When I first decided to major in communications I did it because I loved an Interpersonal Communications class that I took, I had no real career in mind. While researching career fields fit for communications majors, I was able to identify with a few that I could see myself doing and being successful at. For me, success is not necessarily measured by the amount of money one makes, but by how much personal satisfaction one gets out of just going to work. The following five are careers that I would choose:
Announcer
Besides speaking on TV or radio, an announcer can have a variety of tasks from researching and writing a script to operating the control board and editing the company’s website. Many announcers also interview guests, attend community events as commentator and specialize in a certain area such as music, weather or sports. Having a bachelors degree in communications, broadcasting, or journalism is a plus as this job market is highly competitive. Long term on the job training, internships, and information technology skills are also beneficial. If one wishes to be an on-air announcer they must have a well controlled voice, proper grammar, and be able to ad-lib in stressful situations. For a TV announcer, having an appealing appearance is also a must.
Because this is a competitive job market, there are more applicants that job openings and employment opportunities are projected to decline. Announcers can pre record shows, eliminating the need for late night or early morning personalities and announcers can complete more tasks in less time thanks to advances in technology. Working for a smaller company can allow for more creativity but the pay is significantly less than working for a large, commercial broadcasting company. Annual salaries range from around $24,000 in rural areas to $90,000 in larger metropolitan cites (Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11).
Public Relations Specialist
With a wide variety of clients from nonprofit organizations to corporations to Universities, positions in the Public Relations field are widely sought after. Job opportunities are expected to grow over the next few years but finding an entry level position may be difficult as the field is highly competitive. Excellent communication skills are a must along with an education in journalism, public relations, marketing, or any other communication based field. Internships and work experience are also very helpful when entering into public relations. PR specialists tend to work in busy, stressful environments and can be found writing speeches, maintaining contacts, or handling public affairs. The median annual wage in 2008 was about $51,000, with ranges from $30,000 on the low end to upwards of $97,000 on the high end (Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11).
Editor
Most editors start out as authors or writers which usually require a background or degree in journalism, English, or communications. Editors review and edit papers, manuscripts, journal entries and many other written work as well as possible ideas for books and feature stories in newspapers. Creativity and self motivation are two attributes that make a successful editor. Employment opportunities in the editing field are steady, but many people are attracted to it so it can be quite competitive. As technology and web based writing continue to flourish, strong multimedia skills are a benefit to anyone entering this field. A lot of the work is located in larger metropolitan cities, but again, with technology comes more job openings where people can work outside of the city at home as freelance editors. With a broad salary range from roughly $28,000-$100,000+, the middle 50% averaged $36,000-$69,000 (Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11).
Reporter
Reporters, often called Journalists, can expect to work long, irregular hours in a high demand, stressful environment. Smaller cities offer more employment opportunities and are a great place to enter into the field; finding work in larger cities can be very competitive. Employment in this field is forecasted to decrease slightly over the next 7 years. Experience in the field is valued over education, but many employers prefer to hire people who have at least a bachelor’s degree in journalism or mass communications. Strong computer and word-processing skills are necessary, as are the ability to stay calm in stressful situations and provide accurate, impartial data. The salary range is wide, $20,000-$77,000+, with jobs in radio and television being the highest paid (Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11).
Meeting, Convention, & Event Planner
Planners coordinate all aspects of meetings and events from the location to printed media handouts and even hire special speakers. Their main duty is to make sure the event goes smoothly and without error. No formal education is necessary but people with a degree in communications, public relations or hospitality work well in this field. Work experience is the best way to get ahead in this career, with positions such as an administrative assistants or hospitality management who have a background in planning and coordinating events for a singular organization. Some planners will need to travel but most are expected to work long hours prior to an event. Employment in this field is expected to increase in the future and average salaries range from $27,000 - $77,000 (Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11).
The career that intrigues me most is event planning. I think that this position would allow me to utilize me strengths in organization and interpersonal communication. I have also worked as an Administrative Assistant for many years so I think that my experience would help me stand out in this growing career field.
I found that with all of these positions, strong multi media and computer based skills are necessary, which Ashford
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