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What career paths can I pursue with a Business/Corporate Communication major, potentially in marketing or branding?
Hi! I’m currently a Business Communication major at Baruch College with a strong interest in marketing and digital media (as well as other interests in beauty and fashion). I’m trying to better understand which entry-level roles I should target and how to position myself for a career in marketing or corporate communications. What roles would you recommend I explore, and what steps can I take now to stand out?
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10 answers
Updated
Steph’s Answer
I'd look at marketing and communication agencies and see whether they offer summer internships - these will help you stand out from other applicants.
You could also offer to support friends or contacts who may be starting their own businesses in the beauty and fashion space. Even small projects can help you build your portfolio and give you valuable examples to talk about in interviews.
You could also offer to support friends or contacts who may be starting their own businesses in the beauty and fashion space. Even small projects can help you build your portfolio and give you valuable examples to talk about in interviews.
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Zakari’s Answer
Hi Sara,
I think you picked a good major in marketing and branding so you are already on the right track. I would recommend you look into public relations, social media roles, etc. Look for internships at major firms such as Sephora, ulta, etc and build a portfolio and start a instagram page to promote.
I think you picked a good major in marketing and branding so you are already on the right track. I would recommend you look into public relations, social media roles, etc. Look for internships at major firms such as Sephora, ulta, etc and build a portfolio and start a instagram page to promote.
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Natalie’s Answer
Hello!
Internships are great to stand out for when you are looking to apply to roles. You can look at marketing/advertising agencies as they typically have them and could potentially lead to an assistant/paid internship role within the company if you are a great hard worker. This also helps to start networking with professionals and make connections in the same industry as you. Roles that you could look for to start would be Marketing Assistant, Communication/PR assistant, social media assistant, etc. - any of these type of roles will get your foot in the door to working in a marketing/communications department to start learning how these work in a real company.
Good luck and best wishes to you!
Internships are great to stand out for when you are looking to apply to roles. You can look at marketing/advertising agencies as they typically have them and could potentially lead to an assistant/paid internship role within the company if you are a great hard worker. This also helps to start networking with professionals and make connections in the same industry as you. Roles that you could look for to start would be Marketing Assistant, Communication/PR assistant, social media assistant, etc. - any of these type of roles will get your foot in the door to working in a marketing/communications department to start learning how these work in a real company.
Good luck and best wishes to you!
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Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you have interest in Marketing and communication.
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many careers related communication and marketing, eg Brand Manager, Marketing Manager, Digital Marketing, Event Organizer, Public Relationship, etc. You can find out more related careers online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to the professors and alumni for guidance
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Select relevant subjects in the course
6. Explore any intern opportunities in the career
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many careers related communication and marketing, eg Brand Manager, Marketing Manager, Digital Marketing, Event Organizer, Public Relationship, etc. You can find out more related careers online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to the professors and alumni for guidance
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Select relevant subjects in the course
6. Explore any intern opportunities in the career
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Updated
Roshini’s Answer
With a Business/Corporate Communication major, you have a great foundation for starting roles like Marketing Coordinator, Brand or Content Coordinator, Social Media Coordinator, Communications Assistant, or PR/Account Coordinator. These jobs blend strategy, storytelling, and digital skills. To make yourself stand out, try to get real-world experience through internships or campus activities. Create a small portfolio with things like social media posts or campaigns, especially if you're interested in the beauty or fashion industries. Focus on improving practical skills such as writing, managing social media, using Canva or Adobe, and coordinating campaigns. Highlight the business, marketing, and digital media aspects of your major on your resume and LinkedIn. Also, make connections with alumni and professionals in brands or agencies you admire.
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Mary’s Answer
Hi there! First of all, it's fantastic that you're exploring career options now. There are some great suggestions here already from the other respondents, and I would echo the recommendations to explore internships that help you gain experience and narrow down your interests. I can also add some options from my own experience in marketing if you're interested in writing/editing fields at all.
One potential place to start is entry-level marketing copywriting. In this role, you write ad copy, blog posts, and other short-form copy to showcase your company's products and/or services. That was my first job out of college and a great way to get my foot in the door.
If you enjoy project management as well as writing, being a content strategist is another great option. In this role, you plan marketing strategy and develop content to meet specific branding/marketing goals.
Brand communications is an interesting space related to content strategy as well. In this role, you define and maintain your company's brand positioning and coordinate communication across channels including social media and the press.
Hope that helps, and best of luck!
One potential place to start is entry-level marketing copywriting. In this role, you write ad copy, blog posts, and other short-form copy to showcase your company's products and/or services. That was my first job out of college and a great way to get my foot in the door.
If you enjoy project management as well as writing, being a content strategist is another great option. In this role, you plan marketing strategy and develop content to meet specific branding/marketing goals.
Brand communications is an interesting space related to content strategy as well. In this role, you define and maintain your company's brand positioning and coordinate communication across channels including social media and the press.
Hope that helps, and best of luck!
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Hi Sara. It is a great question that a lot of people wrestle with as they prepare for what's ahead. The good news, is that a degree in business/corporate communications is a fantastic foundation for many different kinds of paths. And many of those paths are complementary, so as you progress in your career, you can try things like politics, PR, brand marketing, performance marketing, internal communications, crisis management, and many more. And great communications is central to a lot of careers, so even if you stray aware from core comms or marketing roles, that foundation will serve you well.
As you think about where you may go with your early career, here are some suggestions that might help:
- Try to understand the different roles that marketing and communications play. They are related and often overlap, but in most companies, marketing can be focused on revenue generation and communications is focused on reputation. When you interview for roles, understanding those distinctions can be helpful.
- Try to get some hands-on experience in the field, to see what kinds of activities appeal to you. You dont have to commit to any one path right now... any experience will add to your knowledge base.
- Rely on the business end of your degree. in professional settings, the work of marketing and comms serve a bigger purpose... driving organizational outcomes. Being versed in how businesses run, make money, and employ people is very helpful to understanding how you can add value to how the company does things (not just say things about it).
Good luck!!
As you think about where you may go with your early career, here are some suggestions that might help:
- Try to understand the different roles that marketing and communications play. They are related and often overlap, but in most companies, marketing can be focused on revenue generation and communications is focused on reputation. When you interview for roles, understanding those distinctions can be helpful.
- Try to get some hands-on experience in the field, to see what kinds of activities appeal to you. You dont have to commit to any one path right now... any experience will add to your knowledge base.
- Rely on the business end of your degree. in professional settings, the work of marketing and comms serve a bigger purpose... driving organizational outcomes. Being versed in how businesses run, make money, and employ people is very helpful to understanding how you can add value to how the company does things (not just say things about it).
Good luck!!
Updated
Francie’s Answer
Sara
Great question! My recommendation is to focus on a Summer Job / Internship in
Corporate Communications. I have listed below specific areas that you can research:
1) internal communications intern, employee engagement, and corporate messaging.
2)Marketing & Social Media Intern: Involves managing social channels, creating digital content, and assisting with campaigns
3)Public Relations (PR) & Events Intern: Supports media relations, press releases, and event planning
4)Business Analyst/Support Intern: Involves researching, drafting reports, and project management
5)Content Writer/Copywriter: Focuses on creating written materials for websites and marketing initiatives
In addition, you will need to research what industry interests you. I would recommend researching summer internships on Indeed.
Carve out 90 minutes to review what internships exist snd then start to prioritize the ones that are most interesting & align with your skill set.
Most of the communications internships will require:
- Pursuing a bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or Business.
- Strong writing and editing skills.
- Familiarity with social media platforms and content creation tools
-Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
Internships get your foot in the door and once you have an internship you can leverage it for future job opportunities.
Timing is of the essence and I encourage you to start reviewing Indeed opportunities, make sure your resume is concise and professional, and set time aside to apply for summer jobs attaching your resume & cover letter.
Good luck!
Review summer internship opportunities on Indeed that focus on communications
Put together a concisely written resume
Great question! My recommendation is to focus on a Summer Job / Internship in
Corporate Communications. I have listed below specific areas that you can research:
1) internal communications intern, employee engagement, and corporate messaging.
2)Marketing & Social Media Intern: Involves managing social channels, creating digital content, and assisting with campaigns
3)Public Relations (PR) & Events Intern: Supports media relations, press releases, and event planning
4)Business Analyst/Support Intern: Involves researching, drafting reports, and project management
5)Content Writer/Copywriter: Focuses on creating written materials for websites and marketing initiatives
In addition, you will need to research what industry interests you. I would recommend researching summer internships on Indeed.
Carve out 90 minutes to review what internships exist snd then start to prioritize the ones that are most interesting & align with your skill set.
Most of the communications internships will require:
- Pursuing a bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or Business.
- Strong writing and editing skills.
- Familiarity with social media platforms and content creation tools
-Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
Internships get your foot in the door and once you have an internship you can leverage it for future job opportunities.
Timing is of the essence and I encourage you to start reviewing Indeed opportunities, make sure your resume is concise and professional, and set time aside to apply for summer jobs attaching your resume & cover letter.
Good luck!
Francie recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Melvin’s Answer
Hi Sara, I studied a similar field and can offer some advice. I've worked in corporate and product communications, including with beauty and consumer brands. You can explore this field in two main ways: in-house or consulting. In-house means working directly at a brand, while consulting involves working for an agency that serves multiple brands.
Internships are your best entry point. Many consulting firms offer regular internships that can lead to full-time positions for top performers. In-house internships can also lead to job offers if you build good relationships. Entry-level roles are usually at the Coordinator level in-house or assistant account executive/associate at consulting firms.
Here are some pros and cons:
Consulting: You'll work with various clients and learn different skills across the communication spectrum. Choose an agency that offers a wide range of services to explore what you enjoy. Small ones may not offer a full service or some may be specialized. Some agencies are also better known for tech or consumer or health, etc.
In-house: You'll focus on one industry and brand, gaining deep knowledge. Smaller companies offer diverse skill experiences so you will wear more hats (great for learning), while larger ones have specific roles so you will work in a specific lane while your colleagues own adjacent workflows.
If you start in-house, pick an industry you like, as it shapes your career path. Switching industries can be tough. For example, starting in tech makes it easier to stay in tech, but moving from a food brand to tech or health is harder.
Internships are your best entry point. Many consulting firms offer regular internships that can lead to full-time positions for top performers. In-house internships can also lead to job offers if you build good relationships. Entry-level roles are usually at the Coordinator level in-house or assistant account executive/associate at consulting firms.
Here are some pros and cons:
Consulting: You'll work with various clients and learn different skills across the communication spectrum. Choose an agency that offers a wide range of services to explore what you enjoy. Small ones may not offer a full service or some may be specialized. Some agencies are also better known for tech or consumer or health, etc.
In-house: You'll focus on one industry and brand, gaining deep knowledge. Smaller companies offer diverse skill experiences so you will wear more hats (great for learning), while larger ones have specific roles so you will work in a specific lane while your colleagues own adjacent workflows.
If you start in-house, pick an industry you like, as it shapes your career path. Switching industries can be tough. For example, starting in tech makes it easier to stay in tech, but moving from a food brand to tech or health is harder.
Updated
Carina’s Answer
You have so many exciting choices ahead! While it might seem a bit overwhelming, it's a great chance to explore different paths. If one doesn't feel right, you can always try another.
Marketing and PR/Comms offer a wide range of opportunities. If you're interested in beauty and fashion, you can definitely find roles in those industries. It might help to think about which industries you want to work in the most. You can connect with people on LinkedIn who work in marketing at those companies and ask about their journey. Some might not respond, but many are happy to share their experiences. We all remember how it felt to look for that first job and are often eager to help!
Does your school have a job board or career center? They can be great resources to find available opportunities and might even connect you with alumni working in your field of interest.
Shortlist industries to explore
Connect with people who already work at companies you want to work for
See if your career center can connect you with alumni
Marketing and PR/Comms offer a wide range of opportunities. If you're interested in beauty and fashion, you can definitely find roles in those industries. It might help to think about which industries you want to work in the most. You can connect with people on LinkedIn who work in marketing at those companies and ask about their journey. Some might not respond, but many are happy to share their experiences. We all remember how it felt to look for that first job and are often eager to help!
Does your school have a job board or career center? They can be great resources to find available opportunities and might even connect you with alumni working in your field of interest.
Carina recommends the following next steps: