17 Jobs for Comm Majors

Photo by Nicole Pierick

Hello, It’s me, your favorite snarky Communications major. As graduation draws closer, other students, faculty and adults in general are asking what my plans are for after graduation. No, fortunately for you, this is not another rant about how my life is falling apart. However, it is still a rant. So, if you’re already annoyed, the red X in the top right-hand corner would be a great place to click now.

Recently, I have been asked, “Oh you’re a Communications major? What kind of job are you going to get with that? That’s kind of a cop-out, isn't it?” Yeah, you’re right. I decided to attend a private college and put myself thousands of dollars in debt just to say I attended college. I am actually hoping to walk up to strangers on the street and communicate with them and hope they pay me. Sounds like I will live a super luxurious life with that. *rolls eyes*

Even though I have my plan for after graduation, I would like to point out and clarify that Communications is NOT a cop-out degree and that there are many jobs a Communications major could land a graduate. Here are 17 jobs that a Communications graduate could land.

1. Brand Managers – Brand managers develop and implement the brand strategy of a product or service as to position products and services in the marketplace. These professionals also plan and execute marketing and advertising programs to raise brand awareness and value.

2. Event Planners/Managers – Event planners/managers plan, schedule and coordinate events such as trade shows, conferences, conventions and seminars. Their duties include overseeing event budgets, timelines, logistics and creating event marketing plans.

3. Market Researchers – Market researchers determine the demand for new and existing products and services. Their responsibilities include gathering and analyzing data on competitor activities, analyzing customer demographics and preferences and forecasting consumer and industry trends.

4. Marketing Directors – Marketing directors create and execute marketing strategies and programs to increase the profitability of new and existing products and services. These professionals are responsible for pricing policies, product and marketing development and gathering and analyzing market research.

5. Account Managers – Account managers serve as the client representatives of the agency. Account managers are team leaders and strategists, communicating the needs of the client to the agency team and planning effectively to maximize staff time. They are responsible for overseeing all aspects of advertising, including the creative, media, research, and commercial production.

6. Newscasters – Newscasters speak, or read, from scripted materials. Their responsibilities include studying background information to prepare for programs and interviews, interviewing guests, preparing and delivering news, providing commentary and conducting interviews.

7. Editors – Editors plan and revise content that is published in magazine, books, newspapers, websites and other publications. Editors meet with writers to develop content ideas, check writers’ stories for accuracy, and check for style, grammar, spelling, syntax and punctuation errors.

8. Proofreaders – Proofreaders read copy and transcripts for spelling, grammatical and typographical errors. These communications professionals receive copy and note changes in order to provide the corrected documents to writers, typists and editors.

9. Human Resources Managers – Human Resources Managers are directly responsible for the overall administration, coordination and evaluation of a company’s human resources programs and services. Their duties include developing and administering human resources plans and procedures and participating in developing department goals, objectives, and systems.

10. Corporate Recruiters – Corporate recruiters partner with company managers to anticipate the needs of the corporation’s talent. These communications professionals develop and implement strategic initiatives for recruiting diverse talent. Their job duties include nurturing relationships with prospective talent and corporate management.

11. Lobbyists – Lobbyists represent a specific person or group of people within a government. Their work involves attempting to effect change by influencing people with policy-making authority.

12. Translators/Interpreters – Translators/interpreters aid communication by converting one language to another. Translators work with written communications, while interpreters work with spoken communications, but both must be experts in the art of communication.

13. Public Defenders – Public defenders are attorneys at the federal, state or local level who serve as court-appointed counsel for indigent persons in criminal cases.

14. Corporate Lawyers – Corporate lawyers ensure the legality of business practices and transactions for corporations. They are called upon to help their clients work within legal boundaries.

15. Mediation/Negotiation Specialists – Mediation/negotiation specialists facilitate negotiation and settlement between disputing parties by providing direction and encouragement. These communications experts allow parties to collaborate by finding ways to reach a mutual solution.

16. International Business Consultants – International business consultants help firms succeed in overseas markets. They focus on achieving objectives that contribute to an organization’s growth and profits. These communications professionals also often specialize in specific areas, such as production, sales and distribution.

17. Cultural Advisors/Liaisons – Cultural advisors/liaisons, who work in the government, healthcare, and education sectors, among others, are responsible for evaluating the cultural needs of individuals or groups and providing the necessary support. For example, cultural advisors in educational institutions offer academic and career guidance to students.

Now that we see there are at least 17 jobs a Communications major could be interested in, let’s stop the ridiculous shaming. I listed only 17, but there are many more, and it all depends on the person. Next time you see a Communications major, ask them what their plans are and wait for a response before you tell them that the last four years of putting themselves in debt was for nothing. Because trust me, after you walk away, we are going to pick apart how you approached us, your body language, attitude -- ALL OF IT. If you have made it this far, I want to thank you for not clicking the X at the beginning of this article and I hope you never ask a Communications major a stupid question again.