Because a Communications degree gives you a range of skills, including writing, research and critical thinking, it will set you up to work in a variety of fields, including media, journalism, public relations, marketing, and advertising. These are all solid career fields where you can make a solid salary, especially as you advance your career and get more experience under your belt. Here are some details on each career, including day-to-day activities and salary information, to help you explore your options and decide which is best for you:
Advertising Careers
Advertisers must determine how to attract consumers to products/services and to ultimately stimulate purchase of them. Depending on your background (editorial or design), you could play one of several different roles in the production and execution of ads. For example, art directors and copywriters design advertising materials, account executives communicate with clients to determine their objectives and devise strategies, and media planners determine which media outlets the ads will appear in and also buy/sell media space. According to the U.S. Burea of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for advertising executives is approximately $64,000. On average, entry-level advertising jobs start at $31,340. Those with 1-4 years of experience typically earn $41,739 and those with 5-9 years of experience earn $49,024 on average. For more information, visit
http://www.myfootpath.com/career-profiles/advertising/. Journalism Careers
A journalist may follow any number of career paths. Besides filling writing positions in the print media-newspapers, magazines-one can work as a news broadcaster. At the main desk as a news anchor, in the field as a general correspondant, or specializing in a specific area of the news, such as sports or weather, newscasters give a face to the news on television. In recent years some journalists have found a home in internet blogs; though they often pay little if anything, some blogs have grown to have as much influence as more traditional media. The average salary for a journalist is $33,470 with the middle fifty percent earning between $24,370 and $51,700 a year. For broadcast journalists, the average salary is $46,710, with the middle fifty percent earning between $30,080 and $83,370 a year. For freelance journalists, income is wholly dependent on the number of articles published, the rates paid by publishers, and the demand for that journalist’s writing. For more information, visit
http://www.myfootpath.com/career-profiles/journalist/. Marketing Careers
Marketing professionals measure the demand for products and services and identify potential customers. They also design pricing strategies, track and analyze industry trends, and monitor product development. They work with advertising and promotion executives to promote products/services and attract new customers. For additional information, including salary information, visit
http://www.myfootpath.com/career-profiles/marketing/. Public Relations Careers
PR specialists play a key role in helping institutions develop a positive image. Main job components involve research, writing, responding to outside inquiries, and establishing meaningful contact with the public. For example, they often compose favorable publicity materials and seek out media outlets in which their pieces are featured. For salary and additiona career information, visit
http://www.myfootpath.com/career-profiles/public-relations/.