Communication Studies
Study in communication is geared toward understanding the many ways human beings develop, collect, disseminate, and transfer information. It can examine historical communication, interpersonal and group dynamics, and the mass media. Also included are the various ways that communication informs, persuades, entertains, and controls.*
Sample Occupations
- Health Communication
- Public Health Office
- Patient/Family Liaison
- Patient Advocate
- Technical Medical Writer
- Public Relations
- Public Relations Specialist
- Public Relations Director
- Event Planner
- Social Media Specialist/
- Manager
- Organizational Communication
- Marketing Com. Specialist
- HR Communication Manager
- Employee Com. Coordinator
- Corporate Sales
- Mass Media
- Digital Marketer
- Social Media Manager
- Data Analyzer
- Digital Media Producer/
- Graphic Designer
- Public Advocacy
- Lobbyist
- Public Information Officer
- Speechwriter
- Arbitrator/Mediator
- Journalism
- TV & Online News Producer
- News Editor
- News Assistant
- Proofreader
Types of Employers
- Law Firms
- Publishers
- Nonprofit Agencies
- PR/Advertising Firms
- Political Parties
- Professional Associations
- Film Companies
- Public Opinion Research Firms
- Real Estate Agencies
- Hospitals
- Medical Agencies
Preparing for your career in
Media: Write for campus and Charlotte-area periodicals/newsletters in order to build a portfolio, work for campus radio or TV stations, learn webpage design software related to publishing and media, learn to work under strict deadlines, be willing to take any job in the field to get your foot in the door, develop a strong network through internships or volunteering
Politics: Volunteer to work on political campaigns, get involved with student government, do an internship with a government agency or politician and build your contacts
Business: Seek leadership opportunities within student organizations, develop thorough knowledge of word processing, database, presentation and spreadsheet computer programs, keep abreast of trends in business by reading trade journals and newspapers, take courses in business, be prepared to start in management-trainee programs, join related professional associations, gain experience and network through internships
Public Relations/Advertising: Take electives in psychology to better understand human decision-making and motivation theories, take courses in marketing and advertising, gain experience through an internship or volunteer work, join the Public Relations Student Society of America to learn more about the field and network with professionals, develop a portfolio of writing samples, ad campaigns, or other relevant work, consider moving to cities with larger number of job opportunities, be prepared to start at the bottom and work up
How do I know if its right for me?
ASSESS: Take a career assessment, such as PathwayU, to see how your interests, values, and personality fit with majors and careers.
RESEARCH: Research the careers on this WCIDWAMI and thousands of other careers using O*Net Online, The Occupational Outlook Handbook or FirstHand.
EXPLORE: Learn more about a career field of interest by job shadowing, attending a career panel, or participating in a Career Trek. Further your exploration while gaining valuable skills by completing an internship, co-op, volunteer, or research experience.