Major Discovery Series Communication Studies Bachelor of Arts: Communication Studies Minor: Communication Studies Minor: Public Relations Recognizing the importance of human communication in both professional and personal lives, Communication Studies majors explore communication and develop skills in a variety of contexts. We live in a complex, rapidly changing world where those knowledgeable of and skilled in communication within families, corporations, and cultures will be most successful in their personal and professional lives. Our majors work in finance, counseling, sales, government, airlines wherever "people" skills are valued. Employers recommend one or more internships to be successful and competitive when entering this field Career themes associated with Communication Studies Artistic, Social, and Enterprising Related skills, values, and qualities Ability to analyze, interpret and convey information to others Strong listening, clarifying, questioning, and responding skills Proficiency in written and oral communication Ability to adapt to new environments and improvise when needed Ability to work in a team environment Ability to work well with diverse populations Ability to strategically approach problem solving and decision making Strong interpersonal and networking skills Courses Communication Studies majors typically enjoy Public Speaking Interpersonal Communication English Debate Journalism Theatre Psychology Media Studies Common interests of Communication Studies majors Participating in local theater productions Attending movies, stage productions, lectures, or readings Working part-time or as a volunteer for a radio or TV station, printing or publishing firm, department store, or advertising agency Participating on a debate or forensic team Joining a yearbook staff or broadcasting or drama club Participating in election or fundraising campaigns Working as a student assistant in a language arts or communications department Planning Events Producing publications Creating multi-media productions For more information about the major Contact the Communication Studies Department, 218 Rickenbach Learning Center, 610-683-4560, or visit www.kutztown.edu/SpeechCommunication KU Majors related to Communication Studies Communication Design, Electronic Media, English, Professional Writing, Marketing, Psychology, Sociology. Artistic students may also be interested in: Advertising*, Elementary Education, German, International Studies*, Library Science, Literature*, Music, Music Education, PA German Studies*, Philosophy, Public Relations*, Secondary Education English or Modern Languages), Studio Art, or Spanish. For More Information on Communication Studies Careers or to speak to a Career Counselor, contact KU Career Development Center • 113 Stratton Administration Center • 610-683-4067 • careerhelp@kutztown.edu • www.kutztown.edu/careercenter Attend your senior kick-off and other info sessions to prepare for job search/grad school. Enroll in the Career Success Update your resume and Certificate. LinkedIn profile. Complete an internship and/or Meet with CDC career Create cover letter drafts. undergraduate research. coach. Enroll in the Career Gain experience through Attend info sessions about Attend info sessions to learn Exploration Certificate. internships and/or internships, interviewing, job about resume writing, and Attend info sessions to learn undergraduate research. search strategies, and grad externships. about career development Secure references for job/grad school. Confirm your choice of major and personal branding. school applications. Build a LinkedIn profile and and consider options for Take a career assessment to continue to monitor your online Create your “30 second” double major or minor. identify and confirm interests. commercial. presence. Research careers of interest. Get involved in campus clubs Meet with CDC to develop Complete a mock interview. Complete a job shadowing and organizations. job search strategies. Build skills through research (externship) experience. Develop basic workplace skills Research employers. projects, part-time employment, through jobs or volunteer work. Seek meaningful employand volunteer work. Network with professionals ment or volunteer work in a Talk with professors, family, through events and social Participate in Coffee and field related to your major. and friends about career media. Convos & networking programs. Explore options for underideas. Join a professional organization Attend internship & job fairs. graduate research and Conduct informational in your discipline. Take on a leadership role in a study abroad. interviews with professionals Attend the senior etiquette student organization or work. Write a resume and have it working in fields of interest. dinner. Consider graduate school reviewed by the CDC. Develop a relationship with Participate in job fairs and options and prepare for Manage your online your professors and faculty on-campus interviewing. admissions tests. presence. advisor. Sample Career Titles Communication Studies majors can be found working in a wide variety of career fields. Here are just some career titles that may be of interest. Please note that some jobs may require further education and training. Account Coordinator Admissions Director Advertising/Marketing Specialist Advertising Sales Rep. Alumni Relations Rep. Announcer Booking Manager Broadcast Journalist Business Manager College Professor Communications Coordinator Communication Technology Specialist Community Affairs Officer Conference & Event Planner Copy Writer Corporate Recruiter Critic Customer Service Rep. Development Officer/Fundraiser Editor/Author Exhibit/Display Designer Extension Service Specialist Fashion Coordinator Financial Aid Counselor Foreign Service Officer Graphic Design Communicator Hotel Manager Human Resource Specialist Industrial Labor Relations Specialist Insurance Adjuster Internal Communication Specialist Journalist Legislative Assistant Marketing Specialist Media Manager Media Planner Media Relations Director Media Salesperson Mediator Narrator Paid Speech Writer Performer Personnel Interviewer Personnel Manager Pharmaceutical Sales Rep. Politician Political Consultant Portfolio Manager Producer Public Information Officer Public Relations Specialist Radio/TV Announcer Sales Representative Social Media Coordinator Staffing Agency Recruiter Technical Communicator Theater Manager Ticket Sales Coordinator Website Director To learn more about these careers, visit http://online.onetcenter.org or www.bls.gov/oco. Common Internship Sites and Employers Communication Studies majors often find internships and employment in the following fields/industries. Newspapers/Magazines Theatres Colleges/Universities Public School System Radio/Television Public Relations Firms Advertising Firms Business & Industry International Organizations Telecommunications Organizations Political Organizations Not-for Profit Organizations Local, State, Federal Government KU Career Network is the primary online resource for preparing and connecting students and alumni with employers. www.kutztown.edu/KUCN Useful Websites for Communication Studies Majors Whether you are researching related career fields, applying for internships or jobs, or planning to join a professional association, these websites are for you! Industry Information & Job Search Boards Professional Associations Recognition in Advertising www.oneclub.org American Association of Advertising Agencies www.aaaa.org Federal Communications Jobs www.makingthedifference.org/ federalcareers/communications.shtml National Communication Association www.natcom.org Internships www.Internships.com Public Relations Society of America www.prsa.org Showbiz Jobs.com www.showbizjobs.com International Association of Business Communicators www.iabc.com Communications Jobs www.communicationsjobs.net PR, Marketing, & Communications www.prsa.org/jobcenter Marketing Jobs www.marketingcrossing.com PR Jobs www.prcrossing.com American Women in Radio & TV www.awrt.org American Advertising Federation www.aaf.org Online News Association http://journalists.org Nat’l Press Photographers Association www.nppa.org Society of Professional Journalists www.spj.org Building Your Resume for a Career in Communication Studies Building a strong resume for your career field starts long before you ever start your job search. Employers want to hire graduates who not only have the necessary educational background but also have experience applying that knowledge to real life situations. Consider choosing a minor that will complement your major and tailor your knowledge towards specific career goals. Learn more about your field and develop the necessary skills for employment by gaining hands-on experience through externships, internships, part-time jobs and related volunteer positions. Develop professionally through campus involvement and professional memberships. This illustrates responsibility, leadership abilities and time management skills.