Careers in Communications-For Class

The first career I came across in the field of communications that I was surprised about was real estate agent. I never thought of a real estate agent as being a communications degree career.  Real estate agents can sell, rent, or buy properties for their clients, they study property listings, show properties to clients, interview prospective clients to see what they want and need, inform their clients of the contract and sale conditions, and draw up real estate contracts. (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes419022.htm)

According to bls.gov, the salary ranges from an annual wage of $20,460 in the 10^th percentile to $95,220 in the 90^th percentile. “Employment of real estate brokers and agents is expected to grow faster than average. Beginning agents and brokers, however, will face competition from their well-established, more experienced counterparts.” There are no long-term education requirements, only licensure is required by state.

          According to bls.gov, another career in the field of communications is that of editor. Editors proofread and edit other people’s writing. Industries include newspapers, magazines, publishing companies, and more. “Because writing skills are essential in this occupation, many employers like to hire people with degrees in communications, journalism, or English…” (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos320.htm#training)  The salary ranges from an annual wage of $28,880 in the lower 10^th percentile to $96,800 in the 90^th percentile.

Writers and authors are next on my list of communications careers with an annual wage of $28,610 in the lower 10^th percentile to $109,440 in the top 90^th percentile. As far as education, degrees in English, journalism, or communications are needed, but writers and authors “must be able to express ideas clearly and logically and should enjoy writing. Creativity, curiosity, a broad range of knowledge, self-motivation, and perseverance are also valuable. Authors, writers, and editors must demonstrate good judgment and a strong sense of ethics in deciding what material to publish. In addition, the ability to concentrate and to work under pressure is essential.”

Another career field for a communications degree is in public relations. PR specialists annual salary range from $30,560 in the lower 10^th percentile to $95,200 in the 90^th percentile. While a communications degree can be used to obtain a job in PR, other degrees include public relations, journalism, or marketing. Industry specific knowledge is also helpful in obtaining a job at a firm.

The final career path in communications I chose is broadcasters. Broadcasters can have a degree in communications, broadcasting, or journalism. Broadcaster annual salary ranges from $16,590 in the lower 10^th percentile to $72,500 in the 90^th percentile for television and radio broadcasters and from $16,940 in the lower 10^th percentile to $70,120 in the 90^th percentile for public address system announcers and other announcers. (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos087.htm)