Welcome to the Communications Career Community!
A communications degree can lead to careers in a range of fields, such as marketing, writing, human resources, and politics. In today’s information age, the ability to communicate effectively is a critical skill valued in nearly every industry. With a communications degree, you’ll learn to share information clearly and transparently, fostering trust and collaboration in the workplace, which leads to improved problem-solving and a positive work environment. The communications field is a fast-paced environment. Because communication is intertwined with technology, it is constantly evolving. Those in media and communication occupations can continue to see growth in the industry – about 3% through 2032, which is as fast as average for all occupations. Discover what you can do with a communications degree, a versatile credential that equips you with skills to excel in various industries!



What Can I Do With My Degree? Communications
With a degree in communications, you have a versatile skill set that opens up various career opportunities:
- You can pursue roles in public relations, where you manage communication between an organization and its audience, crafting positive narratives and managing crises.
- In marketing, communication graduates can contribute to advertising, branding, and content creation, helping companies effectively reach their target audience.
- Journalism is another path, where you can work as reporters, editors, or broadcasters, informing the public about current events.
- Additionally, roles in corporate communication involve crafting internal messages and maintaining a positive corporate image. With digital communication skills, you can explore careers in social media management, content creation, and digital marketing, leveraging online platforms to connect with audiences.
Overall, a communications degree offers a diverse range of opportunities in the fields of media, marketing, public relations, journalism, and corporate communication!
Explore Career Paths
Entry-level communications professionals have various career paths to explore, depending on their interests and skills. These entry-level roles provide a foundation for developing key skills in communication, writing, marketing, and public relations. As professionals gain experience and skills, they can explore more specialized roles and advance in their careers within the field of communications. Networking, internships, and continuous learning are crucial for building a successful career in communications. Here are ten entry-level career paths for communications professionals:
Titles to explore:
- Public Relations Assistant:
- Responsibilities: Assist in developing and maintaining a positive public image for clients or organizations through media relations and communication strategies.
- Social Media Coordinator:
- Responsibilities: Manage and create content for social media platforms, engage with followers, and implement social media strategies to enhance brand presence.
- Content Writer/Editor:
- Responsibilities: Produce written content for various platforms, including blogs, websites, press releases, and marketing materials.
- Marketing Assistant:
- Responsibilities: Support marketing efforts by assisting in the development and implementation of marketing campaigns, market research, and content creation.
- Event Coordinator:
- Responsibilities: Assist in planning and executing events, conferences, and promotional activities to enhance brand visibility and engagement.
- Digital Marketing Assistant:
- Responsibilities: Support digital marketing initiatives, including email campaigns, online advertising, and content creation for digital platforms.
- Communications Specialist/Coordinator:
- Responsibilities: Assist in developing and implementing communication plans, internal communications, and external messaging strategies.
- Media Assistant:
- Responsibilities: Support media relations efforts, including drafting press releases, managing media lists, and coordinating interviews.
- Marketing Research Assistant:
- Responsibilities: Assist in conducting market research, analyzing data, and preparing reports to support marketing and communication strategies.
- Customer Support Specialist:
- Responsibilities: Provide excellent customer service through effective communication with customers, addressing inquiries, and resolving issues.
- Junior Copywriter:
- Responsibilities: Create compelling and concise copy for advertisements, marketing materials, and promotional content.
Mid-level communications professionals with several years of experience can explore more specialized and leadership-oriented career paths within the field. These mid-level roles often involve greater responsibility, strategic decision-making, and leadership responsibilities. Professionals in these positions are expected to contribute significantly to the organization’s overall communication strategy and play a key role in shaping the brand image. Continuous professional development, staying updated on industry trends, and building a strong professional network are crucial for success in mid-level communication roles. Here are ten mid-level career paths for communications professionals:
- Public Relations Manager:
- Responsibilities: Lead and manage public relations campaigns, oversee media relations, and contribute to the development of strategic communication plans.
- Corporate Communications Manager/Director:
- Responsibilities: Oversee internal and external communications for a company, ensuring consistent messaging, and managing communication strategies.
- Social Media Manager/Director:
- Responsibilities: Lead social media strategies, manage a team of social media coordinators, and develop comprehensive plans to enhance brand visibility.
- Content Strategist:
- Responsibilities: Develop and implement content strategies aligned with organizational goals, overseeing content creation, distribution, and performance analysis.
- Marketing Manager:
- Responsibilities: Lead marketing initiatives, develop marketing strategies, and oversee the implementation of campaigns to achieve organizational objectives.
- Digital Marketing Manager/Director:
- Responsibilities: Lead digital marketing efforts, including online advertising, SEO, email campaigns, and content marketing.
- Internal Communications Manager/Director:
- Responsibilities: Lead internal communication initiatives, ensuring effective communication within the organization, and developing employee engagement strategies.
- Media Relations Manager/Director:
- Responsibilities: Lead media relations efforts, manage relationships with journalists, and contribute to crisis communication strategies.
- Brand Manager/Director:
- Responsibilities: Oversee brand development and management, ensuring consistency in brand messaging and positioning across various channels.
- Content Director/Head of Content:
- Responsibilities: Lead content teams, oversee content creation, strategy, and distribution, and align content initiatives with organizational objectives.
- Strategic Communications Consultant:
- Responsibilities: Work as an independent consultant or within a consultancy firm, providing strategic communication advice and solutions to clients.
Senior-level communications professionals, with extensive experience and leadership skills, have the opportunity to take on strategic and executive roles within organizations. Senior-level communications professionals at this stage of their careers often play a crucial role in shaping the organization’s reputation, influencing key decisions, and driving overall success. They are responsible for providing strategic communication counsel to executive leadership, navigating complex communication challenges, and ensuring alignment between communication efforts and business objectives. Continuous professional development, industry engagement, and a strong executive presence are essential for success at the senior level. Here are ten senior-level career paths for communications professionals:
- Chief Communications Officer (CCO):
- Responsibilities: Lead the overall communication strategy of an organization, serve as a key advisor to senior leadership, and oversee all communication functions.
- Vice President of Corporate Communications:
- Responsibilities: Manage and lead corporate communication initiatives, contribute to strategic decision-making, and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
- Director of Public Relations and External Affairs:
- Responsibilities: Lead external relations, public affairs, and media relations strategies, shaping the organization’s public image and managing relationships with key stakeholders.
- Head of Marketing and Communications:
- Responsibilities: Oversee integrated marketing and communication strategies, ensuring brand consistency and alignment with business objectives.
- Chief Marketing Officer (CMO):
- Responsibilities: Lead the overall marketing strategy, including communication, brand management, and customer engagement, contributing to the organization’s growth.
- Director of Digital Strategy:
- Responsibilities: Oversee the digital communication strategy, including online presence, social media, and digital marketing initiatives.
- Chief Brand Officer:
- Responsibilities: Lead brand development and management, ensuring brand alignment with organizational values, and contributing to overall brand strategy.
- Senior Director of Internal Communications:
- Responsibilities: Oversee internal communication initiatives, engage with senior leadership, and ensure effective communication across the organization.
- Senior Public Relations Consultant:
- Responsibilities: Work as an independent consultant or within a consultancy firm, providing high-level strategic communication advice to clients.
- Head of Crisis Communications:
- Responsibilities: Lead crisis communication planning and response efforts, ensuring effective communication during challenging situations.
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO):
- Responsibilities: In some cases, communications professionals may ascend to the role of CEO, leading the entire organization.
Join Professional Associations & Know Your Skills
Communications professionals can benefit from joining professional associations that offer networking opportunities, professional development resources, and industry insights. These professional associations provide valuable opportunities for communications professionals to stay informed about industry trends, connect with peers, and access resources to enhance their skills and knowledge. Joining such associations can contribute to career development and provide a supportive community within the field of communications. Here are ten top professional associations for communications professionals:
- Public Relations Society of America (PRSA):
- Website: PRSA
- Description: PRSA is one of the largest professional organizations for public relations and communications professionals, offering networking events, training, and resources.
- International Association of Business Communicators (IABC):
- Website: IABC
- Description: IABC is a global association for communication professionals, providing resources, professional development opportunities, and a network of professionals.
- American Marketing Association (AMA):
- Website: AMA
- Description: While focused on marketing, AMA provides valuable resources for professionals involved in marketing communications and offers events, training, and publications.
- National Communication Association (NCA):
- Website: NCA
- Description: NCA is an academic association dedicated to the study and practice of communication, offering resources, conferences, and publications.
- International Public Relations Association (IPRA):
- Website: IPRA
- Description: IPRA is a global organization for public relations professionals, promoting high professional standards and providing networking opportunities.
- Association for Women in Communications (AWC):
- Website: AWC
- Description: AWC is dedicated to empowering women in the communications field, offering networking events, mentorship programs, and professional development.
- Association of National Advertisers (ANA):
- Website: ANA
- Description: ANA is focused on advertising and marketing, providing resources and events for professionals involved in advertising communications.
- Society for Technical Communication (STC):
- Website: STC
- Description: STC is dedicated to technical communication professionals, offering resources, conferences, and a community for those in the technical communication field.
- International Association for Measurement and Evaluation of Communication (AMEC):
- Website: AMEC
- Description: AMEC focuses on measurement and evaluation in communications, providing standards and resources for professionals in this field.
- Digital Analytics Association (DAA):
- Website: DAA
- Description: DAA is for professionals involved in digital analytics, offering resources, certifications, and events for those in digital communications.
Communications professionals can enhance their skills and credibility by earning certifications and micro-credentials that are recognized in the industry. These certifications and micro-credentials can help communications professionals demonstrate expertise in specific areas, stay current with industry trends, and enhance their professional profiles. The choice of certification may depend on individual career goals, areas of interest, and the specific skills one aims to develop. Here are some top recommended certifications and micro-credentials for communications professionals:
Certifications:
- Accreditation in Public Relations (APR):
- Issued by: Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
- Description: APR is a credential for public relations professionals, demonstrating a high level of knowledge, skills, and ethical standards.
- Certified Strategic Communication Management Professional (CSCMP):
- Issued by: International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)
- Description: CSCMP is a certification for communication professionals, focusing on strategic communication management skills.
- Google Analytics Individual Qualification (GAIQ):
- Issued by: Google
- Description: GAIQ certifies proficiency in Google Analytics, which is essential for professionals involved in digital marketing and web analytics.
- Hootsuite Social Marketing Certification:
- Issued by: Hootsuite
- Description: This certification validates expertise in social media marketing and management using the Hootsuite platform.
- Content Marketing Institute Online Certification:
- Issued by: Content Marketing Institute
- Description: Content Marketing Institute offers various certifications covering content marketing strategies, tactics, and best practices.
- Digital Marketing Institute Professional Certification:
- Issued by: Digital Marketing Institute
- Description: DMI offers a range of certifications covering various aspects of digital marketing, including social media, SEO, and content strategy.
- HubSpot Content Marketing Certification:
- Issued by: HubSpot Academy
- Description: HubSpot’s certification focuses on content marketing strategies and best practices.
- Certification in Crisis Communication:
- Issued by: PRSA
- Description: PRSA offers a crisis communication certification for professionals dealing with communication during challenging situations.
Micro-Credentials:
- LinkedIn Learning Certificates:
- Issued by: LinkedIn Learning
- Description: LinkedIn Learning offers a variety of certificates in communication-related topics, including business writing, public speaking, and storytelling.
- Coursera Specializations:
- Issued by: Various institutions on Coursera
- Description: Coursera offers specializations in areas such as digital marketing, public relations, and communication strategies.
- edX Professional Certificate Programs:
- Issued by: Various institutions on edX
- Description: edX provides professional certificate programs covering communication, marketing, and related fields.
- Skillshare Communication Courses:
- Issued by: Skillshare
- Description: Skillshare offers various communication courses that contribute to skill development in areas such as writing, storytelling, and public speaking.
- Udemy Communication Skills Courses:
- Issued by: Udemy
- Description: Udemy provides a range of courses on communication skills, including business communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Toastmasters International Educational Achievements:
- Issued by: Toastmasters International
- Description: Toastmasters offers a structured program for improving public speaking and leadership skills, leading to various educational achievements.
Communications professionals use a variety of software tools and skills to effectively convey messages, manage information, and engage with audiences. Continuous learning, staying updated on industry trends, and adapting to new technologies are essential for communications professionals to excel in their roles. The combination of software proficiency and a diverse skill set enhances the capabilities of communications professionals in a dynamic and evolving field. Here are some top recommended software and skills for communications professionals:
Software Tools:
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint):
- Skills: Proficient in creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations for internal and external communication.
- Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator):
- Skills: Graphic design skills for creating visually appealing materials, including brochures, infographics, and social media graphics.
- Hootsuite or Buffer:
- Skills: Social media management skills for scheduling posts, monitoring social channels, and analyzing social media performance.
- Grammarly:
- Skills: Writing and editing skills enhanced by Grammarly for grammar and style checking.
- WordPress or other Content Management Systems (CMS):
- Skills: Content creation and website management skills for maintaining online platforms.
- Mailchimp or Constant Contact:
- Skills: Email marketing skills for designing and managing email campaigns.
- Canva:
- Skills: Design skills for creating visually appealing graphics and presentations, especially for social media.
- Google Analytics:
- Skills: Data analysis skills to understand website and content performance.
- Zoom or Microsoft Teams:
- Skills: Proficient in conducting virtual meetings and webinars for internal and external communication.
- SurveyMonkey or Typeform:
- Skills: Survey creation skills for gathering feedback and conducting research.
Skills:
- Writing and Editing:
- Description: Clear and effective writing, editing, and proofreading skills for various communication materials.
- Strategic Communication:
- Description: Ability to develop and execute communication strategies aligned with organizational goals.
- Media Relations:
- Description: Skills in building relationships with media outlets, writing press releases, and managing media inquiries.
- Social Media Management:
- Description: Proficiency in managing and strategizing social media content across platforms.
- Crisis Communication:
- Description: Ability to manage communication during crises, including developing crisis communication plans and responding effectively.
- Content Creation:
- Description: Skills in creating engaging and relevant content for various channels, including blogs, articles, and videos.
- Public Speaking:
- Description: Effective verbal communication skills for public speaking engagements and presentations.
- Brand Management:
- Description: Skills in maintaining and enhancing brand identity through consistent messaging and visual elements.
- Data Analysis:
- Description: Basic data analysis skills to measure and analyze communication metrics, such as website traffic and social media engagement.
- Interpersonal Communication:
- Description: Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication within teams and with external stakeholders.
- Digital Marketing Knowledge:
- Description: Understanding digital marketing concepts, including SEO, SEM, and online advertising.
- Project Management:
- Description: Basic project management skills to effectively plan and execute communication campaigns.
Impact of AI (Artificial Intelligence) on Communications
AI will make communications careers more efficient, data-driven, and creative. Still, it will require professionals to continuously adapt to new technologies, gain new skills, and navigate the ethical implications of using AI. In the next five years, AI is likely to significantly shape and transform communications careers in several key ways:
1. Automation of Routine Tasks
AI tools will automate many repetitive and administrative tasks in communications roles. For example, content generation, media monitoring, and reporting can be handled by AI systems, allowing professionals to focus on more strategic, creative, and high-level activities.
- Press release drafting: AI can generate drafts based on brief inputs, making the process faster.
- Social media management: AI-driven tools can schedule posts, analyze trends, and even respond to customer queries automatically.
2. Data-Driven Decision Making
AI will enable communication professionals to make more data-driven decisions. By analyzing large volumes of data, AI can identify trends, audience preferences, and the effectiveness of different communication strategies. This will improve how campaigns are designed, targeted, and measured.
- Sentiment analysis: AI will help in understanding public sentiment by analyzing social media conversations or customer feedback.
- Personalization: AI can tailor content for specific audiences, optimizing engagement and response rates.
3. Improved Content Creation
AI-powered tools will help communications professionals generate high-quality content more efficiently. These tools can assist in writing, editing, and even crafting visuals or video content, which will enable communicators to scale their output while maintaining quality.
- Visual content generation: AI could assist in creating custom visuals or infographics based on data inputs, speeding up content production.
- Copywriting: AI will help in creating tailored messaging for various platforms and audiences, streamlining the writing process.
4. Enhanced Crisis Communication
AI systems can monitor news, social media, and other digital channels in real time, offering early warnings about potential PR crises. These tools can analyze the tone of public discussions and provide insights on how to respond, helping communication professionals react quickly and effectively.
5. New Roles and Skillsets
The integration of AI in communications will create new job roles, such as AI content strategist or data analyst for communications teams. Professionals will need to upskill in areas like data analysis, AI tool proficiency, and digital storytelling to stay competitive in the field.
- AI training: Communications professionals will need to understand how to work alongside AI, guiding AI tools in content creation, data interpretation, and communication strategy.
- Ethics and AI: With AI becoming more involved in communications, there will be a growing need for professionals to focus on ethical issues related to privacy, data handling, and the authenticity of AI-generated content.
6. Greater Efficiency and Collaboration
AI can foster more collaborative environments by streamlining internal communication, improving project management, and facilitating more efficient workflow systems. Teams will be able to share insights, track campaign progress, and refine strategies in real-time.
7. Challenges and Ethical Considerations
As AI continues to advance, communication professionals will have to address ethical concerns, including ensuring the transparency of AI-generated content, maintaining authenticity in messaging, and protecting user privacy. Additionally, there will likely be increased scrutiny around AI bias and the potential for misinformation.
AI is very likely to change specific roles for communications professionals, though the extent of the change will vary depending on the nature of the role and the level of automation that can be achieved. Human expertise will remain essential for strategy, creativity, emotional intelligence, and the nuanced aspects of communication. Professionals who adapt to AI tools and focus on high-value tasks will continue to thrive, while those in more routine roles may see their responsibilities evolve or be reduced. Here’s a breakdown of how AI is expected to affect different communication roles:
1. Public Relations (PR) Professionals
Changes Expected:
- Media Monitoring & Analysis: AI tools will enhance the ability to monitor media outlets, track mentions of a brand, and analyze sentiment. This will automate a significant portion of media monitoring, potentially reducing the need for manual monitoring roles.
- Crisis Management: AI can detect potential PR crises in real time by analyzing social media and news trends. PR professionals will use AI-generated insights to react more quickly but still handle the strategic and nuanced response.
- Press Release Drafting: AI can assist in drafting basic press releases or media statements, but the human touch will still be necessary for tailoring the message and ensuring it aligns with brand voice and strategy.
Impact: Moderate to High. Routine tasks such as monitoring and drafting could be automated, but PR professionals will still be needed for strategic oversight and human interaction in crisis situations or sensitive communications.
2. Content Creators/Copywriters
Changes Expected:
- Automated Content Generation: AI tools like GPT-based models can generate articles, blog posts, and even social media updates based on specified parameters. This can be particularly useful for creating high-volume content quickly.
- SEO Optimization: AI can assist in optimizing content for search engines, ensuring that copy aligns with the latest SEO trends and best practices.
- Personalization: AI can tailor content to individual audience segments, enhancing engagement and response rates without requiring significant manual effort.
Impact: High. Routine writing and content production may be increasingly automated, but creative, long-form writing, storytelling, and content that requires a distinctive voice will still require human expertise.
3. Social Media Managers
Changes Expected:
- Content Scheduling & Engagement: AI can automatically schedule posts, analyze engagement patterns, and suggest optimal posting times. It can also handle basic customer service interactions on social media through chatbots.
- Social Listening & Sentiment Analysis: AI can scan social media platforms for mentions, analyze public sentiment, and provide insights on emerging trends, helping social media managers tailor strategies.
- Trend Identification: AI can track trends and suggest content ideas based on what’s gaining traction, which could significantly reduce the manual research involved.
Impact: Moderate. AI will automate much of the monitoring and engagement processes, but social media managers will still be essential for overseeing strategy, handling nuanced interactions, and creating high-quality content.
4. Marketing Communications/Content Strategists
Changes Expected:
- Campaign Optimization: AI can analyze data from ongoing campaigns in real time, offering insights that help refine messaging, timing, and targeting. This reduces the need for manual data analysis.
- Audience Segmentation: AI will enhance the ability to segment audiences based on behaviors, preferences, and interactions, enabling more personalized and targeted campaigns.
- Performance Tracking & Reporting: AI can generate performance reports, measure KPIs, and provide recommendations for improving marketing communications, saving time on manual tracking.
Impact: Moderate to High. AI will enhance the ability to gather and interpret data, but human input will still be crucial for understanding the broader strategy, creativity, and unique brand voice.
5. Internal Communications Professionals
Changes Expected:
- Content Creation & Distribution: AI can help generate internal communications content such as newsletters or employee announcements, and distribute it through the right channels at the right times.
- Employee Sentiment Analysis: AI can analyze internal communications and employee feedback to gauge sentiment and engagement, helping internal communicators tailor messaging more effectively.
- Crisis Communication: AI can assist in identifying issues or dissatisfaction within the workforce and alert communications teams about potential crises or morale issues before they escalate.
Impact: Moderate. AI will support routine content creation and sentiment analysis, but the strategic human role of maintaining company culture and managing sensitive internal communication will remain essential.
6. Speechwriters/Brand Storytellers
Changes Expected:
- Speech Drafting Assistance: AI can generate drafts of speeches or presentations, but human input will be required for refining tone, ensuring emotional resonance, and aligning with the speaker’s unique style.
- Brand Messaging: AI may assist in maintaining consistency in messaging across multiple platforms, but brand storytellers will remain critical for ensuring authenticity and creating compelling narratives.
Impact: Low to Moderate. While AI can assist with the technical aspects of content creation, the core creative role of developing impactful brand stories and speeches remains human-centric.
7. Media Buyers/Advertising Professionals
Changes Expected:
- Automated Ad Buying: AI is already heavily involved in programmatic advertising, automatically buying and placing ads based on data-driven algorithms.
- Audience Targeting: AI will refine audience segmentation even further, using behavioral data to ensure ads reach the most relevant consumers at the most effective times.
- Creative Optimization: AI tools can test different ad variations and optimize creatives for the best performance, potentially reducing the need for human involvement in creative testing.
Impact: Moderate to High. Much of the ad placement, targeting, and creative optimization will be automated, but strategic decision-making, budget allocation, and brand oversight will still require human input.
8. Crisis Communication Experts
Changes Expected:
- Predictive Analytics: AI can track and predict potential crises based on real-time data, enabling communication professionals to anticipate and prepare for issues more effectively.
- Rapid Response: AI can help generate initial responses or identify key stakeholders, but the human role of managing the tone, public perception, and emotional aspects of a crisis will remain critical.
Impact: Low. While AI will enhance preparedness and response speed, the core function of navigating crises with empathy, human judgment, and strategic communication will still require experienced professionals.
Summary of Likely Changes
- High Impact: Content creation, social media management, PR (media monitoring and drafting), and advertising (programmatic buying and optimization).
- Moderate Impact: Marketing communications, internal communications, media buying, and crisis communication (with AI supporting strategic roles).
- Low Impact: Speechwriting, brand storytelling, and high-level strategy (where creativity, human intuition, and emotional intelligence are key).
Explore Careers By Major

What Can I Do With This Major? features 100 major profiles with information on common jobs and career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, and strategies to maximize opportunities. Scroll to the bottom of each profile for links to professional associations, occupational outlook information, and job search resources.