What can you do with a communication degree? 

Most people don’t realize what a wide-ranging field communication is. In fact, there’s room for people with different skill sets; some communications work is highly technical and other types are more relational.

Marketing vs. communication degrees

A communication degree offers a broader background and is often seen as a liberal arts degree, while marketing is typically considered a business degree. Communication covers everything from media and PR to interpersonal skills, while marketing focuses more on business strategies to boost sales. 

Why major in communication? 

Studying communication equips you with skills that are useful in nearly every occupation: 

• Research: Finding trustworthy sources is a critical skill. 

• Organization: Learn how to put your thoughts in order. 

• Interpersonal communication: Build strong personal and professional relationships. 

• Public speaking: Overcome the fear of speaking in front of others. 

Careers in communication

What can you do with a communication degree? Here are some excellent jobs you can snag: 

• Advertising: Develop and execute ad campaigns. 

• Film, video and audio editing: Work in creative production. 

• Internal training: Educate employees within a company. 

• Interpreting and translating: Bridge language gaps. 

• Marketing: Promote products and services. 

• Media relations: Manage communications between a company and the media. 

• Photography and videography: Capture and create visual content. 

• Public relations: Enhance and maintain a brand’s image. 

• Social media management: Oversee a brand’s social media presence. 

• Teaching: Educate students in various communication fields. 

• Technical writing: Create clear and concise technical documents. 

• Writing and editing: Produce content for different media platforms. 

• News: Navigate a very challenging but rewarding field. 

Communication at Pacific 

“Communications is an interdisciplinary discipline and includes media and comms, practitioners, rhetoric, writing and teaching,” says Teresa Bergman, Department of Communication chair. She emphasizes that a generalist education is vital for being well-prepared for the variety of opportunities you’ll find after graduation. She’s proud that Pacific students get this broad education. 

Public speaking is often cited as one of people’s biggest fears. At Pacific, communication students take courses that help them overcome this fear. Bergman mentions that these classes “bring people off the ledge” by building confidence in small, supportive settings before students present to larger audiences. 

Pacific’s award-winning forensics team is also something to brag about. For over seven decades, University of the Pacific has competed with distinction in intercollegiate speech and debate. The Pacific teams are regulars in national championship competitions and have compiled enviable regional and national records. 

Communication skills in high demand 

“Public relations has undergone a sea change because of the internet,” says Bergman. The rise of social media and analytics has completely changed how PR pros do their jobs. Understanding and adapting to these changes is crucial for success in the industry. 

Technical writers are also in high demand, especially in California’s tech-heavy job market. They are crucial in creating clear and concise documentation for tech companies. 

The versatility of a communication degree 

“Communication is one of the top 10 most versatile majors,” says Bergman. “It’s very adaptable: the basic skills you learn are interpersonal communication and putting your thoughts in order.” This versatility allows graduates to pursue careers in various fields, from journalism and PR to marketing and teaching. 

Research is also a crucial skill you’ll develop with a communication degree. Knowing how to find trustworthy resources is more vital than ever in today’s information-overloaded world. Communication students learn to critically evaluate sources and gather accurate information, which is valuable in many professions. 

Internships for communication majors 

Internships are valued at Pacific. They’re required for both undergrad and master’s communication students. Students have interned on campus with the radio station (focusing on podcasting) and Division I athletics teams. Off-campus internships are also available, giving you real-world experience and networking opportunities. 

Connecting with alumni 

Pacific alumni are highly involved and often provide internships and networking opportunities. They’re always looking for interns in PR and social media content creation. On-campus jobs as student workers also allow communication majors to gain professional experience and showcase their skills. 

Real-world application: alumni success stories 

Bergman shared a story of a Pacific graduate who analyzed content from the top 10 TV shows for Kaiser Permanente. The goal was to highlight how these shows portrayed public health issues. This graduate’s work helped convince the shows to include more health-related content, like information about breast cancer. It’s a great example of how a communication degree can lead to impactful work. 

Preparing for the future 

Pacific’s Department of Communication is all about preparing you for the future. The curriculum is designed to give you the skills needed for various careers. Bergman explains that the department’s breadth ensures students are ready for multiple opportunities in the ever-changing communication landscape.