You’ve heard it before, and you’ll hear it again: “Communication is key.”
People frequently use this phrase to explain how words play an inherent role in life, from daily functions to successfully building brands and businesses. Effective communication for the latter requires more than the simple exchange of words, though. It takes a creative combination of hard and soft skills and attention to detail to tailor a message that can entertain, inform and connect with a specific audience.
With the rise of social media and continued technological advancements, there is a high demand for professionals with unique tools to communicate with the masses in this digital age. Arkansas State University’s online B.A. in Communication Studies, for example, offers a curriculum that gives graduates a leg up in this progressive industry.
Graduates of the program are equipped for successful communication, social and digital media careers, thanks to the program’s integrated studies in communication theory and practical application. The coursework develops a number of skills, including:
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Effective listening
- Trend awareness
- Persuasion
- Effective written communication
The skills gained from a communication degree offer a level of versatility that employers value. Just about every industry needs skilled communication professionals to navigate the social and digital media space successfully. Here are five career options communication graduates can consider:
- Public Relations Specialist: Public relations specialists are the original influencers. These communications professionals craft the narrative that an organization presents to the public through strategically managed media. Their responsibilities include writing press releases, organizing press conferences and events, monitoring media and trends and working with other journalists to ensure their specific client gets proper coverage across mediums.
National Average Annual Salary: $53,969
- Social Media Manager: Social media managers leverage their creativity, communication skills and flair for persuasion to create and share content in a fun, consumable and brand-consistent manner. Furthermore, these professionals analyze communication patterns in target audiences to effectively elevate their brands on social networking platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and more.
National Average Annual Salary: $50,088
- Brand Manager: Brand managers oversee a brand’s identity, products and services. Their job requires a great deal of collaboration with professionals in sales, marketing and advertising, as well as an eye for detail. These professionals further an organization’s corporate goals by supervising digital and print advertising campaigns, commercials and other marketing copy.
National Average Annual Salary: $78,985
- Media Planner: Media planners are masters of strategy, research and analysis. They use their expertise to select the optimal blend of media outlets for specific advertising campaigns. Responsibilities include identifying an organization’s target audience and determining the best media channels to reach this audience. Media planners lean on their creativity, presentation acumen and writing skills to develop messaging that optimizes media placement and authentically connects with their audience.
National Average Annual Salary: $53,403
- Journalist: Journalists proactively seek out newsworthy stories. Not only are these media professionals excellent writers and listeners, but they possess an intense curiosity that allows them to find stories in unique places. There are several avenues that journalists can take professionally, including working as a digital or broadcast journalist for various platforms.
National Average Annual Salary: $42,390
Strong communication skills will continue to advance our ever-changing digital world. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects media and communication employment to increase by 4% through 2029 as the demand for skilled professionals rises across industries. Diverse and dynamic opportunities await graduates with a degree in communication.
Learn more about A-State’s Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies online program.
Sources:
The Balance Careers: Best Jobs for Graduates with a Communications Degree
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Media and Communication Occupations
ZipRecruiter:
Public Relations Specialist Salary
Social Media Manager Salary
Brand Manager Salary
Media Planner Salary
Journalist Salary