Just finished your communications degree? That’s a big achievement—seriously, well done. So, where do you go from here? The truth is, you’ve got a lot of doors open. Communications isn’t just one career path—it’s a wide-ranging field that touches everything from media and marketing to branding and corporate strategy. Whether you’re into crafting stories, managing public perception, building a brand online, or coordinating how messages are delivered, there’s a role out there that lines up with your strengths. In the sections ahead, we’ll walk through a range of potential careers you might explore, what they pay on average, and what a typical day might actually look like in each role.
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After graduating with a communications degree, there are plenty of doors you can knock on. Some roles might be ideal right out of college, while others could require a bit more training or hands-on experience to get your foot in the door. Here’s a breakdown of popular job titles and what they typically involve:
| Job Title | Average Salary | Primary Duties |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing Coordinator | $53,062 per year | In this role, you’ll help plan and execute marketing campaigns, track their performance, and communicate results to your team or clients. It’s a blend of creativity and analytics. |
| Copywriter | $66,046 per year | Your mission is to write clear, compelling copy—whether that’s for web pages, ad campaigns, social posts, or product descriptions—that drives people to take action. |
| Brand Strategist | $83,022 per year | You’ll dig into market research and consumer insights to build smart strategies that elevate how people perceive a brand and keep it competitive in the marketplace. |
| Social Media Manager | $58,534 per year | Expect to lead the charge on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and more—crafting content, engaging with followers, and adjusting strategies based on performance. |
| Managing Editor | $79,961 per year | You’ll oversee the editorial calendar, manage contributors, and ensure that every piece of content is polished, on-brand, and published on time. |
| Content Marketing Manager | $74,975 per year | This role involves building a content strategy from the ground up—blog posts, videos, newsletters, you name it—all designed to support business goals and reach target audiences. |
| Web Producer | $69,153 per year | You’ll manage everything from content updates to site functionality, ensuring that websites are not only visually appealing but also intuitive and user-friendly. |
| Senior Event Planner | $73,298 per year | Think conferences, launch events, and big corporate gatherings—you’ll coordinate every detail, from vendors to venues, keeping everything running like clockwork. |
| Public Relations Specialist | $86,818 per year | This position is all about managing public image—writing press releases, building media relationships, and navigating tricky situations if a crisis pops up. |
| Journalist | $47,334 per year | You’ll report on current events, conduct interviews, and craft stories that inform, entertain, or spark conversations across print, digital, or broadcast outlets. |
Thriving in the communications world takes more than just being well-spoken. It’s about understanding how to navigate different audiences, using the right tools at the right time, and being flexible enough to shift your message when the situation calls for it. Here are a few abilities that can really set you apart:
Absolutely. While not every job in communications starts off in the six-figure range, roles like senior PR managers, brand directors, or corporate comms leads can earn well over that, especially in major U.S. cities or industries like tech and finance.
The top credential is typically a Ph.D. in Communications. It’s ideal for those pursuing careers in academia, advanced research, or high-level consulting and executive roles in media or corporate strategy.
Without a doubt. A communications degree can take you far if you’re proactive. Pair it with internships, certifications (like digital marketing or data analytics), and real-world experience, and you’ll have a solid foundation for long-term success.
At the heart of every communications role is the ability to connect with others—through speech, writing, or visual media. Add in solid research habits, adaptability, and tech literacy, and you’ve got what it takes to thrive in a fast-changing industry.
