When I graduated college with a communications degree, I often found myself questioning where I could apply my skills. How would my degree translate into a fulfilling career? Coming from a Hispanic family, my parents often envisioned me on Spanish-speaking channels as a TV host or news reporter. “So, you want to be on T.V.?” they would ask. Family members echoed the same sentiments, and I frequently found myself explaining that communications could be used in far more ways than just being in front of the camera.
I was fortunate to get a taste of that world through my first internship in radio, where I experienced the mic, the cameras, and the excitement. But it wasn’t until my second internship, focused on community service, that I truly grasped the breadth of opportunities my degree offered. I found myself working with diverse communities, organizing food drives, and engaging in international events. I realized how powerful interpersonal and intercultural communication skills were and how they intersected with almost everything I loved.
From that point, I became determined to explore how I could apply my communications degree across industries—from broadcasting to non-profits, government, or education. I realized that my degree didn’t limit me—it opened doors. I wanted to ensure my skills were always in demand, adaptable to any field, and capable of creating lasting value.
To guide myself, I asked a series of key questions that helped me align my degree with my aspirations:
- What sparked my interest in communications?
- Which key skills from my degree could I apply across industries?
- How does communication shape sectors like marketing, healthcare, or tech?
- How can communication strategies solve real-world problems?
- Which industries best align with my communication passions (media, nonprofit, corporate)?
- How could my skills create a positive impact on causes or movements?
- What life experiences have highlighted the value of communication for me?
- How could I make my degree versatile across expanding industries (tech, sustainability)?
- Was I up to date on digital trends and tools in modern communication?
- How do I ensure ethical, truthful, and inclusive messaging?
- How could I connect my personal passions with a communications career?
These reflective questions played a significant role in helping me better understand my passions, skills, and what I truly wanted to pursue with my degree. I found myself thinking outside the box and exploring new avenues I hadn’t considered before. They encouraged me to ask, “What excites me most about communication?”
This curiosity sparked new ideas for how I could apply my problem-solving abilities and communication strategies to tackle real-world issues—whether it is managing a crisis, improving brand management, or even supporting advocacy efforts. The ability to tailor my skills to fit the needs of different industries opened so many possibilities, and these questions led me to realize that my career could evolve in ways I had not initially imagined.
When searching for a job or internship, it’s essential to focus on how you can leverage your communication skills across different industries. Here are a few tips to help guide your search:
Tailor Your Resume & Cover Letter
- Highlight communication experiences with specific examples, such as public speaking or teamwork.
- Include volunteer work that showcases your communication skills.
Seek Communication-Focused Roles Across Industries
- Every industry incorporates communication. Explore how you can apply this skill in tech, healthcare, education, or other fields.
Network Effectively
- Attending industry events and engaging on LinkedIn. Connect with professionals to discover emerging communication careers as technology evolves.
The Interconnectedness of Communication Across Various Industries:
In addition, to these three tips, I wondered how communication plays a role in every industry. In my research, I came across some examples of related sectors that actively utilize this essential skill.
In conclusion, reflecting on my younger self has made me aware of the remarkable evolution of industries and the pivotal role communication plays in our ever-changing world. As we navigate through diverse sectors, it becomes clear how integral communication is to foster connections and drive success in the workplace. Recognizing the various ways industries incorporate communication opens up a wealth of opportunities for us to explore and embrace in our careers. By honing our communication skills, we can position ourselves to thrive in this dynamic landscape.
If you want to explore more:
This fall 2024, we’re diving into the exciting intersections of Communication and Media across various industries! We’re thrilled to host a series of engaging events that showcase how communication plays a vital role in sectors like education, healthcare, language studies, and beyond. By bringing together professionals from diverse fields, we aim to highlight the myriad opportunities available and how communication shapes their work.
Join us for Industries Week, happening from October 7-11, to gain valuable insights into these dynamic sectors and discover how you can leverage communication skills in your career. Don’t miss out on this chance to explore the endless possibilities that await!
