Communications Studies is such a vast field covering a myriad of individual career paths. A body can choose from such an infinite array of careers using their Communications Studies degree that the prospect of “job hunting” seems daunting at first. Many assume that they must enter the mass media sector with this degree.
Here, I highlight just a few of the areas I first considered when choosing Communications Studies as my major. This list is adapted from a list suggested on Longwood University’s website (Communication Studies, n.d.). Admittedly, most of them are in the mass media sector. The last one on the list is my final decision, after having studied the variety of options and worked with a number of instructors at Ashford University.
Journalist
Journalists typically report from location, or adapt notes written by other journalists from location. They gather information from their own eyes or from speaking to witnesses and authorities. The Five W’s are often the most essential pieces of information for a journalist (Who, What, When, Where, Why). They struggle against deadlines to answer, organize, and report the answers to these questions. Hours can be long and tedious. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (2010-11 ed.), the best opportunities in this field are with smaller publications outside of major metropolitan areas. Most employers require a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or a similar field as well as experience with school newspapers, volunteer organizations, or through internships. Available positions in this field are expected to decline somewhat in the years to come, but gifted writers in specific specialties may gain over those who do not. Salaries vary widely, from around $20,000 to more than $75,000 annually.
Columnist
The difference between a journalist and a columnist is that a while a journalist gathers and reports news stories, a columnist usually comments, evaluates, analyzes and offers perspectives on those stories. They work for many of the same employers and have similar hours to those of journalists. Educational requirements generally fall under the same guidelines as journalists, but an experience specialty of commenting on and analyzing stories at school newspapers, small broadcasting stations, or various internships is necessary. Unfortunately, this position’s outlook is also as bleak as journalists. Salaries in this field also vary widely, but generally are higher than journalists, from around $23,000 to more than $150,000 annually.
News Photographer
News photographers generally travel with an assigned journalist to take photographs inherent to or supplemental to the story the journalist will write. Many employers require a college degree in photography, journalism with a photography specialty, or at very least training in photography. Inherent in gaining a photography position is creativity, imagination, and “a good eye.” Often, a portfolio of previous work is required and can sometimes be substituted for documented experience. Photographers positions are expected to grow in the coming years but competition for these coveted occupations is fierce. Salaries generally depend on location and type of employer, ranging from around $16,000 to over $60,000 annually. Freelance photographer salaries can be much less or much more, depending on the number of photographs they sell and to whom.
Copywriter
Copywriters generally work closely with advertising clients to produce ad copy, or the written or spoken explanations in advertisements. They must be creative, talented writers in order to appeal to individual clients about individual products. Copywriters usually need a degree in communications, journalism, English, or some similar field that emphasizes writing. Experience in writing ad copy can be gained through internships at advertising agencies, various producers of products, or through smaller newspapers and magazines, including those published by colleges and literary societies. Copywriters positions are expected to grow in the coming years, however advertently affected by various economies. They are a member of the chain of product sales: as fewer products are purchased in a bad economy, producers make less money and, therefore, choose to pay less for advertising. Salaries depend heavily on location and popularity of employer, ranging from around $28,000 to above $95,000 annually. Freelance copywriters may make more or less depending on their individual performance.
Teacher – Post Secondary
Post Secondary Teachers, more commonly titled College Professors or Instructors, teach in a wide variety of settings. Some teach in university classrooms, some teach adult classes after hours in high schools or municipal buildings, some even teach online through the use of various Internet technologies. They make use of their own expertise and of required texts to convey knowledge to students of all ages, races, and backgrounds. Most college professors have at least a master’s degree, many have doctoral degrees in various fields. Post Secondary teaching positions are expected to grow quickly during the coming years, mostly for those with doctoral degrees in their specialized field. Highly specialized teachers are in demand to provide specific education to certain students. Salaries depend on employer, institution, and environment. Generally, a professor can expect to make anywhere from $28,000 to over $120,000 annually.
As my time as an undergraduate comes to a close, I am making plans to return to Ashford University for a Master’s degree in Education. My plans are to follow in the footsteps of those online instructors who have proved such valuable resources to me. In the years to come, I may also pursue a Ph.D. in some field in order to enhance my qualifications for the positions I wish to hold.
Communication Studies. (n.d.) Longwood University website. Retrieved March 17, 2011, from http://www.longwood.edu/career/Majors_Careers/CommunicationStudies.htm
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2010). Occupational outlook handbook (2010-11 ed.). New York, NY: Skyhorse. Available Online at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ooh_index.htm