Many freshmen students start out college undeclared; they aren’t sure what they want to major in and hope to use their first year to find something they want to study. Unfortunately, many students take up to 2 years to decide on a major, and they may even switch majors several times up into their junior year. This wastes a lot of time and money, and can significantly delay graduation.
If you have no idea what you want to major in, one option you might consider is taking time off from college. If taking a break isn’t an option for you, doing your research and finding a major you can be passionate about should be your number one priority. The sooner you declare a major that you want to stick with, the more you can focus on taking the classes you need to graduate, allowing you to stay on track to graduate on time.
Here is the fourth in a series for discovering majors and what opportunities each can hold.
Don’t forget the others in the series: Linguistics, Data Sciences, and Accounting!
A Degree in Communications
When you hear of someone majoring in communications, your first thought might be “what can you do with that?” It turns out, a lot! Communications is one of the most versatile degrees out there because most careers require some form of communication, and positions that require a high level of effective communication are vast.
No matter what sector of the workforce you want to get into, there is a position that prizes candidates with a communications degree. Some may just require a bachelor’s, and some may require other emphasis or higher degrees like a master’s, but all will be rewarding if you love communicating with people. 
Human Resource Manager
Nearly every established business requires a human resource manager. They work to recruit and interview potential new hires, deal with interpersonal issues among staff as well as laying off and firing of employees. Needless to say, a job as an HR manager involves a lot of communication, and the need for someone who can be effective and tactful is imperative. HR managers also get to help direct and foster company culture, so even with the seriousness of dealing with employee relations issues, the opportunity for active and fun engagement with people is regularly present.
If you think working as an HR manager seems like a good fit, a degree in communications is all you need to qualify as a good candidate. A minor in business management or extra work experience will only make you stand out more as the best person for the job. Because HR positions are so important to every business, you are likely to make a fairly decent salary.
Social Media Manager
There’s no denying that social media has become a major force in most people’s lives. People of all ages use it to connect with each other and share details about their lives. It’s no surprise then that businesses have capitalized on the wide use by incorporating social media into their marketing strategies. Because of this, positions as a social media manager are popping up everywhere.
Social media managers create and maintain accounts on the various social media platforms on their employers behalf. Their job is to connect with customers on the platforms they use most with engaging posts and boosted content. They are also a common contact point for customers to share their praises and grievances, so excellent communication skills are a must. If you love social media, connecting with customers, and being on the internet, a degree in communications with knowledge of marketing will put you in the running for a job as a social media manager.
Social Worker
If your passion in life is helping people, and you want to use your communication skills to advocate for people in need, consider becoming a social worker. Social workers are in dire need across the country, as children in terrible home conditions, adults with special needs, and many others require case workers to help them get in safe and healthy environments. Social workers can also work as counselors and therapists, helping people through hard times and mental illness struggles.
While you can’t become a social worker on a communications degree alone, having one will definitely make you more effective at your job. Delicate and intentional communication is necessary for being a good social worker, and a bachelor’s in communication will help you here. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, you will need to seek a masters in social work to enter this career.
Event Planner
If you love a good party and you have an excellent eye for detail, becoming an event planner might just be the career for you. Weather it’s helping someone plan their perfect theme wedding or planning a corporate retreat, an event planner will need an impeccable level of communication organization skills. As an event planner, you are the main point of contact for the event host and venders involved, as well as the organizer of all details such as decorations, activities, and catering.
While a college degree is not necessary for becoming an event planner, a degree will certainly give you a leg up as event planning positions can be competitive. The communication and organization skills that you learn while pursuing a communications degree will help you to stand out among other candidates, as well as any extracurricular clubs and activities that you participate in and help put together.
Real Estate Agent
Cities are booming with growth all over the country, and real estate is back out of the recession and into the spotlight. Especially in the fastest growing cities in the country, being a real estate agent can bring in hefty earnings. Of course, it’s a highly competitive field and communicating with sellers and buyers is key to making sales closing on houses, buildings, and land; this is where a degree in communications will be an important asset.
In addition to the help a communications degree will give you, you will need to obtain a real estate license to work in the real estate realm. You will also need to look into any other requirements state by state, as states can have different rules and laws when it comes to regulations and requirements when it comes to buying and selling real estate.
These are just a few of the countless careers where a communications degree will come in handy. If you love engaging and connecting with people, there is no shortage of jobs and careers that will apply to your degree. All it takes is looking at what your other passions and priorities are and you will find the right path for you, and a degree in communications will help you on your way.
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Mila Sanchez is a writer with a BA in English Linguistics. Her ambitions include traveling the world, studying languages, and taking pictures of her dog, Baymax. Connect with her on Twitter and Instagram!
