Overview

Communications is a broad field encompassing many different career choices, each filled with excitement and challenges. Publishing, advertising, public relations, journalism, television or radio broadcasting, video, public speaking, even telecommunications (e.g., telephone, wireless, Internet)–all of these careers have communications at their heart. With such a diversity and range of options, there’s certain to be a niche just for you.

The diversity of jobs in the field of communications also means that many people in this profession easily transition from one area to another. For example, a news journalist may find work in radio, television or print media; or an adverstising executive can easily find a job in public relations. Communications skills can give you a wide palatte of jobs from which to choose, and if you don’t enjoy one, you can usually shift to another fairly easily. If you enjoy a dynamic work environment, and if you enjoy communicating with people (or helping people connect with one another), a career in communications is likely just the thing for you.

Average Salary: $51,280 Top Salary: $97,970 Entry Level Salary: $30,140 Average Hours: 35+ Certifications: Bachelors Degree Strong Markets: Throughout the Nation Job Growth Forecast: Better than Average

A PR specialist is typically responsible for corporate communications but also represents individuals and other organizations for the communication to the public or other target audiences. Public relations specialists, communications specialists, or media specialists, serve as advocates for clients seeking to build and maintain positive relationships with the public. Clients might   include businesses, nonprofit associations, universities, hospitals, and other organizations. Read More...

Tagged: Advertising, Art, broadcast, business, Chicago, college, Communications, dc, Design, education, hr, IL, intern, internship, job, jobs, journalism, LA, labor, los angeles, market, Marketing, Media, New, new york, ny, OC, pr, print, Public Relations, relations, research, san francisco, sf, survey, washington, York

Average Salary: $86,500 Top Salary: $147,050 Entry Level Salary: $49,350 Average Hours: 40 Certifications: Degree / Experience Training Period: On the Job Strong Markets: HR, Training, Labor Job Growth Forecast: 22%

A labor relations manager and specialist not only provides services for handling employee benefits questions or recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new staff in accordance with policies established by top management, but today’s human resources workers also consult with top executives regarding strategic planning. The job has moved from staff work to leading the company in suggesting and changing policies.

In an effort to enhance productivity, reduce job turnover, and help companies increase performance, these workers also help their companies effectively use employee skills, provide training and development opportunities to improve those skills, and increase employees’ satisfaction with their jobs and working conditions. Dealing with people is an important part of the job. Read More...

Tagged: Art, business, college, executive, help, hr, IL, job, jobs, LA, labor, management, manager, managers, market, Media, New, ny, OC, planning, pr, relations, sf

Average Salary: $89,430 Top Salary: $98,430 Entry Level Salary: $71,808 Average Hours: 50+ Certifications: Degree / Experience Training Period: Varies Strong Markets: Service-providing Industries Job Growth Forecast: 13%

It is the responsibility of the public relations department to manage communications with the media, consumers, investors, employees and the public, and they are often a spokespeople for the company. A PR manager writes press releases and spends their time responding to information requests from journalist or pitch stories to the media.  PR Managers engage in promoting or creating good will for their clients — groups, individuals or organizations. Read More...

Tagged: Advertising, Art, Chicago, college, Communications, creative, education, executive, hr, IL, job, jobs, LA, los angeles, management, manager, managers, market, Marketing, Media, metro, New, new york, ny, OC, pr, Public Relations, relations, san francisco, washington, York

Average Salary: $104,837 Top Salary: $206,694 Entry Level Salary: $92,668 Average Hours: 50+ Certifications: Degree / Experience Strong Markets: Throughout the US Job Growth Forecast: 13%

A public relations (PR) director develops, implements and tracks their company’s overall strategic public relations programs. This can include media relations, internal communications, community relations, and investor relations. Programs may often include media relations, community relations, internal communications and investor relations.

A PR director must be quick thinker with strong communication skills, both written and oral, and they should be a team leader who is confident and able to inspire co-workers and clients alike.

Education/Experience Requirements: A Bachelors degree with at least 7 years of field experience.

Average Salary: $104,837
Read More...

Tagged: Art, Chicago, college, Communications, director, education, hr, IL, intern, job, jobs, LA, los angeles, management, manager, managers, market, Media, metro, New, new york, ny, OC, pr, Public Relations, relations, san francisco, washington, York

Average Salary: $164,000 Top Salary: $200,000 Entry Level Salary: $40,000 Average Hours: 50+ Certifications: B.S/B.A or Masters Training Period: 10+ Years Experience Strong Markets: Metropolitan areas Job Growth Forecast: 13%

The senior vice president of corporate communications leads an agency’s corporate practice group, which is the team that develops PR and communication programs for leading corporate brands. They must have a demonstrated track record of developing and executing successful PR campaigns.

This leadership role includes new business proposal development and presentations, and research for new business leads. The senior vice president develops and executes successful PR campaigns, maintains a relationship with senior- level client contacts, manages media relations strategies, and pitching processes, often dealing with media responses. There is also research involved in this position, and maintaining and growing business prospects. Expect the scope of work to expand given different projects, and there will often be convergence assignments. Read More...

Tagged: account, Advertising, business, Careers, Chicago, Communications, education, hr, IL, job, jobs, LA, los angeles, market, Marketing, masters, Media, metro, New, new york, ny, OC, pr, Public Relations, relations, research, san francisco, sf, washington, York