5 Reasons To Consider a Degree In Communications
When you earn a communications degree, you learn foundational skills that can support you any role. Both verbal and written communication are skills that have been identified by employers as highly valuable. Earning a communications degree shows that you bring the right skills to the job.
Students who study communications pursue an understanding of theories on oral, written, and now, multimedia communication and how to apply these theories to influence, inform, instruct and entertain. If you feel any of these may apply to you, here are some of the reasons why you should consider communications as a major:
- Exceptional Communication Skills
Having first-rate communication skills can take you to places, not only professionally, but also personally. This education can help you to effectively convey ideas and information through written and spoken words. You will become proficient at presenting compelling arguments and at encouraging and motivating people around you. Being good at communication gives you the edge to become a valuable and credible source of information. - Plenty of Career Opportunities
The skills you learn in a communications degree program are functional and important. No matter where you work and no matter what your job description is, you need to be able to communicate effectively with your clients, customers, colleagues, and employers. Career opportunities for a communications major are endless. From working in the field of media as a journalist or broadcaster to working in the marketing and public relations side of any business, there are many options.
- High Salary Potential
According to a report from PayScale, an online salary database, the median salary in the first five years for communications graduates is about $42,000 and time in the field can boost earnings closer to $68,000 a year after more than 10 years .
In most of the senior-level communications roles, especially for those who move into management roles, six-figure salaries are the norm.
- Experiences Beyond Your Comfort Zone
Your communications degree is an opportunity to explore new opportunities and experiences. You’ll have the chance to not only learn about how people interact, but also develop skills in areas like strategic thinking that can help your career grow. The world of communication provides you with many unique learning environments–and this includes both what’s taught within these programs as well as all those outside sources we use for research or inspiration! By going outside of your comfort zone, you will really set yourself apart from other job candidates. Around 80 percent of Americans experience anxiety about public speaking and another 10 percent find the prospect so terrifying that they have debilitating panic attacks because it is a huge fear for them, according to Forbes Magazine. There’s even an actual name given for this intense emotion; glossophobia – which means deep rooted fears related with speech performance in front of audiences. This should be fun! - Opportunities for Advancement
In the world of communications, getting a management role can be accomplished with just your bachelor’s degree. Some employers may require you to have this or that qualification but often enough an undergraduate degree will do! It might take some work experience as well before being able to move into higher ranks according to US News & World Report. Joining an organization like the American Advertising Federation (AAF), Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) or Communications Network is a great way to meet other professionals in your field and learn about new opportunities for advancement. You’ll have access to Virtual LinkedIn networks where you can post jobs, find networking events happening near where live-saving skills are needed most—and make connections that could lead anywhere!
Careers that you can pursue with a communications degree
While the world of communications is vast and filled with many different duties, these five roles represent some common job functions. From human resources to advertising—everyone needs good communication skills
- Communications careers in business
- Communications careers in human resources
- Communications careers in marketing, public relations and advertising
- Communications careers in media
- Communications careers in digital media
- Communications careers in law
- Communications careers in education
Conclusion
So if you’re still undecided on your major, or are looking for a change, consider communications. It’s an exciting and ever-changing field that will allow you to use your creativity and intelligence to make a difference in the world. We believe in you, so go out there and show the world what you’ve got!
References
1.Master of Arts (MA), Communication Degree (2022) Retrieved March 21, 2022:
https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Arts_(MA)%2C_Communication/Salary
2.Why We Fear Public Speaking And How To Overcome It (2022) Retrieved March 21, 2022:
3.What Can You Do With a Communications Degree? (2022) Retrieved March 21, 2022:
https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/careers-advice/what-can-you-do-communications-degree