It doesn't matter if business has a product to sell, a disaster to mitigate or anything else involving mass media; they call in a communications expert. These are people specially trained to deliver a message from a source to an audience. Whether that audience is one person or the general public at large, the message needs to be shaped and delivered. It's also one of the most creative, dynamic, and challenging of many of the current occupations.
At its core, all communications is about the delivery of a message from one point to another. It can be anything from a song to a political screed. A communications expert concentrates on targeting the most responsive market for that message, how to create, edit and deliver that message, and then ensures it "spins" the way it is supposed to.
A person can easily see how dynamic the field is just seeing the evolution of mass media. In the 20th Century alone, communications must stay abreast of the likes of radio, then television and now onto the web and what is now called social media. Anyone in advertising and public relations is now constantly shifting their methods to keep up with the latest form of mass media.
It doesn't take much for a high school student to realize those who want to enter this field need strong written and oral skills. A basic comprehension of statistics, information technology and some flair in the creative arts are a serious bonus. Communications specializes in crossing disciplines, so the initial goal is to get a fairly rounded education in the humanities and related business courses.
From this point, there are a number of excellent community, state and online schools offering courses in a great deal of communications subjects. A good way to approach a Bachelors of Arts or Sciences in communications is to first see if the school is properly accredited and how successful they are in placing graduates into real jobs. From there, a good idea is to use the first two years of college for a solid and overall general education in business and humanities courses. By a student's junior year, it's time to specialize in anything from journalism through mass media. Searching for an internship or work-study program is also highly recommended.
Upon getting that bachelor's, the number of employment options for a communications grad is fairly endless. Just about every kind of business employs them, from major health institutions to media concerns onto political groups. It should also be noted that competition for these jobs is high. There are a lot of people out there looking to work in this arena.
Still, with enough creativity and perseverance, a graduate can rise up the media ladder. Entry level salaries tend to be in the low-to-mid 20s, depending on who hired you. At the same time, prove you're good at the game and salaries can go into the millions.
If you have that right mix of savvy, creativity and toughness, a career in the world of communications is a perfect fit. Add these classes to a business program online and you're combining two powerful mediums. Those new to online learning will enjoy the free courses offered by several organizations. Get familiar, then get learning, and soon - a degree!
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