Description:
Advertising/Public Relations (ESA) Students are taught the fundamental skills for planning, writing, and executing advertising
and public relations strategies and campaigns. Legal and ethical issues in the profession are covered as well as oral presentation
skills and research. UCF offers a B.A. degree in Ad/PR. This major is limited access.
Human Communication (EAS) Interpersonal communication is being able to effectively communicate from one individual to
another. It encompasses: speech, nonverbal communication, unconscious communication, summarizing, paraphrasing,
listening, questioning, initiating, and turn-taking. Organizational Communication stresses the importance of being able to
effectively communicate to a group particularly companies and non-profit organizations. Communication is used to improve
relationships, productivity, motivation, and performance in all organized settings. UCF offers a B. A. degree in
Interpersonal/Organizational Communication.
Journalism (EAS) Journalists gather information and write or photograph stories that inform us about local, state, national, and
international events; they present points of view on current issues; and they report on the actions of public officials, corporate
executives, special interest groups, and others who exercise power. UCF offers B.A. degree in Journalism. This major is limited
access.
Radio/Television (ESA) The Radio/Television major is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge leading
to careers in broadcast stations, cable television, production facilities, corporate and digital media. UCF offers a B.A. in
Radio/Television. This major is limited access.
Areas
What can I do with these degrees?
Employers
Strategies
Advertising:
Public Relations
Advertising
Marketing
Corporate Public Affairs
Development
Media Analysis/Planning
Creative Directing
Writing/Editing
Audience Analysis
Public Opinion Research
Private corporations
Public service organizations
Public opinion research firms
Public relations firms
Advertising agencies
Public opinion organizations
Radio and television companies
Sports/entertainment organizations
Hospitality and tourism industry
Nonprofit organizations
Consulting firms
Freelance
Develop excellent writing skills.
Gain experience through internships, even if unpaid.
Serve as public relations officer of an organization.
Take additional courses in marketing, advertising, public
relations, or other area of interest.
Develop a portfolio of writing samples, ad campaigns, and
other relevant work.
Join related professional associations.
Be willing to move to locations with greater numbers of
job opportunities.
Be prepared to start at the bottom and work to more
desirable positions.
Media:
Advertising Sales
Planning/Buying
Public Relations/Promotion
Research
Design, Art and Production
Direct Marketing
Advertising agencies
Business corporations
Publishers
Television
Radio
Newspapers
Magazines
Government agencies
Secure internships.
Get practical experience through part-time or summer
positions.
Develop creativity and learn to take initiative.
Join campus or local newspaper or radio advertising staff.
Create a portfolio.
Account Management:
Sales
Development
Marketing
Administration
Advertising agencies
Corporate advertising departments
Specialty advertising firms
Consulting firms
Marketing firms
Self employed/Freelance
Gain sales experience.
Work in sales at campus newspaper or radio station.
Develop organizational and communication skills.
Learn to think strategically.
Creative Services:
Art
Copywriting
Print Production
Publishing
Technical Writing
Research:
Statistics
Focus Group Moderation
Interviewing
Project Management
Supervision
Advertising agencies
Consulting firms
Publishers including:
Trade books
Paperback
Educational materials
Technical, scientific and medical
Internet sites
Advertising firms
Corporate advertising departments
Specialty advertising firms
Research laboratories
Consulting firms
Public Relations:
Develop and strengthen art skills. This is the creative side
of advertising.
Compile a portfolio of writing, graphics and ideas.
Gain knowledge of production and printing.
Work with college or regional magazines and campus
publications.
Take technical writing courses for technical areas of
interest.
Learn how to sell your ideas.
Get experience in the field, even if unpaid.
A Master’s or Ph.D. may be required for advanced
statistical analysis.
Need experience with statistics, data interpretation, and
writing.
Complete a co-op program or internship at a market
research firm.
It is critical to be computer literate and somewhat
mathematically adept since research tends to involve
“number crunching.”
Account Management:
Issues Management
Counseling
Employee or Member
Relations
Media Relations
Research
Public relations firms (Representing
various private and public
organizations and institutions,
individuals, and events.)
PR departments in large corporations
Strengthen verbal communication skills by taking speech
communication courses.
Enhance writing skills through additional coursework in
business and marketing.
Acquire an internship with a PR firm.
Be prepared to start at the bottom and work up to higher
positions.
Consider a master's degree in PR for higher level positions,
especially at the executive level.
Learn to work well with teams.
Non-profit:
Public Relations
Fundraising
Promotion
Event Planning
Service Marketing
Advertising Sales
Administration
Community Affairs
Museums
Charities and foundations (i.e. within
the areas of environment, arts,
multicultural initiatives, religion,
and health)
Hospitals and healthcare providers
Social service agencies
Nonprofit organizations
Professional associations
Get experience through volunteering for non-profit
agencies, museums, and charities.
Obtain internships with non-profit organizations.
Gain experience planning events for campus
organizations.
Consider additional degrees such as MPH (Master of
Public Health) to enhance employability.
Get sales experience.
Public Affairs:
Government Relations
Risk and Crisis
Communication
Campaign Marketing and
Fundraising
World Affairs and Diplomacy
Media Relations
Government agencies (local, state, &
federal)
Chambers of commerce and tourism
councils foreign embassies
Campaign committees, coalitions,
initiatives, and networks
Secure federal internships in a field of interest.
Develop strong research and writing skills.
Get experience with student government or political
campaigns.
Consider graduate programs in Public Policy/Affairs.
Develop foreign language skills.
Enhance language skills and cultural understanding
through study abroad programs.
Gain experience by volunteering with organizations that
provide assistance to various cultural groups.
Journalism:
Newspaper Publishing:
Reporting
Editorial/Column Writing
Investigative Journalism
Editing
Proofreading
Photojournalism
Circulation
Marketing/Promotion
Production
Sports
Magazine and Newsletter
Publishing:
Writing
Editing
Advertising/Sales
Promotion
Circulation
Design, Art, and Production
Investigative Journalism
Photojournalism
Writing:
Technical Writing
Creative Writing
Radio:
News
Programming
Production
Promotion
Management
Announcing
Research
Sales
Large circulation newspapers
Local newspapers
Wire services
Trade newspapers
Online publishers
Obtain a summer job or internship with newspaper.
Work with college newspaper, yearbook, or alumni
publication.
Take an active role, preferably leadership, in journalism
organizations.
Demonstrate curiosity, high energy level, ability to
produce under pressure and withstand criticism.
Develop excellent grammar and writing skills.
Create a portfolio of writing samples, especially those that
have been published.
Seek opportunities for recognition and networking
through writing contests and freelance writing
submissions.
Build relationships with campus and community leaders as
well as athletes for interview opportunities and
experience.
Major publishers
Consumer magazines
News magazines
Specialized magazines
Technical and industrial publications
Professional
publications/associations
Merchandising and trade
publications
Labor unions
Academic journals
Corporate in-house publications
Religious organizations
Secure internship with publisher.
Work on campus publications.
Find part-time or summer job with newspaper, magazine,
or print shop.
Obtain sales experience.
Join a professional journalism organization.
Demonstrate creative spirit, writing skills, verbal skills, and
proofreading ability.
Create a portfolio of writing samples.
Consider obtaining a minor in photography for
photojournalistic specialty.
Hardware and software
manufacturers/developers
Technical industries
Technical publications (journals,
magazines and websites)
Research laboratories
Work on college newspaper or campus publication.
Join professional journalism/communications orgs.
Develop excellent word processing skills.
Perfect clear and concise writing abilities.
Begin submitting manuscripts, essays, articles, etc. for
possible publication immediately.
Government agencies
Self-employed/Freelance
Read widely in area of talent and/or interest (e.g., mystery
novels, poetry)
National networks
National public radio
Digital stations
State or regional networks
Major, medium, and small market
stations
Local commercial stations and
groups
Participate in campus media including student television
and cable stations.
Seek part-time or volunteer opportunities with
independent production companies.
Join student broadcasting organizations.
Develop excellent writing, reporting, researching, and
editing skills.
Volunteer to announce sporting events on campus or at
local high schools.
Consider taking courses in political science, economics,
sociology, or any applicable field for news broadcasting
careers.
Be willing to start in smaller markets and work your way
up the ladder.
A greater number of opportunities exist in larger cities.
Television:
Programming
Producing
Promotion
News Reporting
News Producing
News Videography
Sportscasting
Weather Forecasting
Anchoring
Editing
Directing
Casting
Research
Management
Sales
Public Relations
Video Production:
Directing
Management
Production
Writing
Post-Production/Editing
Videography
Sales:
Advertising Sales
Industrial Sales
Consumer Product Sales
Financial Services Sales
Services Sales
Retail Sales
Business:
Sales
Customer Service
Management
Human Resources
Training and Development
Labor Relations
Writing/Editing
Office Management
Major networks
Local commercial television stations
Public television stations
Cable television
Private production companies
Government
Business corporations
Freelance or private video
production companies or
videographers
Large corporations
Universities and colleges
Post-production companies
Professional associations
Non-profit organizations
Television
Radio
Newspapers
Magazines
Internet marketers
Consumer product companies
Pharmaceutical companies
Banks and other financial institutions
Service providers
Department stores/retail
establishments
Product and service organizations
Retail stores
Hotels
Restaurants
Manufacturers
Financial companies
Insurance companies
Hospitals and other healthcare
organizations
Print and electronic media
Participate in campus media including student television
and cable stations.
Seek part-time or volunteer opportunities with
independent production companies.
Complete practicums at local television stations and
internships at local or national TV stations, networks, or
cable systems.
Join student broadcasting organizations.
Develop excellent writing, reporting, researching, and
editing skills.
Consider taking courses in political science, economics,
sociology, or any applicable field for news broadcasting
careers.
Read trade publications.
Be willing to start in smaller markets and work your way
up the ladder. Professionals often move frequently for
career advancement.
A greater number of opportunities exist in larger cities.
Obtain entrepreneurial knowledge and experience
through starting a small business or taking business
courses.
Volunteer to do video editing/production for campus
videographers or television stations.
Gain contacts in the specific industry of interest
Enter video contests
Cultivate artistic talents
Obtain sales and marketing experience in specific area of
interest.
Develop excellent communication skills and high energy
level.
Demonstrate curiosity, confidence, assertiveness,
outgoing personality, tact and diplomacy.
Proven leadership ability is desirable.
Develop a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
Develop strong verbal/written communication skills.
Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills.
Learn to work well on a team.
Join related professional associations. Get involved in
other campus organizations.
Take business courses or earn a business minor.
Gain experience through internships, part-time, or
summer jobs.
Develop computer skills in areas such as spread sheets,
databases, and presentation software.
Government:
Public Information
Campaigning
Programming
Legislative Assistance
Research
Lobbying
Conflict Negotiation
Law:
Law Assistance
Prosecution
Defense
Contractual
Corporate
Nonprofit or Public Interest
Government
Mediation
Lobbying
Education:
Teaching
Research
Student Support Services
including:
Admissions
Advising
Student Affairs
Recruitment
Alumni Affairs
All branches of local, state and
federal government
Political parties
Political action committees
Learn local, state, and federal government job application
process.
Take courses in conflict management and develop
negotiation skills.
Volunteer to work on a local political campaign.
Join related student organizations and earn leadership
roles.
Find an internship with a government organization to get
a foot in the door.
Maintain a strong grade point average as many
government programs are very competitive.
Law firms
Government agencies
Corporations
Public interest organizations
Private practice
Colleges and universities
Plan on attending a specialized paralegal training school or
law school depending upon area of interest.
Participate in a debate or forensic team to hone
communication skills.
Join pre-law organizations.
Obtain a part-time/summer job at a law office.
Take courses in and gain experience with mediation and
conflict resolution.
Colleges and universities
Ph.D. required for teaching and research in colleges and
universities.
Earn a master's degree in college student personnel or a
related field for administrative positions.
Get involved in campus leadership roles in residence halls,
student unions/activities, programming boards, etc.
Chart adapted from the Career Planning staff of Career Services at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Helpful Exploration Websites:
Gaining Experience:
UCF Nicholson School of Communication:
http://communication.cos.ucf.edu
FYAE Major Exploration Program:
https://decidingknights.sdes.ucf.edu
American Communication Association:
http://www.americancomm.org/
Southern States Communication Association:
http://ssca.net/
National Association of Broadcasters:
http://www.nab.org/
Society of Professional Journalists:
http://www.spj.org/
Associated Collegiate Press:
http://www.studentpress.org/acp/
American Society of Newspaper Editors:
http://www.asne.org/
Radio Television News Directors Association (RTNDA:
http://www.rtnda.org/
American Radio Relay League:
http://www.arrl.org/
Career Services:
https://career.ucf.edu
Experiential Learning:
http://www.coop.ucf.edu/
Cox Communications:
http://www.cox.com/CoxCareer/
Clear Channel Communications:
http://www.clearcareers.com/
Nuvox Communications:
http://www.nuvox.com/
Washington, D.C. Internships:
http://www.dcinternships.org/
WNSC—On-Campus Radio Station:
http://wnsc.ucf.edu
WUCF– FM 89.9—Jazz & More:
http://www.wucf.ucf.edu
Knightcast –Internet Radio Station:
http://www.knightcast.org/