Communication/Media Communication

Communications Department Home Page
Use your college years to develop your talents in a variety of media fields and/or engage yourself in multiple opportunities for public speaking, debate and persuasion, and working with people.

Here's how to build skills as a Bethel student that will prepare you to compete for some of the most popular communications jobs today.

Business

Job Titles:
Corporate Sales, Management, Distributor, Human Resources/Personnel, Advertising Representative, Labor Relations, Public Relations, Customer Service, Training and Development

Potential Employers:
Advertising Agencies, Retail Stores, Trade Associations, Human Resource Departments or Firms

Strategies:

• Consider a minor or double major in a business field
• Pursue graduate programs for best opportunities
• Develop strong oral and written communication skills
• Participate in team-building opportunities
• Obtain internships to gain experience

Radio

Job Titles:
Sales, Programming, Reporter, Editor, Producer, Promotion Manager, Promotions Agent, Radio Personality, News/Weather/Sports Anchor, Audience Analyst

Potential Employers:
National and Local Radio

Strategies:

• Obtain experience with campus or local radio
• Pursue opportunities for reporting in various media areas
• Volunteer to announce sports/intramural events
• Gain expert knowledge of a variety of music and artists
• Demonstrate imagination, spontaneity, humor, and verbal skills

Newspaper/Magazine

Job Titles:
Reporter, Editor, Advertising Sales, Circulation Agent, Layout & Design, News Graphics, Photographer, Administrative, Production, Critic, Publisher

Potential Employers:
Newspapers, Publishing Companies: Magazines, Educational, Professional

Strategies:

• Obtain internships with local/regional newspapers
• Work with college newspaper/yearbook/newsletters
• Join professional journalism associations
• Demonstrate enthusiasm and ability to work under pressure
• Develop excellent grammar and written communication

Television

Job Titles:
Programming-Production, News/Weather/Sports Anchor, Advertising Sales, Reporter, Editor, Promotions Agent, Promotion Manager, Administrator, Audience Analyst

Potential Employers:
Television Networks

Strategies:

• Secure internships at local/regional television studios
• Gain skills in speech/debate and community assessment
• Demonstrate diplomacy, assertiveness, and creativity
• Obtain experience in reporting/writing and technical production
• Develop excellent grammar and interpersonal skills

Advertising

Job Titles:
Marketing, Artist, Promotions, Administration, Print Production, Publicity, Audience Analysis, Public Opinion Research, Lobbyist, Editor

Potential Employers:
Government Agency, Marketing Agency, Non-profit organizations

Strategies:

• Demonstrate persistence, assertiveness, and enthusiasm
• Obtain internships/work with campus radio or newspaper
• Compile portfolio of writing, graphics, and creative ideas
• Develop excellent telephone and interpersonal skills
• Join related professional organizations

Public Relations

Job Titles:
Research, Programming, Writing and Editing, Special Events, Media Placement, Public Speaking, Fund Raising, Production, Administration, Speech Writer, Copywriter

Potential Employers:
Public Relations Firms, Colleges & Universities, Non-profit Organizations

Strategies:

• Secure internships at local public relations firms
• Perfect public speaking and improvisational abilities
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, persuasion, and sound judgment
• Develop strong research and writing skills
• Pursue technical assistance/production opportunities

Communication Employment Web Sites

General Career Exploration Website - http://online.onetcenter.org
Spotlight on Careers Website - www.spotlightoncareers.org

For current employment websites, type keywords such as "media communication employment" or "communication employment" in an online search engine.

Professional Communication Associations

• American Association for Public Opinion Research
• American Communication Association
• Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Media
• Communication Institute for Online Scholarship
• National Communication Association
• National Press Club
• Religious Communication Association
• World Communication Association
• For a listing of Minnesota's Media Organizations and Associations, visit Metronet