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What is the next step after finishing a communications major?
What factors do Public Relations and Journalism play in this major?
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Nik’s Answer
Great question! As a person who finished a communications major, I can say that you have a lot of options in front of you. Every company needs to have a communications strategy, which means your skills are valuable in every sector. The key is finding something that resonates with you -- PR, journalism, technical writing, social media -- and seeing what opportunities you can take advantage of.
I started off using my major in newsletter publishing, then became a communications director for a nonprofit, then a journalist for a public relations firm.
To get specific, I would say your next steps are: 1) Putting together a resume/portfolio that highlights your communication skills; 2) Start searching job posting sites with keywords that appeal to you (i.e. PR, journalism, ghost writing, editing, etc.); 3) Apply to every opportunity and, when you are invited to interview, explore how companies are looking to use communications to further their goals.
You also might consider exploring internships to get a better idea of how companies are leveraging strong communicators. I know when I graduated with a communications degree I had no idea that I could work in newsletter publishing. I ended up finding my footing there after a few struggles and eventually loved all of the communications opportunities it offered me -- writing, speaking, interviewing, online content, and more.
I started off using my major in newsletter publishing, then became a communications director for a nonprofit, then a journalist for a public relations firm.
To get specific, I would say your next steps are: 1) Putting together a resume/portfolio that highlights your communication skills; 2) Start searching job posting sites with keywords that appeal to you (i.e. PR, journalism, ghost writing, editing, etc.); 3) Apply to every opportunity and, when you are invited to interview, explore how companies are looking to use communications to further their goals.
You also might consider exploring internships to get a better idea of how companies are leveraging strong communicators. I know when I graduated with a communications degree I had no idea that I could work in newsletter publishing. I ended up finding my footing there after a few struggles and eventually loved all of the communications opportunities it offered me -- writing, speaking, interviewing, online content, and more.
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hi Azul,
A degree in communications offers many career paths. You can explore roles in public relations, journalism, or even business consulting, like I did. Think about what you enjoyed or didn't enjoy in your program, and start applying for jobs that match your interests. Also, grow your network by connecting with people on LinkedIn, especially former classmates working in fields you like. This can give you insights into those careers. Check your college's job board too, as it can help you stand out to companies with many applicants.
A degree in communications offers many career paths. You can explore roles in public relations, journalism, or even business consulting, like I did. Think about what you enjoyed or didn't enjoy in your program, and start applying for jobs that match your interests. Also, grow your network by connecting with people on LinkedIn, especially former classmates working in fields you like. This can give you insights into those careers. Check your college's job board too, as it can help you stand out to companies with many applicants.
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hi Azul,
Communications is a great major because you can do so many different things with. That can also make it challenging to discern a best next step! My advice is to get as much experience as possible in the things you're interested in. See if you can track down some people who work in PR or Journalism and interview them. Figure out your likes and dislikes in a working environment - also known as drains and gains (what drains you, what fills your cup). Learn about the environment of the different opportunities you could have and see what you might be interested in!
Communications is a great major because you can do so many different things with. That can also make it challenging to discern a best next step! My advice is to get as much experience as possible in the things you're interested in. See if you can track down some people who work in PR or Journalism and interview them. Figure out your likes and dislikes in a working environment - also known as drains and gains (what drains you, what fills your cup). Learn about the environment of the different opportunities you could have and see what you might be interested in!