Earning a bachelor’s degree in communication can open up a variety of jobs within the field. Jobs with a communications degree often include tasks that require you to be able to write, design, edit and shoot photos and videos. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for jobs in media and communications occupations was $62,340 in 2021.
Many jobs with a communications degree focus on communicating with the public through multiple media channels. Being innovative and persuasive is crucial to many employers. Earning your Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Communication online from Lamar University can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to obtain a good job within this fascinating field.
5 Different Jobs Within the Communications Field
When seeking jobs with a communications degree, it is important to have various in-demand skills. Flexibility is key for the communications professional. Developing this flexible skillset through earning your communication degree online can prepare you to work in numerous professions in the communications field. The following are five jobs for graduates of a B.S. in Communication program.
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Communications Specialist
As a communications specialist, you can work with a variety of different departments, including human resources, research and development, marketing, publications and advertising. You could also do freelance work as an independent contractor or partner with a public relations firm or nonprofit organization.
The main job duties of a communications specialist are to write and edit press releases, organize public events, work with the media in seeking coverage for the company or client and propose and manage advertising. According to June 2023 data from ZipRecruiter, communications specialists make an average annual salary of $62,502.
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News Reporter or Journalist
The competition is steep for those who want a job as a reporter. However, with the proliferation of online media outlets, job opportunities are increasing. Many reporters work for magazines, newspapers and book publishers, as well as television and radio broadcasting companies. This job requires you to work odd hours on a strict deadline and have a natural sense of curiosity.
The primary job duties of a news reporter are to seek story ideas, collect information through interviews and investigations, prepare and write stories for multiple media segments and be able to shoot photos or videos when necessary. BLS reports that news analysts, reporters and journalists made a median annual salary of $55,960 in 2022.
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Public Relations Specialist
As a public relations specialist, you act as a liaison between the company or client and the public. In this job, you seek opportunities for your company or client to establish a cooperative relationship with the media, consumers, government agencies, local communities and other groups.
The job duties include writing press releases, pitching stories to the media, organizing public events for the company or client and working with other departments to help strengthen your organization’s reputation. According to BLS, the median annual salary for public relations specialists was $67,440 in 2022.
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Content Writer
While specific job duties may vary by employer, a content writer generally writes promotional content for target audiences. As a content writer, you could work for an advertising agency or corporation. Content writers may also choose to work for themselves as freelancers and independent contractors.
Typically, content writers research and write about various subjects, creating advertisements, text, slogans and articles for marketing and advertising purposes. A job as a content writer requires multiple critiques and editing of your work within a tight schedule. ZipRecruiter data from June 2023 shows that content writers make an average annual salary of $76,194.
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Social Media Strategist
As a social media strategist, you must be up to date on current social media trends to help promote and communicate your company or client’s online presence. Some job duties are to decide which social media outlet to use in a marketing or advertising campaign, monitor site traffic, post news stories and photos and reply to questions and comments about your company or client.
Social media strategists work with multiple departments, including human resources, marketing and public relations. ZipRecruiter reports that social media strategists make an average annual salary of $69,772, as of June 2023.
These are just a few of the jobs you may be able to get with a bachelor’s degree in communications. Many career paths within the field can lead to management opportunities after years of experience. Managerial positions generally come with high-level pay commensurate with the professional’s education and experience. For instance, according to BLS, advertising, promotions and marketing managers made a median annual wage of $133,380 in 2021.
Clearly, there are a wide array of career paths for communication majors, all with significant career advancement potential. Earning your communications degree online can help you get the skills needed for many different jobs and positions, many of which can be pursued in a broad range of industries.
Learn more about Lamar University’s B.S. in Communication online program.
