Career Advice

Most college students know that learning isn’t something that only happens in the classroom. In fact, RippleMatch research reveals that many young job seekers care deeply about professional development in their first job, ranking it as more important in choosing a job than other factors like compensation and company prestige.

A communications major covers many disciplines including advertising, marketing, public relations, journalism, broadcasting, media, and business. Students who choose to pursue a degree in communications learn how to assess the needs and preferences of readers, viewers, and listeners. They have the creativity to devise innovative strategies for conveying their messages, as well as the ability to craft the best possible media content for an audience. Having these skills means that the career path of a communications major is a broad one – but depending on your individual interests, skills, and values, here are ten promising career ideas to consider as a communications major.

More and more young professionals—and particularly women—are seeking out a flexible work life, trading in the daily commute and cubicle for work-from-home options, fully remote jobs, and more. But flexibility isn’t just good for employees—it’s a win for businesses, too: hiring candidates who can live and work anywhere lets companies recruit the best talent, and Millennials and Gen-Zers say they are more likely to stay at a company longer that offered a flexible schedule. Here are a few companies that will work with you to build your ideal work-life situation.

Sometimes it feels like everyone you know is working in a few big U.S. cities and there are no jobs anywhere else. While places like New York or San Francisco are great and have ample opportunities, the cost of living in those cities makes it impossible for some to live there—especially those who are younger, burdened with student debt, or raising a family. These companies offer the clout and opportunities of somewhere like NYC, but are based in places boasting a fraction of the living costs. Add these companies – and cities – to your list of options in your job search.

I was about 8 years old when I knew I wanted to pursue writing as a career. The chunky 2003 desktop computer sitting in my living room was the first thing I ran to after finishing my homework. And the more comfortable I got with the keyboard, the more I realized I wanted to go to school as long as I possibly could – college was a must. But every time I showed the slightest bit of excitement about getting a degree, my parents gave me a nervous smile.

Studies have shown that internships are one of the biggest indicators of whether or not a recent graduate will receive a full-time employment offer before graduation. In fact, many companies use internships as a pipeline for their next crop of entry-level recruits. However, not all internships are created equal, especially when it comes to pay. According to research from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, students that had a paid internship while in college were more likely to report higher levels of engagement in their early careers and to find a full-time job faster than students who had an unpaid internship. In short, paid internships tend to be correlated with more positive career outcomes, in addition to the short-term benefit of receiving a paycheck.

Internships are a great way to gain real-world experience while also exploring your career interests. However, not all internships provide the same level of professional development and growth, as it depends on how much a company invests in their program. Internships featuring things like professional development programs, mentorships, a robust company culture, and a focus on real work (not coffee runs!) are the internships to look out for. While those may seem few and far between, there are a ton of great companies across industries who are investing in their future workforce through internships. We rounded up 10 of those companies – read on to learn about what makes their internships stand out.

One of the most challenging parts of the job search is waiting for a response from a company after applying for a position. It’s one thing for candidates to submit applications into the void and never hear back – but what should you do if you are in the middle of the recruitment process and the recruiter you were corresponding with has gone silent?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, business-related majors are the most popular field of study. Unlike more specialized majors like accounting, a business major generally encompasses a wide range of business topics such as management, marketing, finance, economics, and corporate social responsibility. Wondering how to apply all this knowledge to one occupation? Here are 10 options to explore that draw upon the various competencies unique to a general business major.