Communications Major Career Planning Options
Concentrations in:
- Professional Writing and Communications Design
- Documentary Studies and Production
Communications is concerned with the study and dynamics of the exchange of information between individuals, groups and cultures. Communications serve to persuade, to educate, to inform, and to entertain. This is accomplished through words (written and spoken), images, and sounds that encompass a variety of audio and visual means. Communications, as a tool for influencing one's perspective and behavior, can be traced back to the early Greeks and Romans. This view of communications as a means of persuasion has been broadened in the information age, and Rivier Communications majors learn to process and transform information into meaningful knowledge for human delivery and interaction. A classic of liberal arts education, Communications majors gain solid and effective skills that are key in all lines of work. Visit Rivier's English and Communications Department for additional information on degree requirements and course offerings.
PLEASE NOTE: A decision was made in fall 2012 to phase out this academic major as a program. This career guide will remain online in support of current students until the program is fully phased out.
Communications Major Skills
| Research and Reporting Skills |
Communication Skills (oral & written) |
| Public Speaking (clear & persuasive) |
Use Media to Enhance Intended Message |
| Digital Editing Skills |
Work in Teams and Small Groups |
| Attention to Detail/ Accuracy |
Analyze & Solve Problems |
| Select, Evaluate, & Edit Media Materials |
Understanding of Social, Ethical, and Legal issues |
| Work with Deadlines |
Computer Proficiency |
| Create Powerful Images with Sight, Sound, Motion, & Words |
Write Press Releases, Scripts and/or other Promotional Materials |
Career Paths in Communications
New communications graduates have work options that are diverse and dependent upon one's interests, abilities, work values, academic emphasis, and practical experience in the field. Some of the more obvious employment options include work in radio, television, advertising, public relations, sales, technical writing and publishing. Outside of the more familiar media and business applications, communications skills are also highly sought in law, government and international relations; in health and social services; in education including special education; information sciences; and in arts and entertainment. Communications majors are encouraged to combine their studies with experiences related to specialized areas of interest. For example, those with an interest in corporate communications can round out their communications studies by integrating hands on entry level experience, in a corporate setting, with related business course electives.
Communications graduates may work as ...(The following are titles from across the industry. Some of these jobs may require education or experience beyond a bachelor's degree.)
| Advertising Copywriter |
Feature Writer |
| Publisher |
Art or Film Critic |
| Fund Raiser |
Reporter (radio, TV news) |
| Associate Producer |
Human Resource Assistant |
| Special Events Planner |
Broadcast Assistant |
| Journalist |
Syndicated Columnist |
| Communications Center Operator |
Lobbyist |
| Speech Writer |
Consumer Relations Representative |
| Media Relations Specialist |
Technical Writer |
| Editor (copy, design, film, etc.) |
News Associate |
| Videographer |
Entertainer (actor, director, etc.) |
| Pre-Press Manager |
Video Programmer |
| Field Correspondent |
Public Relations Assistant |
Communications graduates may work at . . .
| Technical Publications Firms |
Hospitals |
| Sports & Entertainment Organizations |
Schools, Colleges & Universities |
| Lobbying Organizations |
Publishing Companies |
| Theaters |
Advertising Agencies |
| Libraries |
Non-Profit Organizations |
| Consulting Firms |
Business & Industry |
| Film Industry |
Television Stations |
| Radio Stations |
Newspapers/Magazines/Catalogs |
| Telecommunications Firms |
State/ Federal Government |
| Public Relations Firms |
Video Production Companies |
Ways to Increase Employability
- Pursue elective course work or additional training related to one's professional field of interest.
- Participate in volunteer and service learning opportunities.
- Become an active student member of university, community, or professional organizations, which enhance leadership skills and promote networking relationships with fellow professionals.
- Obtain quality practical experience prior to graduation through relevant part-time, full-time, and summer job or internship positions.
Sources of Information on Majors, Careers and Employment in Communications
- Rivier University Faculty Advisors, Academic Advisors, & Communications Department Resources
- Professionals Working in the Field
- Professional Organizations
- Rivier University Career Development Center Counseling Staff, Website & Office Resources
Rivier University's Career Development Center Resources
Effective career decision-making evolves through a process of gathering accurate self-knowledge and significant information about the major or career being explored. The Rivier University Career Development Center offers individual counseling and career resources regarding self-assessment, career exploration, gaining practical experience, and job searching skills. For more information, contact us at 897-8246. The following is a partial list of career resources, available in our office, which may be of interest to Communications Majors:
- 100 Best Careers: Writers and Artists
- 100 Jobs in Technology
- 100 Jobs in Words
- 100 Careers in the Music Business
- 100 Careers in Film and Television
- Careers in Broadcasting (video)
- Careers for Persuasive Types & Others Who Wont Take No for an Answer
- Career Opportunities in Advertising and Public Relations
- Career Opportunities in Television, Cable, Vision, and Multimedia
- Career Opportunities in Writing
- Extraordinary Jobs in Media
- Great Jobs for Communications Majors
- Journalism & Media Careers
- Real People Working in Communications
- Petersons Graduate Programs in Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
- Vault Career Guide to Journalism and Information Media
Professional & Rivier University Organizations related to Communications
Career Related Websites for Communications Majors
- Media Line (Career & job resource for the Television Industry.)
- National Writers Union (The union for freelance writers working in US markets.)
- The Virtual Library for Communications & Media (Resources related to Broadcasting, Journalism, Publishing & Telecommunications
- Broadcasting Careers (Learn about the field of Broadcasting and view descriptions of various job titles in this industry.)
- Careers in Journalism (Career, job, and summer internship information)
- ODWYERPR.COM (Online Access to the Inside News of Public Relations, including a directory of PR firms, PR information, and a jobs corner.)
- Communications Roundtable (An association of 24 public relations, marketing, graphics, advertising, training, information technology and other communications organizations offering career and employment information and web resources.)
- Advertising Job Bank
- Media Job Listings (TV, Films, & Radio)
- New Hampshire Broadcasters Association Job Bank
- Massachusetts Broadcasters Association (Job Bank Search for Jobs in Radio or Television)
- Editor and Publisher Homepage (News, information, and helpful links to the newspaper, publishing, & media world.)