Careers in Mass Communication

communication

communication

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in mass communication will increase by 4 percent between 2014-24, creating over 27,000 new jobs. In May 2016, the annual median wage was $54,780.

The top earning careers in media, the arts, marketing, public relations, and journalism require a degree in communication, public relations, or journalism. Those who study the effective exchange of information will be key players in the evolution of media as the transition continues from traditional to a dynamic
online medium.

In 2011, 4.89 percent of the bachelor’s degrees earned were in communications. One in five graduates obtained a job in a related field and the average starting salary was $42,286.

The list of career opportunities is extensive because the skills gained with these degrees are necessary in a diverse number of fields. The honest and creative exchange of information is an integral part of every business.

Skills of Those Effective in the Exchange of Ideas:

  • An understanding of the symbolic meaning of single words and sounds to form structures;
  • Speaking, writing, presenting, debating, and understanding converstion as a human behavior. This ranges from the theoretical aspects of language to the effect communication can have on a target group;
  • The ability to communicate effectively on a team with multiple levels of education;
  • A true understanding of the power of the written and spoken word through investigation in the exchange of information with specific target audiences;
  • Capable of persuading and influencing society;
  • Fundamental marketing concepts;
  • Critical reasoning abilities;
  • Able to visualize the motivation and effect of communication;
  • Problem solving and the knowledge to deliver the solution through advertisements, press releases, speeches, etc;

Employment Opportunities and Median Compensation:

  • Executive Producer – $107,000
  • Social Media Director – $104,000
  • Director of Public Relations – $99,900
  • Public Relations Director – $97,800
  • Marketing Communications Director – $94,400
  • Director, Marketing and Communications – $94,200
  • Director of Communications – $92,200
  • Corporate Communications Manager – $87,000
  • Communications Director – $86,900
  • Content Marketing Manager – $83,400
  • Advertising Broadcast Producer – $83,300
  • Senior Copywriter – $79,500
  • Social Media Strategist – $76,200
  • Public Relations – $76,000
  • Account Supervisor – $$75,200
  • Web Producer – $72,700
  • Media Supervisor – $71,500
  • News Anchor – $69,800
  • Managing Editor – $68,200
  • Public Information Officer – $64,000
  • Social Media Manager – $63,800
  • News Producer – $62,300
  • Marketing Copywriter – $61,500
  • Public Relations Specialist – $60,600
  • Promotions Producer, Television – $60,300
  • Web Editor – $59,400
  • Online Marketing Content Writer – $59,400
  • Marketing Communications Specialist – $58,600
  • Communications Specialist – $58,000
  • News Reporter – $56,500
  • Associate Producer, Film/TV – $55,800
  • Multimedia Specialist – $55,500
  • Staff Writer – $54,300
  • Publicist – $53,900
  • Journalist – $52,000
  • Public Relations Coordinator – $51,900
  • Digital Media Specialist – $51,300
  • Marketing Communications Coordinator – $49,300
  • Communications Coordinator – $48,500
  • Radio Producer – $46,000
  • Account Coordinator – $45,500
  • Social Media Specialist – $45,000
  • Social Media Coordinator – $44,900
  • Photojournalist – $44,700
  • Media Coordinator – $43,200
  • Communications Assistant – $40,000
  • Master Control Operator – $36,500

Participating in an internship, while working toward a degree can be the ideal in finding the best-fitting position after college. In a competitive workforce, sometimes a job offer comes down to experience.

Internships are offered by websites, radio and television stations, magazines, and newspapers. Students can gain experience in copy editing, reporting, designing, and producing through an internship. These jobs are demanding and short-term. Some offer money or college credit.

The digital-age is ushering in a wider opportunity of career options for journalism majors. However, the basic job remains: To keep citizens informed of the truth, so they may continue to be free and
self-governing.

By Jeanette Smith

Sources:

Payscale:Best Jobs For Communications Majors by Salary Potential
CubReporters: Journalism, jobs, internships & more
Chron: The Average Salary of Journalism Majors
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Mass Communications

Featured Image Courtesy of Surian Soosay’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Top Image Courtesy of Gage Skidmore’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License

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