A bachelor’s degree in communication offers students a broad, general education covering the many forms, levels, contexts, means and media for information exchange. Communication professionals utilize hard and soft skills, and a college degree in this area can help refine those.
The following diverse, entry-level job profiles illustrate the variety of careers to which communication degree graduates can apply their knowledge across many career paths.
Health Educator
Health educators teach people how to live a consistently healthy lifestyle. Their key responsibilities include:
- Evaluate health issues and needs of the people in a target community to understand constituents’ concerns
- Create programs to address health issues and needs
- Manage writing, design, production and distribution of health education materials for live presentation, print, web and video
- Plan, develop, promote and facilitate events such as classes, health fairs and workshops
According to April 2021 data from PayScale, entry-level health educators average $38,724 a year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the field to grow 13% through 2029, much faster than all U.S. occupations.
Public Relations Specialist
A public relations (PR) specialist applies a wide range of strategic tactics to promote individuals, companies and brands. Their key responsibilities include:
- Develop, write or commission news releases and promotional material about clients
- Pitch and place publicity material to a variety of media and communication channels
- Answer inquiries for information or requests for interviews
- Monitor, analyze and archive media coverage
- Act as or work in conjunction with a spokesperson for clients
- Produce and execute news conferences and publicity events
PR specialists must be available when a client or media need arises, which means they may spend a lot of time away from the office — and home — after business hours or on weekends.
April 2021 data from PayScale notes the average salary for a PR specialist is $40,649 a year. The BLS projects the field to grow 7% through 2029, faster than all U.S. occupations.
Social Media Manager
Social media managers monitor sites and apps and communicate with customers and vendors to optimize platform performance and build an audience. Their responsibilities include:
- Manage and oversee an organization’s social networks
- Lead development of the brand’s social media strategy
- May supervise a team working toward the company’s social media goals
- Analyze results using tools such as SEMrush and Google Analytics
Social media managers must ensure platforms in the employer’s/client’s network are monitored and responded to 24/7.
April 2021 data from PayScale notes that social media managers earn an average of $40,799 a year. BLS classifies social media jobs as comparable public relations occupations. So, a social media manager would track with a public relations manager for the purpose of job outlook, which is projected to grow 9% through 2029, much faster than all U.S. occupations.
Film/Video Editor
The film/video editor’s job is to blend segments of film or video footage, effects and sound smoothly together into an engaging media presentation. Their role responsibilities include:
- Choose the most effective shots to shape a logical and connected story based on a script or guidance of directors and producers
- Assemble films using computer editing systems, digital titling applications and visual effects techniques
- Insert music, voice-over narration and sound effects
- Review assembled films or edited videotapes to determine if corrections are necessary
Film/video editors must be patient and pay close attention to detail, which may require sitting in the editing suite for hours at a time.
April 2021 data from PayScale reports that the average salary for a film/video editor in 2020 was $39,598 a year. According to BLS, the job outlook for the field is projected to grow 22% through 2029, substantially faster than all U.S. occupations.
Meeting/Event Planner
Meeting/event planners are responsible for organizing details, logistics and arrangements for business and social gatherings such as weddings, fundraising events, professional meetings, conferences, conventions and trade shows. Meeting planners must be on-site at client events to monitor activities and actively address issues. Their responsibilities include:
- Understand purpose, scope, budget, place and schedule for the event
- Collaborate with clients to develop a compelling theme and promotion plan
- Evaluate venues for suitability
- Request proposals from suitable venues and vendors
- Coordinate facility services such as rooms, food and transportation
- Provide effective promotion such as news releases and digital content, as well as event materials
April 2021 data from Glassdoor notes the average salary for meeting/event planners is about $52,479 a year. BLS projects the industry to grow 8% through 2029, faster than all U.S. occupations.
A bachelor’s degree in communication can equip you with skills applicable to many industries related to media, event coordination, education and more. Enrolling in an online program might be the first step toward propelling your career with flexibility and affordability.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies program.
Sources:
The Balance Careers:
What Does a Health Educator Do?
PayScale:
Average Entry-Level Health Educator Salary
Average Entry-Level Public Relations (PR) Specialist Salary
Average Entry-Level Social Media Manager Hourly Pay
Average Entry-Level Film/Video Editor Hourly Pay
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook:
Health Educators and Community Health Workers
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators