Career Development and Calling

Communication/Media Communication

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.

What is Your Focus?

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

Employment Web Sites

General Career Exploration Website - O*Net
Spotlight on Careers Website (You must be logged into the Bethel network to receive access to this site.)

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

Job Search Sites Specific to Your Major

Minnesota Broadcasters Association - MBA lists jobs in business and communication.

Minnesota Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Job Mart - Openings cover a wide range of marketing communications positions across all experience levels, industries and interests. Resources are shared with the Minnesota chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and the Association for Women in Communication (AWC).

Professional Communication Associations

Need More Info?

For more information or assistance with an internship, graduate school or the job search process, please set up an appointment with a Career Counselor in the Office of Career Development and Calling by calling 651.638.6460 or stopping by CC322.


Adapted From: http://www2.gaou.edu/sta/career
http://www.careers.wcu.edu/majors