What can I do with an Communication major?

Areas	Employers	Strategies
Public Relations
Research Health Communication Writing & editing Social events Media relations Risk and crisis communication College student affairs Fund raising Marketing communication Management	Public relations firms Advertising agency related PR firms Corporate in-house public relations departments Trade associations Government agencies Colleges and universities Nonprofit organizations Labor unions Hospitals	Secure internships Develop strong research and writing skills Perfect public speaking ability Demonstrate enthusiasm, interpersonal skills, persuasion, team work, integrity, good judgment, and intelligence Develop creativity and initiative Develop planning and strategic thinking skills
Advertising
Creative Services Media Research Account Services Administration Print Production Marketing Publishing	Advertising agencies Corporate advertising departments Media (sales, research, marketing) Specialty advertising firms	Work in sales for the Statesman Find internship at market research firm Demonstrate talent, persistence, assertiveness, competitive spirit, and enthusiasm Compile portfolio of writing, graphics and ideas for creative department Get computer knowledge/experience for media Need statistics, data interpretation, and writing experience for research
Newspapers
Reporting Editing Advertising sales Circulation Art and design Marketing/promotion News graphics and photography Production	Large circulation newspapers Local newspapers Wire services Wire services Online publishers	Get summer job or internship with newspaper Work for the Statesman Minor in journalism or professional writing Be active in professional journalism organizations Demonstrate curiosity, high energy level, ability to produce under pressure and to withstand criticism, and excellent grammar and writing skills Create a portfolio of writing samples Develop computer skills and learn to design web pages
Business
Management Sales/marketing Human Resources Marketing Research Advertising Finance Insurance Lobbying	Business firms Insurance companies Bookstores Marketing research departments/organizations Museums Travel agencies Advertising agencies/departments Real estate companies	Complete a business minor within an area of interest Obtain related experience Gain leadership experience within campus organizations
Government
Administration Cultural resource management Surveying Site management Excavation Research Museum conservation Legislative Compliance Review Program management Urban planning	Federal: Bureau of Land Management Central Intelligence Agency Department of Health & Human Services Federal Bureau of Investigation National Institutes of Health National Park Service Smithsonian Institute U.S. Forest Service State: Historic preservation offices Parks departments	Learn federal or state application procedures Graduate degree generally required
Books & Magazine Publishing
Editorial Sales/ marketing/ promotion/ advertising Publicity Production Textbooks Electronic Publishing Circulation Photography	Book publishers, including tradebooks, paperbacks, educational materials, religious, university presses, technical, scientific and medical, book clubs Magazine publishers, including: consumer magazines, specialized magazines, technical and industrial publications, professional publications, merchandising and trade publications, labor unions, educational journals, news magazines, professional associations	Become familiar with word processing Gain knowledge of printing and production Work with regional magazines and campus publications Work as sales clerk or book buyer in campus or local bookstore Obtain internships in area of interest Take technical writing courses for technical, scientific and medical publications Get sales experience Join a professional journalism organization Demonstrate creative spirit, writing skills, verbal skills, and proofreading ability Create a portfolio of writing samples
Television & Radio
Programming/Production News Advertising sales Promotion Administration	Television: Major networks Commercial broadcast stations Public television stations Cable television Government Business Corporations Radio: National networks National public radio State or regional networks Major, medium and small market stations Independent syndications	Secure internships Gain experience with local stations Join campus newspaper or publications staff Minor in journalism Participate in theatre productions Develop good writing, reporting, and editing skills Demonstrate curiosity, confidence, assertiveness, creativity, initiative, outgoing personality, tact and diplomacy Volunteer at KUMD Coordinate, program and promote musical events – join KPB

Communication Department HomePage

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
Portions reproduced with permission from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
CLA Advisement Center; Spring Semester 2001