Careers

What can you do with a Communication Degree?

The Communication Studies program is designed to provide the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a global economy that is experiencing tremendous change. For example, are you aware that Nashville has been designated as a Gateway City for immigrants and refugees? This designation is contributing to the increase of cultural groups within the state of Tennessee from such diverse areas of the world as Bhutan, Iraq, Mexico and Somalia. In recognition of the growing diversity within the U.S. as well as the growing number of multinational organizations that have locations around the world, our program stresses the importance of becoming culturally competent when you interact with others.

This foundation of cultural competence combined with an understanding of how to deal effectively with conflict (both in personal relationships and in the workplace), make decisions in small groups and understand the dynamics of persuasion combine to form a program that allows you to develop the skills need for a variety of careers.

Depending on how you combine your electives and minor, you can pursue careers in areas as diverse as business, law, education, the government, and non-profits. We highly recommend that you talk to your advisor about which minors will be best for you based on your career goals.

Career possibilities include such areas as:

Intercultural and Diversity Trainer Bank Manager or Loan Officer Human Resources Manager Public Relations International Study Abroad Director Management Training and Development Health Communicator

Negotiation and Arbitration Counselling Lobbyist Military Officer Sales Lawyer Professor Administrator

Examples of possible minors to pair with your career goals:

Airlines: Most people think of Pilots or Flight Attendants when they think of careers with
the airlines but there are numerous positions both in public and behind the scenes
that require strong "people skills". A minor in Global Studies or a Foreign Language
minor would work well for a career path in this industry.

Business: Careers in Management and Human Resources Development would benefit from
a minor from the School of Business. You might also consider Global Studies or
a Foreign Language minor if you think you might work for a multinational
corporation.

Entrepreneur: If you plan to start your own business, it is important that you take courses in
Business Law and Accounting. In addition to a minor in Business, you might
consider a minor in Public Relations so you will improve your ability to promote
your new business or product.

Government: Careers in government run a wide gamut from working for the FBI or CIA to
working in a local government office. The type of government position you
want to pursue will greatly influence which minor would be most beneficial.
For example, the FBI and CIA have a strong demand for computer specialists
and fluent speakers of other languages. Working in a political office would
benefit from a minor in Political Science or History while a career as a Forest
Ranger would benefit from courses in biology.

Intercultural Trainer: While our courses focus on increasing your understanding of the norms,
values and traditions of other cultures, it would be beneficial to pair a minor in
Foreign Languages, Anthropology, Psychology or Global Studies with our program.

NGO/Nonprofits: NGOs (Non-Government Organizations) and nonprofit organizations need
employees with strong organizational skills and the ability to motivate
volunteers. A minor in Psychology or Public Relations could be beneficial for
this career path.

University Administrators: There are numerous positions on college campuses that focus on
working with and helping students. Psychology, Leadership Studies and
Global Studies are all possible options as you work for a career in this field.
If you want to be a university administrator but are more interested in the
business end, you should consider a minor in Business or Public Relations.

There are many more options than the ones listed above, but this is provided to give you an idea of what you might do with your degree. Also:

Communication Studies is an excellent major for graduate school if you are interested in:

• Communication Studies or Organizational Communication
• International Training
• Law
• Counselling
• Seminary
• Non-governmental agencies (NGOs)
• Human Services
• Administration