Career Information

With a Communication Degree...

What skills would I acquire?

What are some Job Search Strategies?

A bachelor’s degree in Communication provides an excellent liberal arts foundation for employment or additional graduate education in business, education, social sciences, and health sciences. Graduates from our department have been employed most often in education (teaching and administration), management, sales, media, social services, health care, public relations/customer service and finance. With further academic study students also often have careers in law, higher education, counseling and the ministry.

What skills do communication students acquire?

The National Communication Association (NCA) notes that The U.S. Department of Labor lists a number of qualities required for top job performance. We study at least ten of these in Communication: "Listening, speaking, creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, reasoning, self-esteem, sociability, self-management and integrity/honesty." This publication also remark upon our teaching the particular skills of "interviewing, listening, planning and conducting meetings, resolving conflicts, and public speaking" (Pathways to Careers in Communication, 1995, p. 1).

Possible job titles for B.A. and B.A. Ed. graduates

Advertising account executive	High School speech Teacher	Political analyst
advertising executive	Hotel manager	Political campaign director
Anchorperson	Human resources manager	Politician
Arts administrator	Human rights officer	Public affairs director
Business manager	Journalist	Public information officer
Child language specialist	Labor relations consultant	Public opinion researcher
College recruiter	Language arts teacher	Public relations officer
Communication consultant	Lawyer	Public speaker
Communication researcher	Legal communication consultant	Publications editor
Communication statistician	Legislative assistant	Publicist
Community affairs liaison	Legislative correspondent	Radio talk-show host
Community college speech instructor	Lighting technician	Recreational supervisor
Community relations director	Linguist	Reporter
Customer service representative	Market researcher	Script writer
Developmental officer	Marketing communication manager	Sound technician
Diplomatic host/hostess	Marketing specialist	Speech writer
Director of corporate communication	Media account executive	Sports publicist
Employment interviewer	Media buyer	Sports announcer
Entertainer	Media critic	Student activities director
Entrepreneur	Mediation specialist	Telecom. specialist
Film director	Medical communication trainer	Telemarketing manager
Forensics/debate director	Mental health professional	Theatre manager
Fund Raiser	Minister	Tour guide
Government lobbyist	Nonprofit organization director	Training specialist
Governmental press secretary	Parliamentarian	University Professor
Health services manager	Political activist

Which Line of Work is For You

Probably the best way to figure out the "right fit" in a job is to clarify what interests you the most. Do your research. Think about the kinds of work you are interested in, and learn everything you can about your top two or three areas of interest. What inspires you most? Also think about your own natural strengths and abilities, as well as your values. How do you see yourself, and where do you see yourself working? How do you really want to spend your time? What specific goals do you wish to achieve? What type of company or organization would you like to work with? What kinds of people do you wish to work with?

Look through the resources listed in this web site, and use all the resources available to you at Western’s Career Services Center. The Center is the best resource for assistance with career planning, assessments, internships, job market information, job search services, and alumni services. The Career Center offers individual counseling as well as a wide variety of workshops.

Consider Doing an Internship

Internships give you experience with many possible careers. Check out our internship site for more information.

Job Search Strategies

Use the resources available to you through Western’s Career Services Centerin Old Main 280.
As early as your junior year, attend job search workshops. Learn how to research companies, promote your skills and experience, and identify the hidden job market. The Career Services Center offers several workshops throughout each quarter to help students with every topic you can think of:
- Job Search Strategies
- Resume writing
- Cover letter writing
- Interviewing techniques
- Developing an internship
- Getting into graduate school
Attend career fairs and other events. Several career fairs and other events are offered throughout the year to help students and alumni research employers and job opportunities. Check the special events schedule to see what events are scheduled for this quarter.
During you senior year, register with the Career Services Center to take full advantage of job search services, including on-campus interviews and the candidate referral program.
Also, participate in on-campus recruiting. Businesses, industry and government organizations recruit during fall, winter, and spring quarters.
Contact agencies, companies or organizations you would like to work for and see if they’re hiring
Check with state employment opportunity office
Talk with parents and other about job possibilities in their companies
Check local newspaper classified ads — especially on Sunday
Consider volunteer or internship positions (these sometimes lead to paid positions)
Call employment/temporary placement agencies
Check the Internet for job posting web sites