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Students who pursue a business communication degree are trained in a
variety of principles and business practices to work in the fields
of marketing, public relations, networking, and advertising.
Business management is another opportunity for graduates who have
completed business communication training, and many choose to open
their own businesses as a consultant. Speech communication is an
important part of the training, as well as
developing technical skills, strong language skills, and the ability
to work with a diverse range of people.
Job Description and
Responsibilities with a Business Communication Degree
A career in
business communications offers a wide range of opportunities, and
responsibilities often include: working with the public, developing
business strategies, and initiating speeches, presentations, and
other media materials. General responsibilities include:
-
Drafting press
releases and contacting people in the media
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Preparing
speeches and conducting presentations
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Making film
presentations, slideshows, and compiling media kits
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Putting together
reports, articles, and news stories
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Working on
political campaigns, or representing interest groups
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Managing and
organizing functions that involved the media and community
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Working on the
web to design communications materials
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Developing
strategies for business growth and marketing
Skills Achieved
With Business Communication Training
Business
communication training allows students to develop a diverse skill
set, especially within the media and marketing fields. In addition
to working with a variety of departments and handling administrative
tasks, skills achieved may
include:
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Marketing and
public relations
-
Speech
presentation
-
Responding to
public and consumer inquiries
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Maintaining
contacts
-
Critical thinking
and creativity
-
Strong research
skills
-
Problem solving
-
Competitiveness
and enthusiasm
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Learning how to
work with a wide range of clients
-
Understanding
market demands
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Research and
analysis
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Conflict
management
-
Strong writing
skills
Career Options with
a Degree in Business Communications
A degree in business communications offers flexibility in today's
business world. Employers are looking for those who have strong
relational skills, computer skills, writing skills, and critical
thinking abilities. A comprehensive business communication training
program will include poor folio developments, which can help
supplement a resume during a job search. The most common careers
within the field may include:
-
Business Trainer or
Benefits Administrator
-
Labor Relations
Specialist
-
Mediator
-
Media Relations
Specialist
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Speechwriter
-
Corporate Relations
Officer
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Communication
Technology Sales Representative
-
Buyer
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Customer Sales
Representative
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Sales Manager
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Media Planner
-
College Recruiter
-
Development Officer
-
Government Information
Officer
Business communications covers a diverse set of industries, and
students or graduate students do not need to limit their options to
marketing or advertising fields. Additional industries in business
communications may include: broadcasting, technology, social
services, government, education, and even religious professions.
Career
Specializations within the Business Communication Degree
After
the first two years of a business communication degree program, many
students choose to specialize in a specific industry. For example, a
communications specialist may decide to work in research and
development, sales and marketing, corporate training, or
advertising. They may offer their work on a freelance basis, or
contract with a public relations firm. A job within corporate
communications, offers students a chance to grow into a professional
public relations manager, trainer, or media executive.
Communications
specialists and directors work closely with marketing departments of
various businesses to understands the language, culture, and overall
message for publications and other media materials
Business
Communication Degree Requirements
A business
communication degree requires a strong high school background in
English, language, and computer technology. It is important for
today's students to adapt to Internet
technologies, and learn how to be efficient with the e-mail, and
other electronic correspondence. Since much of the job duties
involve electronic communication, it is especially important that
language and writing skills are developed.
Completing business
communication training may also require enrollment in courses
including economics, management, marketing, and finance. Developing
the appropriate language for the specific industry will happen on
the job, and many employers provide formal training for this. A
business communication degree is often considered an
interdisciplinary program, and will involve a combination of
journalism, speech communication, digital communications, strategic
communications, and organizational management.
Both a bachelor's
degree and Masters degree program offer a
wide range of job opportunities and career growth options. A
business communication class may also include a presentation
component, where students are required to present projects they have
completed and develop a portfolio. Many students choose to earn
their professional accreditation with the Public Relations Society
of America, or the International Association of Business
Communicators. Although certification is not required, the industry
is very competitive, and those with strong skill sets and higher
qualifications will enjoy a long-term career within the field.
Career Potential
and Employment Prospects with a Business Communication Degree
Competition within the field is
particularly high at the entry-level, and the number of qualified
applicants usually exceeds the number of job openings available.
Many public relations jobs are naturally high profile, and those who
have a combination of journalism, advertising, and communications
backgrounds will succeed. Employments for a business communication
degree regiments is expect to grow faster than average to 2014, as
the demand for professional and skilled candidates grows with
the competitive business industry.
Median annual earnings for public relations specialists were
$43,830 in 2004. Communications professionals involved in
advertising and related services had salaries of $50,450 in the same
year. Related occupations include:
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