This guide outlines tactics that allow you to make the most of a communications degree in your career path.
Contrary to what many believe, a degree in communications is just as relevant today as it was decades ago. That’s because as communications technology continues to evolve, the field has grown broader, offering valuable opportunities to those looking to forge a successful career as journalists, multimedia specialists, and PR professionals.
The only trade-off to this environment consisting of multiple career paths is the fact that only the best and the brightest get to thrive as communications practitioners.
Obtaining a college communications degree is only the beginning of a long and winding journey that requires not just academic credentials but also lots of grit. Only those competent enough could compete for a spot in major companies and institutions.
Communications degree strategies
It matters to know how to get started as a communications graduate on the right foot. Here’s a guide to help you nurture your journey.
1. Enrich core skills and obtain new ones
College may have equipped you with the right knowledge and skills to get ahead in the job market for communications majors but there’s a lot more you can learn (and unlearn) in the real world. Education should be continuous to become employable and land your dream job.
The added skills you acquire after your communications degree can further enrich your competence, making you more attractive to employers. Opt to hone your current repertoire of skills, especially the ones you struggled to develop in college.
In today’s market for communications jobs, candidates who not only write well but are also adept at creative and critical thinking have a greater chance of landing high-paying jobs as marketers, PR representatives, and reporters.
What’s even more important is the ability to lead a diverse team. Being articulate is crucial but being able to make critical decisions and manage a crisis as it happens. You can sign up for webinars and earn certificates you can add to your resume.
2. Know what trajectory to take
The best thing about having a communications degree is that you have a broad selection of roles you can pick based on your strengths and your overall career goals. Even if you’re not good at speaking, your college training should’ve trained you to write well and across a wide range of genres or types.
In addition to writing blogs and scripts, you may also be skilled at writing speeches, technical manuals, and website copy. If your main strength lies in the written word, then you can bet there’s a career option where you would feel right at home.
The market also offers a wide array of career options for those who are looking to put their leadership skills into practice. If this is the trajectory you’re opting for, you might as well get a job as a communications manager or a brand specialist. You can even consider building your own agency from the ground up.
However, if flexibility is your main priority for your communications degree, you can always work as a freelance professional. You can work as a PR consultant, multimedia writer or editor. Whichever the case, choose a path you think your best traits as a communications specialist can prosper and you won’t have to feel any regret as your career takes off.
3. Actively seek out career opportunities
Once you have drafted a good resume that highlights your experience and consists of a strong portfolio of multimedia materials, you can go out looking for companies offering jobs that match your preferences as well as your level of experience.
LinkedIn is a treasure trove of career postings by the world’s top companies, so build a complete professional profile and use the platform’s advanced job search feature to filter the communications positions you might be interested in.
Aside from LinkedIn, you can also look for jobs through other online portals, especially those showcasing job listings under a specific category such a communications degree. There will always be websites for finding marketing and internal communications jobs that match your salary expectations and your level of experience. Just be patient with responses from employers and keep sending applications.
4. Build your network within the industry
Today’s communications sector is all about connecting with people who might play a crucial role in referring you to reputable companies and improving your credibility so you can be hired faster. It’s the richness of your network that amplifies your skills and experience as a communications graduate.
Whether you’re looking for employment or starting a business, you won’t go far without having allies who can back you up. For that reason, don’t burn bridges with your communications degree college professors and colleagues.
If anything, maintain communication with them so you will always be at the top of your mind whenever a critical opportunity comes along. You can also further improve your professional network through continuous education, especially if you’re planning to take up a master’s degree or sign up for an online course.
Summary
Your communications degree is the key to a fulfilling life. With the guide above, you should be able to fuel your long-term success and build a positive reputation.
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