<p>What types of employment can one get into with a focus in:</p>
<p>organizational communication vs. media studies vs. relational vs. journalism</p>
<p>Have a look at the National Communication Association website or the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Both feature excellent information on careers in the field.</p>
<p>IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) is the professional association for those of us in organizational comm. There’s a good job board on the website that can show you the kinds of positions out there. <a href=“http://jobs.iabc.com/c/search_results.cfm?site_id=65[/url]”>http://jobs.iabc.com/c/search_results.cfm?site_id=65</a></p>
<p>“Media Studies” is a new type of major name that wasn’t around back in my day. Based what I seen about it, I think it aligns to “broadcasting.” That would be radio, TV, and film production, etc. </p>
<p>Journalism, is journalism. These majors usually head to newspapers, magazines, website, radio stations, TV news, etc. There also a lot (A LOT!) of journalism majors employed by corporations. Just look at the jobs I mentioned on the IABC board and you’ll see that most of them would fit a journalism background. </p>
<p>I’m not familiar with “relational” comms. I’ll be interested to see what that is. Sounds a little like what I might have learned as “interpersonal comm.”</p>
<p>Thanks to both stradmom, and DougBetsy.</p>
<p>DB, relational comm. does cover interpersonal. Classes can cover studying generational comm, conflict, family comm, nonverbal, gender, intercultural from what I am reading. </p>
<p>If one were to pick out of the concentrations that I listed in my initial post in terms of future employment, which would be best? The student is a strong writer, public speaker, works well with others 1:1 or in groups (both large and small), plenty of leadership experience for a college student, so multiple strengths for communication. Sort of thinking that digital media within the framework of the current college is not worth doing (rather limited classes).</p>
<p>I had a look at PRSA and I will have a look at IABC…thanks.</p>
<p>Northeastmom, you describe my son above! </p>
<p>His sister majored in Communications/PR and had a lot of org comm classes. I think one of the keys to a comm major (because SOOOOOOO many seem to choose this when they aren’t sure what to do) is to STAND OUT - in terms of activities, internships, leadership on campus, etc. It is important for after graduation when they will be applying for jobs with much competition.</p>
<p>My son is currently “exploring” his way this sophomore year. The strengths you listed are his as well - we are encouraging him to perhaps match this major/strength up with something to enhance it - maybe business, maybe sports business, maybe even law (his thought, not mine!!). Just so he can be more marketable.</p>
<p>Comm majors can be used in all sorts of places. Non profits are popular. Sometimes I think the key is to match it up with another interest in or out of class.</p>
<p>BTW, my D was extremely active in PRSSA - the benefits and experience she was able to get through being very active in that group made her a super strong candidate upon looking for employment - see if your child’s school has a chapter and maybe he can sit in on a meeting to see if it rocks his boat. :)</p>
<p>I highly recommend internships at your local TV stations and newspapers. Many will have them over holiday breaks, summer vacations. Your local state associations … press association …and association of broadcasters also offer scholarships - check into these as well. A lot more of these media outlets are also hiring part-time writers, often to cover sports, but great experience. Your student can also do this while they are in college for local media outlets.</p>
<p>abasket, I sent a PM to you.</p>
<p>Many, many colleges are graduating kids with degrees in communications, PR, journalism and the market is flooded around my community. Many pr professionals were downized a few years ago, and those folks are often the first re-hired because they have experience. It is a tough field to get a job in without significant writing experience and strong references.</p>
<p>I agree that PRSSA exploration is a great idea and internships at newspapers, radio stations and tv stations are great ways to see if the field is a good fit. These internships typically offer no salary, so students should be prepared to work for experience only. Social media is a big deal in PR today…YouTube, blogging, tweeting, Facebook…are all being used. </p>
<p>It’s important for students to become active in PR on campus, participate in their local PRSSA and gain leadership as well as writing experience. Students should create a portfolio of their best work to bring to their interviews. Many employers require writing samples along with the resumes when reviewing candidates for internships or jobs.</p>
<p>For our students, the key to success seems to be a combination of personal drive and (related perhaps) completing internships and other experiences (even unpaid) in the field. Unless technical skills form the central part of the student’s resume, it’s the ability to network, learn quickly and put themselves in the right place at the right time that seems to lead to success. The specific concentration really doesn’t make such a difference…unless there’s a prof at child’s school who is known for setting kids up with good connections.</p>
<p>^This is good to know. Motivation is definitely not my kid’s issue. He is very involved as a soph on campus. He is certainly not shy and is willing to network.</p>
<p>It is a little surprising to me that the concentration does not matter too much, but it is also a relief to know that.</p>
<p>I would agree with stradmom … the lines are blurring. It’s about what you know - what you can do for us. What are your skills? In a lot of newsrooms - it is the younger generation leading the way with social media, web reserach skills, database research, etc - these are very important skills.</p>
<p>Back when we flew pteradactyls to school,I majored in communcations (class of '78) and have been gainfully employed in a paying capacity for 30 years. Did unpaid internship at local cable station as camera person.
First job out of college was PR manager for trade association: did newsletter, wrote lobbying copy, meeeting management. Second job was also with trade association. Next job was Director of Public Affairs for university: media relations, catalog production, press releases, alumni relations, newsletters, etc. Was downsized out of that one, landed up as Public Relations Manager for east coast based bank. Maternity leave and downsized out of that one. Then successful hired as consultant by friends who had survived downsizing and had no staff to get the work done: special events, financial analysis of sponsorships, annual reports.
So there is work out there, just have to think of different applications for the skills set.</p>
<p>Here is a career survey result:</p>
<p><a href=“https://career.berkeley.edu/Major/MassComm.stm[/url]”>https://career.berkeley.edu/Major/MassComm.stm</a></p>
<p>And another one:</p>
<p>[Graduate</a> Status Report 08-09 - Career Services - Cal Poly](<a href=“http://www.careerservices.calpoly.edu/students/career_planning/gsr.htm]Graduate”>http://www.careerservices.calpoly.edu/students/career_planning/gsr.htm)</p>