A master’s degree in communication is one of the most versatile graduate degrees a person can get when it comes to the modern professional market. Communication degrees can vary widely according to the area of focus, however, they will usually concentrate on teaching students how they can use important tools for communicating through voice, written word, and other solutions. Communication courses look at everything from spelling and grammar, to style, and video too.
A master’s in communication degree can open up a lot of professional doors because it teaches people how to communicate effectively and write well; these are two features that are highly desirable in almost any industry. Communication students also learn how to research for the topic at hand, which can also be a very useful skill to have, regardless of whether you’re researching for opportunities in the market, or writing an important press release for a startup business.
As you can see, there are a number of places that a masters in communications degree can take you, and currently the career field is growing increasingly bigger and better, thanks to the contemporary implementations of new technology and forms of communication like social media, text messaging, and more. Here, we’ll take a look at five of the most popular careers with a masters in communication degree.
#1 Author, Editor, or Writer
When it comes to a master’s in communication degree, there are few careers that are more perfectly suited than those associated with writing and reading. Communications students learn how to use the written word to their advantage, and with a career as a writer, author, or editor, you can do just that. Since the digital world has led to an increased need for things like copywriters and bloggers, you could even take your writing skills to the internet and work on a freelance basis and choose the working hours that suit your needs.
While writers are more involved with creating the words and phrases that help people comprehend what they want to say on paper, editors are focused on reviewing and revising the work of other writers. As a writer, you might be responsible for creating product descriptions for a company or helping to write scripts for movies. As an editor, you might assist with making sure that the content other people produce is good enough to be published in certain publications.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers and authors had a median salary of $61,240 per year as of May 2016. While only a bachelor’s degree is necessary, a master’s degree could earn you better salaries.
#2 Public Relations Manager or Communications Director
These two job titles are often used interchangeably by some people who are seeking a career after getting a master’s degree in communications. However, the truth is that these roles can sometimes represent a range of slightly different tasks. While public relations managers work to improve the image of company or client, they might not focus entirely on communications. Although communications plays a huge role in public relations in the form of sponsorship, social media interactions, and press releases, there are other jobs to consider.
Communications directors, on the other hand, can be more focused on promoting the products and services of a company, rather than on enhancing the company’s reputation. The duties for each career will depend on the size of the company and the details of the job title. However, both of these careers will often involve conducting market research and coming up with campaign ideas to improve business reputation.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, public relations managers had a median salary of $107,320 per year as of May 2016.
#3 Advertising Manager
A master’s degree in communication could help you get a career in advertising. The duties of advertising managers might include offline advertising, such as creating television commercials or flyers for use in magazines; or it could involve online advertising in the form of online copywriting, video creation, and social media marketing. Depending on your technical skills and the kind of career you want to have, there are various opportunities available.
Most of the time, your career will involve dealing with various marketing ideas and materials, and helping to run the creative side of advertising a business. You’ll work with artists to ensure that you create materials that attract customers and improve the reputation of the business. Some advertising copywriters that work online today are able to work on a freelance basis for companies all over the world.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, advertising, promotional, and marketing managers had a median salary of $127,560 per year as of May 2016.
#4 Internal Communications Expert
Most organizations can benefit from an internal communications expert. From non-profit organizations, to hospitals and major corporations, efficient communications is essential in running a successful business. Internal communications specialists are responsible for making sure that the various departments of a business work together harmoniously and effectively. Many large companies will have a huge internal communications department that is responsible for making sure that communication in the workplace is clear.
Some internal communications experts will be expected to write materials, such as style guides, company manifestos, newsletters, and more. They might also be required to oversee the workflow of written content in a company. In smaller companies, internal communications experts can be responsible for extra tasks.
Internal communications specialists might also be referred to as human resources specialists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these professionals had a median salary of $59,180 per year as of May 2016.
#5 Journalist
Journalism is an exciting, fast-paced and competitive career sector for someone with a master’s degree in communication to consider. This allows you to use the communications skills that you had obtained during your coursework to create entertaining and exciting content for a range of publications, including magazines, newspapers, and even various forms of online media. Although you might benefit from an additional certification in journalism, this is not essential.
If you decide to become a journalist, you may be responsible for seeking out stories that are relevant to the publication or company, and conducting interviews with people who might be important to the story you’re writing. You may also be asked to edit and proofread the content that you produce before it’s published. Some journalists even decide to expand their focus and become general bloggers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, journalists are classed as writers or authors, and had a median salary of $61,240 per year as of May 2016.
References
- Writers and Authors. (2015, Dec. 17). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm
- Public Relations and Fundraising Managers. (2015, Dec. 17). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/public-relations-managers.htm
- Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers. (2015, Dec. 17). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm
- Human Resources Specialists. (2015, Dec. 17). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/human-resources-specialists.htm
