Communication Studies

A truly encompassing major, a degree in Communication Studies spans many fields: policy, politics, international development, mass media and new media just to name a few. A Communication degree can lead to career options in a variety of professions and sectors. Whether you choose to pursue a job in public relations, event coordination, training or media, majoring in Communication can prepare you to tackle the different communication demands of both public and private enterprises and organizations.

Career options in communication studies

This list is not exhaustive but provides an idea of what options graduates have and what they have gone on to do. Some options are more directly associated with a Communication degree than others.

  • Advertising Executive
  • Advertising Planner
  • Bank Manager
  • Bank Research Analyst
  • Brand Manager
  • Broadcast Technician
  • Broadcaster
  • Business Administrator
  • Business Developer
  • Communication Specialist
  • Compensation Coordinator
  • Consumer Advocate
  • Copywriter
  • Corporate Trainer
  • Editor
  • Entrepreneur
  • Event Planner
  • Executive Assistant
  • Fundraiser
  • General Manager
  • Human Resource Manager
  • Journalist
  • Labour Relations Specialist
  • Lawyer
  • Legal Secretary
  • Legislative Aid
  • Lobbyist
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Media Producer
  • Merchandiser
  • Non-profit Administrator
  • Paralegal
  • Policy Advisor
  • Policy Researcher
  • Politician
  • Professor
  • Proofreader
  • Public Administrator
  • Public Affairs Coordinator
  • Public Relations Consultant
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Public Speaking Coach
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Researcher
  • Risk Manager
  • Sales Manager
  • Speechwriter
  • Stockbroker
  • Teacher
  • Tourism Consultant
  • Trade Show Representative

 

NOTE: Some of these career choices may require additional education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential education, or professional formative courses and exams. For a more in-depth description and overall background of some of the careers mentioned above, refer to Job Bank’s Trend Analysis tool by typing the job title into the search engine.  

 

Additionally, consider visiting the Career Cruising website. To locate the university’s username and password, you must login to Experience York using your Passport York information. It can be found under the “Career Education & Development” drop-down menu on the left then under “Career Development Tools”. 

Skills Developed through a communication studies Degree

A background in Communication ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges.

Core Communication Skills

  • A comprehensive understanding of communication as a complex social process focusing on both traditional forms of mass communication and new media
  • A critical understanding of the nature of communication and information
  • The ability to clearly communicate your knowledge to others, including the ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written communications

Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

  • Public speaking skills and the ability to present your ideas in front of others with confidence
  • Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
  • An ability to prepare oral and written presentations and reports
  • The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
  • The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
  • The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas

Management and Teamwork

  • The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project’s intended and successful end result
  • The ability to lead and interact with different people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
  • The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems
  • The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field.