Communications Division
Speech Communication
Requirements
What can I do with this degree?
Information prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (1996, Revised 2003) Used by Permission. campusapps2.fullerton.edu
| AREAS | EMPLOYERS | STRATEGIES |
Business
| Sales Customer Service Management Human Resources Training and Development Labor Relations Writing/Editing Public Relations Buying Consulting Negotiator/Mediator |
Product and service organizations Retail stores Hotels Restaurants Manufacturers Financial companies Insurance companies Print and electronic media Other business corporations Travel Organizations Airlines |
Develop strong verbal and 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 major. Gain experience through interships, part-time or summer jobs. Develop computer skills including spreadsheets, databases and presentation software. |
Public Relations/Advertising
| Public Relations Advertising/Marketing Corporate Public Affairs Development Media Analysis/Planning Creative Directing Writing/Editing Audience Analysis Public Opinion Research Lobbying Sales News Informational writing |
Private corporations Public service organizations Public opinion research firms Public relations firms Advertising agencies Public opinion organizations Radio and television companies Sports and entertainment organizations Hospitality and tourism industry Nonprofit organizations Consulting firms Freelance Chambers of Commerce |
Develop excellent writing skills. Gain experience through internships, even if unpaid. Serve as public relations office 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
| Writing Editing Copywriting Publishing Producing Managing/Directing Research Media Sales Public Relations Script Writing Business Management |
Publishing firms including newspaper, magazine and book Internet sites Television and radio stations Film industry |
Develop excellent interpersonal and presentation skills. Take elective courses in journalism, broadcasting, public relations and advertising. Develop research skills. Work for campus or local newspaper, radio station or television station. Get related experience through internships, even if unpaid. Learn desktop publishing, webpage design and other computer skills. |
Nonprofit
| Administration Program Coordination Grant Writing Writing/Editing Fundraising |
Nonprofit organizations Professional associations Chambers of Commerce Community centers Philanthropies Hospitals |
Take courses in psychology, sociology or social work to broaden perspective. Volunteer with community and campus organizations. Learn to work well with different types of people. Develop a wide array of skills, including writing, speaking, budgeting, grant writing and leadership. |
Government
| Public Information Campaigning Programming Legislative Assistance Research Lobbying Conflict Negotiation Elected Official |
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. |
Education
| Teaching Research Student Support Services including: Admissions Development Student Affairs Recruitment Alumni Affairs |
Colleges and universities | Ph.D. required for teaching and research in colleges and universities. Maintain a high grade point average and secure strong faculty recommendations. Earn a master's degree in college studetn personnel or a related field for administrative positions. Get involved in campus leadership roles in residence halls, studetn unions/activites, programming boards, etc. |
Law
| Paralegal Attorneys-at-law Mediation |
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 tean to hone communication skills. Join pre-law organizations. Obtain a part-time or summer job at a law office. Take courses in and gain experience with mediation and conflict resolution. |
High Technology
| Information Sciences Human Information Theory/Processes Human Communication Technologies Training Producing/Directing Copywriting Research |
Industries Business |
Take courses in Information Sciences. May need Master's degree in Information Sciences in some positions. Acquire computer skills. |
Sincerely,
Susan Dittmer
Communications Chair
Contact for further information regarding the division.
