What Can You Do With a Communications Degree?

Communication has evolved from early gestures to complex language and now includes fields like media studies, public relations, and interpersonal communication.

Though part of daily life, its academic study goes far beyond casual conversation.

If you're wondering what can you do with a communications degree, the answer is both broad and exciting. Read on as we explore the various career opportunities available for those with a communications degree and how it can set you up for success.

Key Takeaways

• A communications degree opens doors to various careers, including marketing, human resources, event planning, media production, and more. 
• Strong verbal and written communication, public speaking, interpersonal skills, media literacy, and crisis management are crucial for success in communication-based roles. 
• Communication-related jobs generally have stable or growing demand, with competitive salaries, with some roles offering six-figure earnings.

What Career Can You Get With a Communications Degree?

Communication itself is a skill that intertwines with virtually every industry, from technology and healthcare to entertainment and beyond. This universality makes a degree in communication incredibly versatile and valuable. Below, we will explore some of the specific roles you can pursue with this degree.

1. Social Media Manager

• Average salary: $64,845 per year
• Job outlook: 8%, with about 36,600 job openings annually

A social media manager is responsible for overseeing a brand’s social media presence, ensuring it aligns with overall marketing objectives, and engaging with the audience in a meaningful way. They develop content strategies, monitor performance, and adapt approaches to maintain a consistent and impactful digital presence. 

Their role involves:

• Content creation and curation: Developing and designing original content (posts, videos, graphics) to maintain an engaging social media presence.
• Community engagement: Responding to comments, messages, and interacting with followers to foster relationships and build brand loyalty.
• Strategy development: Planning and executing social media campaigns that align with the brand’s objectives and target audience.
• Performance analytics: Tracking, analyzing, and reporting social media metrics to measure success and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Trend monitoring: Staying updated on social media trends, tools, and best practices to keep the brand’s content relevant and competitive.
• Collaboration with teams: Working closely with marketing, sales, and design teams to ensure cohesive branding and messaging across all platforms.

2. Public Relations Specialist

• Average salary: $64,362 per year
• Job outlook: 6%, with about 27,100 job openings annually

A public relations (PR) specialist is responsible for managing and maintaining a positive image of a company, individual, or organization. They work to build strong relationships with the media, stakeholders, and the public. They aim to shape public perception through strategic communication, media outreach, and crisis management when needed.

Their role involves:

• Media relations: Building and maintaining relationships with journalists, bloggers, and media outlets to secure press coverage for the organization.
• Press releases and communications: Writing and distributing press releases, articles, and other communication materials to convey the organization’s key messages.
• Brand image management: Developing and implementing strategies to shape and protect the company’s public image across various media channels.
• Crisis management: Responding quickly to negative publicity or crises by developing communication strategies to protect the company’s reputation.
• Event planning: Organizing press conferences, media events, and promotional activities to enhance visibility and engagement with target audiences.
• Monitoring public sentiment: Tracking media coverage and public opinions, providing regular reports to assess the effectiveness of PR strategies and adjust them accordingly.

3. Marketing Coordinator

• Average salary: $51,594 per year
• Job outlook: 8%, with about 36,600 job openings annually

A marketing coordinator is responsible for assisting with the development and execution of marketing strategies and campaigns. They support various marketing activities, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and help track and report on campaign performance to ensure that marketing goals are achieved. 

Their role includes: 

• Campaign planning and execution: Assisting in creating and implementing marketing campaigns across various channels.
• Market research: Conducting research to identify market trends, customer preferences, and competitive insights.
• Content creation: Helping create and organize marketing materials like brochures, email campaigns, and social media posts.
• Data analysis and reporting: Tracking campaign performance, analyzing data, and creating reports to measure success and optimize future campaigns.
• Vendor coordination: Liaising with external vendors or agencies to ensure smooth execution of marketing initiatives.
• Event support: Assisting in the planning and executing of promotional events, trade shows, or product launches.

4. Human Resources Specialist

• Average salary: $73,918 per year
• Job outlook:  8%, with about 86,200 job openings annually

A human resources (HR) specialist manages various aspects of company employee relations, recruitment, and organizational development. They help with hiring, onboarding, training, and ensuring compliance with labor laws while fostering a positive work environment and addressing employee concerns.

Their role includes:

• Recruitment and staffing: Managing the hiring process, including job postings, candidate screenings, interviews, and hiring decisions.
• Employee onboarding: Facilitating new employee orientation and ensuring they are properly integrated into the company culture and processes.
• Training and development: Coordinating employee training programs to enhance skills and performance and support career development initiatives.
• Employee relations: Addressing and resolving employee concerns or conflicts to maintain a positive work environment.
• Compliance and policy management: Ensuring company policies align with labor laws and regulations and assisting in maintaining workplace compliance.
• Performance management: Supporting performance reviews, providing feedback, and helping implement employee improvement plans.

5. Content Creator

• Average salary: $116,615 per year
• Job outlook: About 109,500 job openings annually

A content creator is responsible for producing engaging and original content, often for digital platforms like social media, websites, blogs, or video channels. They use their creativity and expertise to develop content that resonates with the target audience and aligns with the brand’s objectives, helping to build engagement and increase online visibility.

Their role includes: 

• Content creation and curation: Developing and designing original content (posts, videos, graphics) to maintain an engaging social media presence.
• Community engagement: Responding to comments and messages and interacting with followers to foster relationships and build brand loyalty.
• Strategy development: Planning and executing social media campaigns that align with the brand’s objectives and target audience.
• Performance analytics: Tracking, analyzing, and reporting social media metrics to measure success and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Trend monitoring: Staying updated on social media trends, tools, and best practices to keep the brand’s content relevant and competitive.
• Collaboration with teams: Working closely with marketing, sales, and design teams to ensure cohesive branding and messaging across all platforms.

6. Event Planner

• Average salary: $63,335 per year
• Job outlook: 7%, with about 16,500 job openings

An event planner is responsible for organizing and coordinating events, ensuring every detail is executed smoothly to create a successful and memorable experience. They work with clients to bring their vision to life while managing logistics, vendors, and budgets. 

Their role includes:

• Event planning and coordination: Designing, organizing, and managing events, from corporate conferences and weddings to private parties and product launches, ensuring all elements align with the client’s vision.
• Vendor management: Sourcing, negotiating, and coordinating with vendors such as caterers, venues, decorators, and entertainment providers to secure the best services within budget.
• Budgeting and cost control: Creating and managing event budgets, ensuring cost-effective solutions while maintaining high-quality execution.
• Logistics and scheduling: Overseeing event timelines, coordinating transportation, setting up venues, and ensuring all aspects of the event run on time and smoothly.
• Guest and client communication: Managing guest lists, invitations, and RSVPs while keeping clear communication with clients to update them on event progress and any necessary adjustments.
• Risk management and problem-solving: Anticipating and addressing potential issues, such as weather disruptions or vendor cancellations, to ensure contingency plans are in place for a seamless event experience.

7. Media producer

• Average salary: $55,516 per year
• Job outlook: About 109,500 job openings annually

A media producer is responsible for overseeing the creation and development of various media content, including video productions, television shows, films, podcasts, and digital media. They manage the creative and logistical aspects of production, ensuring that projects align with the vision, budget, and deadlines. Media producers collaborate with different teams to deliver high-quality, engaging content to their target audience.

Their role includes:

• Content development: Conceptualizing and planning media projects, including scripts, storyboards, and production schedules, to ensure a clear and compelling narrative.
• Project management: Overseeing the production process from pre-production to post-production, ensuring timelines and budgets are met while maintaining creative quality.
• Team coordination: Working with directors, writers, camera operators, editors, and other production staff to ensure smooth workflow and effective collaboration.
• Technical oversight: Managing equipment, set design, lighting, and sound to ensure high-quality production standards.
• Editing and post-production: Supervising the editing process, adding visual effects, music, and other elements to enhance the final product before distribution.
• Industry trend monitoring: Keeping up with media trends, new technologies, and audience preferences to create relevant and competitive content.

8. Writer and publisher

• Average salary: $91,290 per year
• Job outlook: 5%, with 15,100 job openings annually

Writers focus on crafting compelling narratives, while publishers oversee the production, marketing, and distribution of written works. Together, they ensure high-quality content reaches the right audience effectively.

Their role includes:

• Content creation: Writing original and engaging material, such as fiction, non-fiction, articles, or scripts, tailored to the target audience.
• Editing and proofreading: Reviewing and refining content for clarity, accuracy, and consistency before publication.
• Publishing and distribution: Managing the process of turning a manuscript into a published work, including formatting, printing, or digital distribution.
• Marketing and promotion: Developing strategies to promote books, articles, or publications through advertising, social media, and partnerships.
• Industry and market research: Staying informed about publishing trends, reader preferences, and industry standards to produce relevant and competitive content.
• Collaboration with designers and editors: Working with graphic designers, editors, and other professionals to ensure the final product is visually appealing and professionally crafted.

9. Advertising Account Executive

• Average salary: $40,871 per year
• Job outlook: 8%, with about 36,600 job openings annually

An advertising account executive is responsible for managing client relationships and overseeing advertising campaigns to ensure they meet business objectives. They act as a bridge between clients and creative teams, ensuring campaigns are executed effectively and deliver results. Their role requires strong communication, negotiation, and project management skills to maintain successful partnerships and drive brand success.

Their role includes:

• Client relationship management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs, and providing strategic advertising solutions.
• Campaign planning and execution: Coordinating with creative, media, and marketing teams to develop and implement advertising campaigns that align with client goals.
• Budgeting and cost management: Managing campaign budgets and ensuring cost-effective strategies while delivering high-quality results.
• Market research and strategy development: Analyzing market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor strategies to create targeted and impactful advertising solutions.
• Performance tracking and reporting: Monitoring campaign performance, analyzing key metrics, and providing reports to clients with recommendations for improvement.
• Collaboration with creative teams: Working closely with designers, copywriters, and media planners to ensure cohesive messaging and high-quality campaign execution.

Communication Skills to Thrive Across Career Fields

Effective communication is the key to building relationships, influencing decisions, and achieving success in any profession. Whether presenting ideas, resolving conflicts, or engaging with diverse audiences, strong communication skills set individuals apart in the workplace. 

That's exactly what a degree in communication does. It equips you with strong communication skills to help build relationships, convey ideas effectively, and adapt to different workplace dynamics. These skills are critical for leadership, teamwork, and career growth in fields such as marketing, public relations, media, corporate communication, and beyond.

Key communication skills include:

• Verbal and written communication
• Interpersonal skills
• Public speaking and presentation
• Persuasive and negotiation skills
• Media and digital communication
• Crisis and conflict management

Challenges and Considerations

While rewarding, pursuing a career with a communication degree comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. One of the main challenges is the competitive nature of the field. Media and communication industries can be highly competitive, with more candidates than available positions, especially in prestigious or high-profile roles. Graduates must often start in entry-level positions and work their way up, which can require significant time and effort.

Another consideration is the need for continual skill development and adaptability. The fields of media and communication are constantly evolving with new technologies and platforms, requiring professionals to stay current with the latest trends and tools. This might involve ongoing education and training, which can be both time-consuming and costly.

Additionally, the variability in job stability and freelance work can be challenging for many. Careers in this field can sometimes offer less job security than those in more traditional fields, with fluctuating workloads and the need to continually seek new contracts or projects.

Is a Communication Degree Worth It?

When considering the value of a communication degree, it's important to look at factors like job prospects, salary potential and personal fulfillment. To start, projections show that employment in media and communication occupations is expected to grow at an average rate, with about 109,500 new openings each year due to growth and replacements. Additionally, the median annual wage for these occupations is $66,320, notably higher than the median for all occupations.

These figures indicate that a communication degree can offer solid job opportunities and good earning potential. Moreover, for those passionate about media, journalism, public relations or marketing, the degree can be especially fulfilling. It opens doors to dynamic and creative work environments where you can make a positive impact through various media forms.

Ultimately, while there are challenges, the advantages of a communication degree—such as career flexibility, creative expression and the chance to influence public discourse—make it a worthwhile endeavor for many.

The Bottom Line

As we've seen, a communication degree is not just a path of study—it's a gateway to diverse roles in every corner of the professional world. These degrees cultivate not only the art of effective communication but also the strategic thinking and digital proficiency that today's industries demand. At the University of North Dakota, both the bachelor's and master's in Communication offer this comprehensive training, ideally suited for those looking to thrive in a connected, global society.

For those contemplating the breadth of their educational journey, consider pairing a communication degree with another discipline. Take inspiration from UND alumna Laura Christian, who combined her studies in Norwegian and strategic communication with intercultural specialization at UND. 

For Laura, this unique combination not only revived a lifelong ambition but also enabled her to manage her commitments as a single mother and a full-time employee, all while enriching her professional and personal life. She has leveraged the flexibility and depth of UND's online programs to craft an educational experience that has been, in her words, "the highlight of my life right now."

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