Four jobs you can get as a Communications graduate
Whether you’ve just started your Communications degree or you’re halfway out the door in your graduation gear, it’s important to understand the types of jobs you can get after you’re done with studying. Knowing what career pathway you want to take will help you with making industry connections, knowing what internships to sign up for, and tailoring your job searches to help you land the job you want.
We’ve done the hard work for you and put together a handy guide of four types of jobs you can get as a Communications graduate. If any of these sound like your kind of vibe, make note so you can put your hand up for any Commsgrad internships that interest you and will help you with getting employed in your dream job.
Publics relations (PR)
To work in PR, you’ve got to be a people person and a great strategic communicator. PR is all about creating a positive brand or company image, building up a reputation and getting the media talking (in a good way).
As a PR professional, you’ll be responsible for things like writing press and media releases, getting in contact with key media players like journalists and reporters, and organising press conferences and events. Apart from having skills in written and oral communication, you need to be someone that is confident and not afraid to put yourself out there.
Advertising and copywriting
If you’ve watched an episode of Mad Men before, you’ll know what this one is about. While private offices, casual misogyny, and long booze filled lunches with clients aren’t on the cards, getting a gig in advertising is fast-paced, competitive and super varied in its nature, which makes it fun.
As a Communications graduate you could join the copywriting team, coming up with quick witted, catchy lines and copy for campaigns. As a Copywriter, you need to know how to follow a brief and show some creativity and flair, whether you work in-house or at an agency.
If copywriting sounds like your kind of thing, advertising isn’t the only path you can go down. These days Copywriters have a massive range of writing tasks, from product labels to websites to social media copy. You need to be creative and have the ability to think outside the box to really help a product, service or brand stand out from the rest. The great thing about copywriting is that once you’ve gained agency experience and a good portfolio of clients, you can become a freelancer or start your own copywriting business and be your own boss. The dream!
Marketing and social media
Marketing and social media has had a massive boom in recent times, given the success of Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok in elevating a brand and helping it reach new customers. As a marketing and social media guru, you’re responsible for creating social media campaigns and strategies, content creation and scheduling, as well as liaising with influencers and interacting with followers and customers.
If you love a reel and have a knack for thinking of ingenious ways to market a brand online, this one is for you!
Internal communications
Internal communications is kind of like the grown-up sister of the communications family. Usually working closely with the HR team, internal communications is all about open and effective communication within a business or organisation, and keeping employees informed of changes and any new initiatives and plans carried out by the business. It’s all about writing in an accessible and open manner and helping the business with productivity and motivation.
Obviously, this isn’t all you can do with your Communications degree—there’s a whole world of opportunity out there in communications, because it is such an important part of everyday life and a massive business need. Congrats on choosing such a winning industry, now get yourself out there!
Sanam Goodman