So, You’ve Got a Communications Degree. Now What?
You survived four years of deadlines, group projects, and awkward public speaking classes. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 104,000 students graduated with a Communications degree in 2023 alone. But what now? Are you doomed to become the default family spokesperson at every wedding toast, or is there actually a career out there for you?
Myth Buster: “All You Can Do Is Talk.”
Let’s squash that myth real quick. Sure, you can talk. But you also write, think critically, analyze trends, and persuade audiences — all of which are gold in today’s job market. In fact, a 2022 LinkedIn report listed communication as one of the top 3 soft skills employers look for globally.
Top Fields That Love Communication Majors
Marketing is a playground for communication grads. Over 83,000 marketing coordinator jobs were posted on Indeed in 2022 alone. Then there’s Public Relations — a field expected to grow 8% between 2021 and 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Journalism may be evolving, but the need for good storytellers is constant. And Corporate Communications? Every business needs someone who can craft a killer internal memo or manage a crisis press release.
Careers in Media and Broadcasting
Your voice matters — literally. Graduates often land gigs as radio hosts, TV anchors, or even voice-over artists. The average salary for a broadcast news analyst in 2024? A respectable $66,880, according to BLS data.
Digital Age = Digital Jobs
In 2005, no one knew what a content strategist was. In 2025, it’s one of the most in-demand roles across tech and retail. Also booming: social media managers. With TikTok surpassing 1.6 billion users in 2023, someone has to keep the brand vibes alive.
Corporate World Calling
Yes, even finance and manufacturing companies hire communication grads. Think: internal communications, employee training, or being the CEO’s right hand as an executive assistant. The average EA salary in New York in 2023 was $81,450, according to Glassdoor.
Nonprofit? Yes, Please!
Feel like changing the world? Nonprofits need fundraisers, campaign strategists, and community outreach coordinators — all positions built on the power of connecting with people. In 2022, over 1.5 million nonprofit organizations operated in the U.S., employing more than 12 million people.
Unexpected Jobs You Didn’t See Coming
How about a political speechwriter? Ever cried during a campaign speech? Someone like you probably wrote it. Or how about a crisis communication consultant? Big brands spend millions avoiding PR disasters — like that soda ad in 2017 (you know the one).
Cool Stats and Dates to Impress Your Aunt at Family Dinners
- 1924: First degree in communications offered at Ohio State University.
- 44%: Of employers say communication is the most lacking soft skill in new hires (NACE, 2022).
- $59,000: Median salary for communications grads one year after graduation (PayScale, 2024).
- 2023: Over 3 million communication-related jobs listed globally.
- 2020–2025: Demand for content creators grew by 49% across industries.
Skills That Make You Hirable
Let’s be real: it’s not just about the degree. You bring skills like storytelling, empathy, listening, presentation, and audience targeting. These are the weapons of mass connection in any industry.
Real-Life Examples: Where They Ended Up
Alex graduated in 2018 and now runs PR for a gaming company with a 7-figure revenue. Jasmine from the class of 2020 freelances as a UX copywriter — her words guide millions of app users daily. And Tyler, a 2017 alum, is a nonprofit advocacy director who helped raise over $2.3 million in 2023 alone.
Freelancing & Entrepreneurship Options
You could ghostwrite LinkedIn posts, manage YouTube scripts, or launch a boutique PR agency. According to Fiverr’s 2024 report, communications freelancers earned an average of $36/hour, with some top pros billing $120+.
Money Talk: What Can You Expect to Earn?
Let’s talk dough. Entry-level jobs like communications assistant average around $47,000/year. Mid-level roles like PR managers? Around $75,000–$90,000. Seasoned pros in executive roles rake in $130K+ depending on industry and city.
Tips to Boost Your Job Hunt
- Polish your LinkedIn like it’s 2010 and you’re joining Facebook for the first time.
- Build a digital portfolio — employers want receipts.
- Take micro-courses on email marketing or SEO — some pay as little as $29.99 for certifications that boost your value.
- Attend networking events. Yes, even the awkward ones. Sometimes the best job leads come from a January 2023 wine-and-cheese mixer.
Wrap-Up: Your Degree = Your Superpower
A communications degree isn’t a fallback — it’s a launchpad. From digital strategy to nonprofit advocacy, from podcasting to corporate leadership — the doors it opens are wide and varied. As of May 2025, over 70% of recent grads with this degree were employed in roles directly tied to their studies.
Let’s not forget — the power of communication built empires, won elections, and sparked revolutions. From Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” in 1963 to the viral TED Talks of the 2010s that launched startups and reshaped thinking, every great movement needed someone who knew how to tell a story and rally a crowd. In 2024 alone, over 48,000 keynote speaking events took place across the globe — and guess who wrote the scripts, designed the decks, and trained the speakers? Yep. Communication pros just like you.
And if you’re still unsure whether you made the right choice? Remember this: Jobs evolve, industries change, but the ability to connect human to human — whether through a screen, a mic, or across a boardroom — will always be in demand. A robot might write code, but it won’t write a mission statement that moves investors or a campaign that sparks loyalty. As of June 2025, over 62% of employers said they were actively hiring for roles requiring strong communication across teams. That means your skills aren’t just valuable — they’re essential. Own that. Leverage it. Go out there and tell your story like only you can.
You’re not just “good with words.” You’re a translator of ideas, a human connector, a brand’s secret weapon.