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Communication may be an art possessed by the gifted – but that does not mean you cannot enhance and perfect your own communication skills, and meet or beat the standards set by naturally gifted communicators. The expanding range of communications courses and specializations on offer at universities around the world reflects the popularity of careers in communications, and the diversity of opportunities in this industry.
For those studying communications, at undergraduate or postgraduate level, it’s never too soon to start developing your professional communications portfolio and preparing for entry into this highly competitive jobs market. First of all, you must know that you are not supposed to be an eloquent orator or perfect writer to pursue a communications degree, though a genuine interest in the art of storytelling is of course essential. Also, you must be aware of the broad scope of the communications industry. Communication is not just about talking to others. As a communications graduate, you could go on to write for newspapers and magazines, broadcast on radio and TV, make your name in the new media sphere, edit books and texts, shoot documentaries and feature films – and much more.
It is useful to have a specialization in mind when you enrol in a communications degree, including some idea of where you want to go after graduation. If you have not thought about possible careers in communications, the early stages of your degree are the best time to do so. It’s important to take up as many challenges and opportunities as possible, to raise your market value after graduation. Here are my tips on how to start preparing for careers in communications while still studying.
Read, read, read!
“Read everything under the sun.” That’s what my teacher told me when I was completing my degree in mass communication. I was never able to live up to his expectation of reading everything, from a newspaper telling hard news to billboards trying to convince you to buy things you don’t need. However, I did understand the importance of what he was saying. Whether you want to become a writing professional or join the broadcasting world, it is essential to have a good grip on copy writing. This skill develops with reading: the more you read, the better you can write. Don’t assume that when you finish your degree you will automatically have these essential communication skills. The only thing you will have then is a piece of paper certifying completion of your degree. The rest is up to you.
Embrace the art of storytelling
When you have developed the habit of reading everything in reach, it is time to get creative. The communications industry is competitive and the opportunities are limited, though not for those who can really stand out from the crowd. And you can only succeed if you know how to allure your audience. Whether you want to join a newsroom or a Hollywood studio, the art of storytelling should be one of your areas of expertise. You must be able to instil emotions in your work. Again, this can be a daunting and time-consuming process. Don’t give up, keep practising!
Develop a communications portfolio
One of the most important things that could give you an advantage over other graduates is your communications portfolio. This is something you should start preparing while you are studying, and once you have graduated you should use it to support your job applications. A digital portfolio could be a good way to showcase your command of new media communications skills, which in today’s world is as important as water to a fish. Your communications portfolio should contain some published work that has your name in the byline. Securing bylines should be among your primary goals during your communications degree. Your communications portfolio can also include any videos you might have made, and examples of other work – both completed as coursework and in your own time. A well-maintained personal blog could also brighten your prospects.
Although your interest might incline towards any of the subclasses of the huge communications industry, you don’t want to be master of only one area. It is very important to have a basic understanding of all the major events and developments in the global communications industry. Increasingly, employers value graduates with diversified communication skills. For example, if you are a print journalist, you’ll find it’s an asset if you can also operate a camera or have at least a basic understanding of editing or design software. You won’t be expected to be an expert in everything, but it will definitely help you stand out if you’re able to multitask. So prepare for everything and don’t be afraid of trying new things to enhance your communication skills.
Got questions about careers in communications? Leave a comment below.
Hailing from Pakistan, Zain finished a Masters of Journalism and International Relations at Monash University in Australia. He is working as a journalist and media trainer in Melbourne along with secretly harboring an ambition to become a filmmaker.
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Preparing for Careers in Communications
Zain Nabi
Updated Aug 14, 2024Save
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Communication may be an art possessed by the gifted – but that does not mean you cannot enhance and perfect your own communication skills, and meet or beat the standards set by naturally gifted communicators. The expanding range of communications courses and specializations on offer at universities around the world reflects the popularity of careers in communications, and the diversity of opportunities in this industry.
For those studying communications, at undergraduate or postgraduate level, it’s never too soon to start developing your professional communications portfolio and preparing for entry into this highly competitive jobs market. First of all, you must know that you are not supposed to be an eloquent orator or perfect writer to pursue a communications degree, though a genuine interest in the art of storytelling is of course essential. Also, you must be aware of the broad scope of the communications industry. Communication is not just about talking to others. As a communications graduate, you could go on to write for newspapers and magazines, broadcast on radio and TV, make your name in the new media sphere, edit books and texts, shoot documentaries and feature films – and much more.
It is useful to have a specialization in mind when you enrol in a communications degree, including some idea of where you want to go after graduation. If you have not thought about possible careers in communications, the early stages of your degree are the best time to do so. It’s important to take up as many challenges and opportunities as possible, to raise your market value after graduation. Here are my tips on how to start preparing for careers in communications while still studying.
Read, read, read!
“Read everything under the sun.” That’s what my teacher told me when I was completing my degree in mass communication. I was never able to live up to his expectation of reading everything, from a newspaper telling hard news to billboards trying to convince you to buy things you don’t need. However, I did understand the importance of what he was saying. Whether you want to become a writing professional or join the broadcasting world, it is essential to have a good grip on copy writing. This skill develops with reading: the more you read, the better you can write. Don’t assume that when you finish your degree you will automatically have these essential communication skills. The only thing you will have then is a piece of paper certifying completion of your degree. The rest is up to you.
Embrace the art of storytelling
When you have developed the habit of reading everything in reach, it is time to get creative. The communications industry is competitive and the opportunities are limited, though not for those who can really stand out from the crowd. And you can only succeed if you know how to allure your audience. Whether you want to join a newsroom or a Hollywood studio, the art of storytelling should be one of your areas of expertise. You must be able to instil emotions in your work. Again, this can be a daunting and time-consuming process. Don’t give up, keep practising!
Develop a communications portfolio
One of the most important things that could give you an advantage over other graduates is your communications portfolio. This is something you should start preparing while you are studying, and once you have graduated you should use it to support your job applications. A digital portfolio could be a good way to showcase your command of new media communications skills, which in today’s world is as important as water to a fish. Your communications portfolio should contain some published work that has your name in the byline. Securing bylines should be among your primary goals during your communications degree. Your communications portfolio can also include any videos you might have made, and examples of other work – both completed as coursework and in your own time. A well-maintained personal blog could also brighten your prospects.
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Diversify your communication skills
Although your interest might incline towards any of the subclasses of the huge communications industry, you don’t want to be master of only one area. It is very important to have a basic understanding of all the major events and developments in the global communications industry. Increasingly, employers value graduates with diversified communication skills. For example, if you are a print journalist, you’ll find it’s an asset if you can also operate a camera or have at least a basic understanding of editing or design software. You won’t be expected to be an expert in everything, but it will definitely help you stand out if you’re able to multitask. So prepare for everything and don’t be afraid of trying new things to enhance your communication skills.
Got questions about careers in communications? Leave a comment below.
Hailing from Pakistan, Zain finished a Masters of Journalism and International Relations at Monash University in Australia. He is working as a journalist and media trainer in Melbourne along with secretly harboring an ambition to become a filmmaker.
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