a great question and its super normal to feel a bit confused on how to navigate such a broad field. I have a degree in Communications with a double emphasis in Communication Studies and Advertising/Public Relations.
I would say, try to look at all the avenues a communications degree can offer. Sometimes there is too much pressure on having it all figured out right when you pick your major. Let your interests take you down the right path!
With that in mind, try a bunch of different courses and talk to everyone you can (including professors & working professionals)! It may feel a bit silly at first, because you are hyper aware that you are the one with the lack of knowledge in a specific area, but I've found that usually people are very willing to help. Asking questions only helps you narrow down your path even more.
Look for opportunities that give you experience. Sometimes you could be set on one field and then you'll find that you like a different field better! Remain open and just know that its never too late to try something new. Some jobs are just being created out of thin air and YOU could be the one who starts it.
Lastly, remember that you are capable!! Its easy to forget when you are you looking at such a dauntingly broad field, but you are already showing initiative by asking this question - just keep running with that passion and you will crush it!
Sending you the best of luck!
Emily :)
This a great question and its super normal to feel a bit confused on how to navigate such a broad field. I have a degree in Communications with a double emphasis in Communication Studies and Advertising/Public Relations.
I would say, try to look at all the avenues a communications degree can offer. Sometimes there is too much pressure on having it all figured out right when you pick your major. Let your interests take you down the right path!
With that in mind, try a bunch of different courses and talk to everyone you can (including professors & working professionals)! It may feel a bit silly at first, because you are hyper aware that you are the one with the lack of knowledge in a specific area, but I've found that usually people are very willing to help. Asking questions only helps you narrow down your path even more.
Look for opportunities that give you experience. Sometimes you could be set on one field and then you'll find that you like a different field better! Remain open and just know that its never too late to try something new. Some jobs are just being created out of thin air and YOU could be the one who starts it.
Lastly, remember that you are capable!! Its easy to forget when you are you looking at such a dauntingly broad field, but you are already showing initiative by asking this question - just keep running with that passion and you will crush it!
Sending you the best of luck!
Emily :)
Agustina Begalli
External communications (PR) for Sustainability products
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Agustina’s Answer
Hi Nayla!
You're right, it can be so tricky to define being a communications major. For me, at UCF, it was kind of a build-your-own experience where I had to complete some specific core requisites and then I got to take some useful classes such as business and professional comms, or fun ones such as gender influence in comms.
Ultimately, every school and major will be different! I had a Human communications major that offered tracks in business, non-profit, or general). There's also PR majors or business communication majors... it depends! If you're trying to figure out what you can do with each specific major, I suggest you do some research or take a look at specific courses curriculum. That'll give you an indication of what skills you'll learn during the degree.
On the other hand, if what you're looking for is how to define being a comms major I would say: communications professionals learn how to convey the right message in the right way to the right audience.
Hope that helped!
You're right, it can be so tricky to define being a communications major. For me, at UCF, it was kind of a build-your-own experience where I had to complete some specific core requisites and then I got to take some useful classes such as business and professional comms, or fun ones such as gender influence in comms.
Ultimately, every school and major will be different! I had a Human communications major that offered tracks in business, non-profit, or general). There's also PR majors or business communication majors... it depends! If you're trying to figure out what you can do with each specific major, I suggest you do some research or take a look at specific courses curriculum. That'll give you an indication of what skills you'll learn during the degree.
On the other hand, if what you're looking for is how to define being a comms major I would say: communications professionals learn how to convey the right message in the right way to the right audience.
Hope that helped!