Communications Manager Projected Growth In The United States
Research Summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
Salaries have increased 14% for communications managers in the last 5 years
Projected job growth for communications managers is 8% from 2018-2028
There are over 24,890 communications managers currently employed in the United States
There are 26,350 active communications manager job openings in the US based on job postings
The average salary for a communications manager is $81,304
Are Communications Manager Jobs In Demand?
Yes, communications manager jobs are in demand. The job market for analysts is projected to grow 8% from 2018 to 2028.
Communications Manager Job and Salary Trends Over Time
Communications Manager Jobs Over Time
Communications Manager Job Growth Over Time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 16,526 | 0.01% |
| 2013 | 16,623 | 0.01% |
| 2014 | 17,414 | 0.01% |
| 2015 | 18,302 | 0.01% |
| 2016 | 19,335 | 0.01% |
Average Communications Manager Salary Over Time
Communications Manager Salary By Year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | $50,966 | $24.50 | - |
| 2009 | $54,786 | $26.34 | +7.5% |
| 2010 | $57,646 | $27.71 | +5.2% |
| 2011 | $59,620 | $28.66 | +3.4% |
| 2012 | $59,793 | $28.75 | +0.3% |
Number Of Communications Managers By State
Mouse over a state to see the number of active communications manager jobs in each state. The darker areas on the map show where communications managers earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.
Most Common States For Communications Managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 413 | 60% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 153 | 16% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 799 | 12% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 938 | 11% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 694 | 11% |
| 6 | Alaska | 739,795 | 85 | 11% |
| 7 | Vermont | 623,657 | 69 | 11% |
| 8 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 747 | 10% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 56 | 10% |
| 10 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 482 | 9% |
| 11 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 265 | 9% |
| 12 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 70 | 9% |
| 13 | California | 39,536,653 | 3114 | 8% |
| 14 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 812 | 8% |
| 15 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 450 | 8% |
| 16 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 320 | 8% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 277 | 8% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 108 | 8% |
| 19 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 89 | 8% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 85 | 8% |
Most Common Cities For Communications Managers In The US
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Lansing | 4 | 8% | $72,473 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 3 | 8% | $81,959 |
| 3 | Frederick | 4 | 6% | $81,537 |
| 4 | Washington | 27 | 4% | $86,831 |
| 5 | Hartford | 5 | 4% | $95,838 |
| 6 | Boston | 18 | 3% | $80,352 |
| 7 | Atlanta | 11 | 2% | $72,180 |
| 8 | Des Moines | 4 | 2% | $79,658 |
| 9 | Chicago | 15 | 1% | $71,647 |
| 10 | Indianapolis | 9 | 1% | $64,071 |
| 11 | San Francisco | 8 | 1% | $116,875 |
| 12 | Sacramento | 6 | 1% | $115,307 |
| 13 | Denver | 4 | 1% | $67,977 |
| 14 | Saint Paul | 4 | 1% | $76,104 |
| 15 | New York | 17 | 0% | $87,425 |
| 16 | Los Angeles | 8 | 0% | $101,931 |
| 17 | Phoenix | 4 | 0% | $71,192 |
| 18 | San Jose | 4 | 0% | $115,875 |
| 19 | Baltimore | 3 | 0% | $82,036 |
Experts Weigh In On Communications Manager Job Outlook
We spoke to professors and experts from several universities and companies to get their opinions on where the job market for recent graduates is heading, as well as how young graduates entering the industry can be adequately prepared. Here are their thoughts.
Our Panel of Experts
University of the Incarnate Word
Dominican University of California
Southern Illinois University
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Penn State University, Brandywine
Saint John's University
Montana State University Billings
Drake University
Neumann University
Evangel University
Dixie State University
Evangel University
University of the Incarnate Word
Eastern Michigan University
University of Michigan-Flint
Huntingdon College
Dr. Trey Guinn
Associate Professor and Program DirectorUniversity of the Incarnate Word
Communication Arts
What skills stand out on Communications Manager resumes?
Dr. Trey Guinn: The field of communication(s) is like an enormous playground. The roles and responsibilities of professional communicators vary as much as playgrounds and the equipment they house. What seems universal is that communications managers work to advance a brand's image by developing and delivering intentional messages that effectively convey meaning with impact. Beyond that, these individuals work in various settings and perform a range of communicative tasks. Some have general oversight of an organization's internal and external communications, while others may have a narrower focus exclusively on liaising with media to gain purposeful exposure or manage crisis communication. Thus, while the role may seem straightforward, the truth is that the job description and responsibilities can vary greatly. This is important to note because the skills that should stand out on your resume must incorporate your knowledge of the industry and the nuance of the specific job to which you are applying. Sticking with our aforementioned metaphor, a hiring manager may need to know that you have a general understanding of all the toys on the playground but may be especially interested in how well you build sandcastles. Thus, it behooves you to make your resume speak to the job description. And moreover, when appropriate to do so, you would be wise to utilize language in the job description. If you are part of a "tiger team," but the job description calls for someone who has been part of a "high-performing team," accommodate your language for the reader, especially if your reader is a machine that may not be programmed to understand your jargon.
What soft skills should all Communications Managers possess?
Dr. Trey Guinn: It goes without saying that a communications manager is expected to demonstrate exceptional verbal, nonverbal, and written communication. They should have in-depth knowledge of best writing and messaging practices for the needs of the particular organization and industry to which they have applied. But more than developing and delivering effective messaging, a savvy communications manager must effectively engage with individuals of all levels, whether internal or external to the organization. They must be able to lead and influence with and without positional authority.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Communications Managers?
Dr. Trey Guinn: In addition to education and experiences related to corporate and strategic communications, it is helpful to have a healthy working knowledge related to the industry to which they have applied. A communications manager in the tech industry should be well-versed in that technology. The same goes for oil and gas, consumer product goods, education, healthcare, etc. Beyond this, we find that organizations gravitate toward candidates with quantitative reasoning skills and an analytical mindset. So, if you have been avoiding courses and projects that require taking deep dives into data, now is the time to brush up!
What skills will help Communications Managers earn the most?
Dr. Trey Guinn: Companies large and small, especially those offering impressive salary ranges, seek individuals who can go beyond the traditional definition of the role. Organizations are looking for communications managers who can work cross-functionally, employ quantitative reasoning to extract meaningful insights, and then utilize their emotional intelligence and interpersonal savvy to turn nuggets of data into compelling stories presented to senior leaders. They seek people who can lead projects from ideation and strategy phases through implementation and assessment. Best-in-class communications managers also exhibit tremendous ability to influence internal and external stakeholders, unlock potential, and drive value.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Manager?
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.: Stay current with distance communication platforms and become proficient at using them. For example, it would be wise to start developing interview skills using distance communication technologies and realize the differences between an onsite interview and a distance interview (eye contact and other interpersonal skills should translate from one-on-one to the camera).
What Communications Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.: I would recommend that graduates use that time to focus on creating a portfolio showing specific skills they think will put them ahead of other applicants. These can be universal (coding or graphic design for example) or specific to the type of job they want.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Communications Manager job market given the pandemic?
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.: Traditional Institutionalized (not just temporary) distance roles that were once thought of as onsite-only (human resources for example) will likely become distance-oriented whenever possible, the technologies we use for distance communication will probably become much more personalizable, training incorporating distance communication technologies will become a part of regular job trainings, distance communication skill sets could gradually augment or even replace some of the standards we taught for years.
Sort of Dale Carnegie meets Zoom or in other words the perfect presentation will no longer be as formal but should include personal, more human moments as we endeavor to make interpersonal connections online. Distance skill sets will gradually replace our old standards. For example eye contact during a formal presentation and eye contact via Zoom or other distance platforms is very different (from in-person group to camera).
What skills stand out on Communications Manager resumes?
Justin Young: What I hear more and more is a desire for multi-skilled Communication Managers. In other words, it's not simply enough to have a background in PR, but often you'll wear many hats and might be asked to shoot a video with your phone, edit it on your desktop, and then post it across social media. So they're not just looking for video editing, or web content management, or social media, or article writing, or public speaking, but ideally, a little of them all.
What soft skills should all Communications Managers possess?
Justin Young: Two big factors are affecting soft skill needs-diversity and remote work. As companies diversify, they need people who can deftly integrate diverse employees while keeping an open, understanding ear to those employees' needs. A background in intercultural communication and empathy is very useful here.
Along the same lines, COVID has forced many employees into remote work, and the truth is that some will never return to a traditional office schedule. Companies need communicators who can build those team dynamics when the team might be scattered across five states. Again, it's about listening to the needs and understanding that a video chat meeting is less about the tech and more about interpersonal communication and teamwork.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Communications Managers?
Justin Young: I would say it's less important that someone knows the latest video editing software than they have a sound understanding of film theory. I'm more concerned that someone shooting a 30-second clip for Instagram understands how to compose a shot than they necessarily know how to integrate visual effects. That basic idea is true across the board. Technology is shifting so rapidly today that a core understanding of the principles of design, composition, and even something like UX allows a young person straight out of college to adapt over the next five years as a lot of their physical tech may phase out of use.
18-year-olds aren't using Twitter anymore, but a fundamental understanding of how algorithms work will translate to newer social platforms such as Tik-Tok.
What skills will help Communications Managers earn the most?
Justin Young: Straight out of school, some of those hard skills might give you a leg up on that first job. However, long-term, I think soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and simply interpersonal skills will advance you further. The most successful people I see tend to be good with people as well as willing to listen and learn. Some people can fake these skills to advance, but the organization usually suffers in the long-term, as do they financially.
Sherry Morreale Ph.D.
ProfessorUniversity of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Department of Communication
What skills stand out on Communications Manager resumes?
Sherry Morreale Ph.D.: Stephen Colbert, actor, comedian, and TV host, graduated with a B.A. in Communication, as did Howard Shultz, the Executive Chairman of Starbucks, Carrie Underwood, country music singer, Peyton Manning, retired NFL football player, Oprah Winfrey, former talk show host and producer, and Spike Lee, director, producer, and actor. Less well known but successful communication graduates also include Robert Lampley, Assistant Director of the Office of Civil Rights at Central Michigan University, Jessica Berlin, Social Marketing Manager of Yahoo, Brandon Weathers, Analyst/Federal Government Contractor, Ashley Kronsell, Communication Specialist at Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition, and Sierra Lowe, Regulatory Communications Coordinator at Cook Medical Group (National Communication Association, 2021a).
This impressive list highlights just a few of the many highly productive people with Communication degrees who are now employed in a range of interesting positions. Clearly, a degree in Communication opens the door to a wide variety of employment opportunities. That is because communication itself is ubiquitous - it is everywhere. But we need to clarify exactly what communication skills are needed, given this wide array of jobs and careers. This brief commentary presents three diverse sources of information about those important communication skills.
1. The results of a national study that highlights exactly what aspects of Communication, and therefore Communication Education, are considered critically important to everyone's personal and professional success in life.
2. Employers' expectations about their communication knowledge and skills in college graduates would like to see.
3. A summary of learning outcomes for communication graduates was developed by the National Communication Association.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Communications Managers?
Sherry Morreale Ph.D.: A very recent analysis of 82 million job postings uncovered a critical demand by employers for what often is referred to as durable skills (America Succeeds, 2021). By contrast to hard skills, durable skills, sometimes referred to as soft skills, comprise important professional capabilities (Leadership, Critical Thinking, Communication, etc.) and personal qualities (Creativity, Mindfulness, Fortitude, etc.) that last throughout a person's entire career. In this analysis, two key findings are:
-In the job postings, the top five durable skills were requested nearly four (3.8) times more than the top five hard skills.
-Also, Communication and Leadership were in the highest demand, requested by 50+% of postings. These two durable (soft) skills sets include the following specific knowledge and skills.
A third durable skill or competency identified in the job postings, closely related to Leadership and Communication, is Collaboration. The Collaboration knowledge and skills connected to Communication and Leadership are interpersonal communications, coordinating, teamwork, team-oriented, team leadership, collaboration, team building, cooperation, and virtual teams.
Hans Schmidt Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Communications, Coordinator, Schreyer and Cooper Honors ProgramsPenn State University, Brandywine
Communications Department
What skills stand out on Communications Manager resumes?
Hans Schmidt Ph.D.: It is important to have a wide range of communication skills -from effectively participating in and leading meetings to write in style appropriate for the setting to media productions skills. When people move into the "manager" role, of course, this entails having developed a broad awareness of the culture at that particular organization and the skills needed to lead a group of people. So, really, skills related to communication touch on a wide range of job functions and responsibilities.
What soft skills should all Communications Managers possess?
Hans Schmidt Ph.D.: I know that "soft skills" is commonly used, but I'm not a fan of the term. I think it implies that some of these skills are "soft" or "easy" or "unimportant." They aren't. In many ways, so-called "soft skills" - things like interpersonal communication skills - can be among the most important skills for any worker. This is especially the case in communication-related fields, where there is an expectation that human interaction - both in-person and mediated - is important. This is true with leadership skills and presentation/speaking skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Communications Managers?
Hans Schmidt Ph.D.: Having the ability to write well is important in most knowledge-based fields today. It is especially critical in any communication-related field of job specialization. Otherwise, the specific technical skills are important variations between the particular company and/or job expectations. Some fields use proprietary software that one typically learns about once one starts the job. Some fields require media production competencies - related to basic video production, audio production, imaging or photography, or even web design/management. The important thing is to develop a general competency with technology - and to learn how to learn. That allows you to pivot to develop new skills in different situations and roles.
What skills will help Communications Managers earn the most?
Hans Schmidt Ph.D.: There are so many variables here. For one thing, market needs are constantly changing. Similarly, there is a wide range of salaries between different employers. This is why it is so important to, again, "learn how to learn." That enables you to be adaptable, flexible, and capable of adjusting to different environments. Also, it emphasizes why the development of fundamental communication skills related to spoken communication, written communication, and - today - mediated communication are so important. You can take these skills and specialize them in any number of ways.
Nancy DiTunnariello Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorSaint John's University
Mass Communication
What skills stand out on Communications Manager resumes?
Nancy DiTunnariello Ph.D.: One of the best skills a Communication Manager can hold is taking charge during stressful situations yet still managing their team. A great manager will understand that they must delegate work to others on their team to get things accomplished. Utilizing and helping to cultivate the strengths of others on your team is an excellent skill to have and a true asset to your organization. One strong and capable employee is great; however, an entire team of them is even better.
What soft skills should all Communications Managers possess?
Nancy DiTunnariello Ph.D.: Be personable! During the interview process, individuals are so focused on being "professional" that they forget to show potential employers who they really are. YOU are what sets you apart from other applicants. Also, employers want to see if your personality is a good fit with the company culture and the colleagues/clients you would be working with. Plus, would you want to work for an organization where you have to pretend and assume a false persona all day?
What hard/technical skills are most important for Communications Managers?
Nancy DiTunnariello Ph.D.: A hard/technical skill important in communication is to be aware of applications and programs used within your field and at least have some experience working with them. For example, if you are in advertising, be familiar with applications used in the ad and copy creation process. Or, if you are in tv/film, be familiar with editing applications like Adobe Premiere and Final Cut. This is why really jumping into your coursework pre-career is so important; you can take the time to explore and learn to use important software and applications that will tie to your future career.
What skills will help Communications Managers earn the most?
Nancy DiTunnariello Ph.D.: One of the characteristics that help you earn the most is your experience when searching for a job. Employers like to see that you have previous experience working in the field - especially if you have been working with other organizations in the same market. For example, suppose you are applying for a job in public relations at an agency specializing in entertainment PR, and you have had other positions in entertainment PR in the past. In that case, the hiring organization knows you are familiar with journalists and already have contacts in this market. This is why college programs really REALLY advocate for internships in the field before graduation. Any way you can get experience in the field that you plan to go into helps provide you with references who can speak on your abilities in the field and help you work on skills you will be utilizing throughout your entire career. More experience often equates to more money.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Communications Managers?
Samuel Isaac Boerboom Ph.D.: It's difficult to predict the enduing impact, but graduates will need to be savvier than ever about establishing and maintaining online communication skills, especially web conferencing and virtual communication. Graduates may be working remotely for an extended period of time even after the COVID-19 crisis is managed. Time management and self-motivation skills will be more important than before.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Communications Managers?
Samuel Isaac Boerboom Ph.D.: For communication professionals it will again be about effective presentation of one's skills in online platforms and spaces. Web marketing and persuasion skills are absolutely paramount right now.
What soft skills should all Communications Managers possess?
Samuel Isaac Boerboom Ph.D.: Conflict management, the ability to work effectively and efficiently in groups, and active listening skills, especially as these pertain to engaging audiences in virtual settings.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Communications Managers?
Alanah Mitchell Ph.D.: Information Systems (IS) is often identified as the highest paying major in a business school. While the impact of a global pandemic has certainly had an impact on students (both academically and professionally), IS majors continue to have a number of job opportunities during this time. IS majors understand both business and technology and are prepared to identify ways technology can be used to solve organizational problems. This background is particularly important as so many organizations are continuing their work through the use of technology both during and post-pandemic.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Communications Managers?
Alanah Mitchell Ph.D.: In some cases certifications and licenses can help with possible job prospects. In general, IS education is focused on current technology processes, skills, tools, and technologies that employers are interested in. Additionally, internships during school really help to provide practical experience and increase the chances of job offers.
What soft skills should all Communications Managers possess?
Alanah Mitchell Ph.D.: Along with business and technical skills, IS majors do need to work in developing a broad set of soft, interpersonal skills. Specifically, collaboration and teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving, creativity, communication, negotiation and conflict management, and leadership as well as working under pressure often rank high in the list of soft skills necessary for success in IS. Increasingly, the development of soft skills is emphasized in academic programs as employers are looking for these skills in new graduates.
Dr. Alfred Mueller Ph.D.
Dean, School of Arts and Sciences, Professor of Communication ad Digital mediaNeumann University
School of Arts and Sciences
What experience really stands out on Communications Manager resumes?
Dr. Alfred Mueller Ph.D.: As someone who reads resumes regularly, I don't spend much time on the resume. I expect a resume to convey to me basic information about degrees held. If the applicant played in a sport or held a leadership position in a club while attending college, I want to know that because it shows me that the applicant managed time reasonably well and led a group of people in some way. I will also look for information about what an applicant accomplished in a previous or current position. I don't want a listing of the job's responsibilities. I want to know what value the applicant brought to the workplace. For example, don't tell me that you oversaw training initiatives at your current employer. Tell me that you trained 85% of the staff to use the new software and that, as a result, quarterly productivity increased 115%. The first tells me nothing; the second tells me what value you brought to the workplace. So it is important to shift away from bland job descriptions to accomplishments.
For me, the cover letter is much more important than the resume. The cover letter is the place where applicants can show me that they have done their research on my organization. Over 99% of the people whom I interview know little to nothing about my organization or its mission and values even though all of that information is a click away. If an applicant did not even take the time to look up that information on the Internet, it sends a clear signal to me about the applicant's lack of priorities. Demonstrate you have done that research by referring to my organization's mission and values in your cover letter. The cover letter is also the place where applicants can tell me about the soft skills they developed. Concrete examples help me see those skills in action.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Communications Managers?
Dr. Alfred Mueller Ph.D.: The pandemic is the single greatest disruption of American life we could ever have imagined. I predict that more workplaces will allow for telecommuting from home, businesses will retain some of the services they set up to address the pandemic, and health will be our primary focus for the next decade as the long-term effects of COVID are realized. As someone who sees opportunity in obstacles, I want to think that a graduate with an entrepreneurial approach will be able to take advantage of many of these cultural shifts. The Biden Administration will likely address student debt, but there are still many financial issues surrounding housing that have to be sorted out. So the next five years will be much more addled than anything we have seen in recent memory, but the end of the decade should see a return to prosperity.
What type of skills will young Communications Managers need?
Dr. Alfred Mueller Ph.D.: Coming out of the worst days of the pandemic, I predict that soft skills will be much more important. I have needed to rely more on my own emotional intelligence in the last twelve months than I did in the five years prior to the pandemic. Graduates need to demonstrate emotional intelligence, be able to work well in teams, and be highly adaptable. Given where we are in society right now, graduates must have the ability to communicate clearly and to distinguish between fact and fiction in the world around them. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge a strong need for professional ethics, regardless of the field that a graduate decides to pursue.
What experience really stands out on Communications Manager resumes?
Cameron Pace Ph.D.: Specific software the student knows, types of equipment they have used, areas of experience they have worked in or had special training. Details matter here. If they can recount successes, number of sales, clients, or products they have produced or served, that's very helpful. The more professional-type experiences, the better.
Dr. James Stein
Assistant Professor and Director of Interpersonal Communication CurriculumDixie State University
Communication Studies Department
What general advice would you give to a Communications Manager?
Dr. James Stein: Take the job that best fits your career. I cannot tell you how many people (students, and personal friends alike) chose to turn down a career starter that pays $9 an hour in favor of a job that pays $11 and hour. As the old adage goes: penny smart, dollar foolish. You should always be asking yourself "how does this opportunity advance my larger goal?" Don't embark on an endeavor that doesn't help you, even if it does look shiny at first glance.
What Communications Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. James Stein: Well, first, if you have the means/finances to take a full year off, I commend you. My advice would be to immerse yourself in the use of technology and social media. Every company is always looking for good PR and a good "vibe." So, if you're taking a gap year, I would recommend using that time not to figure out what you want to do, but rather to hone the thing(s) that you're already good at and make them work for you.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Communications Manager job market given the pandemic?
Dr. James Stein: I think we're going to see a lot of hybrid job offers, meaning that people will get the opportunity to work remotely a lot more. I think this for three reasons. First, the largest complaint of my generation (Millennials) is that we don't have enough work-life balance. The online atmosphere provides for that. Second, companies can save hundreds of thousands in office space rent by switching to a more hybrid format. Third, this trend has been steadily increasing, the pandemic just supercharged it.
I also believe that we're going to see a lot more engineering and management jobs open up. Automation is replacing manual labor and self-driving cars will eclipse the trucker industry. Folks on the job market are going to need to learn to better manage technology and human relationships.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Communications Managers?
Melinda Booze: Undoubtedly, the pandemic will have an enduring impact in ways that we can't yet identify. One trend that seems counterintuitive but has been consistent both prior to and during the pandemic is graduates who start their professional lives as entrepreneurs. Even those who ultimately were hired by employers were persistent in creating their own content to showcase their work before employment was certain. -Melinda Booze, assistant professor of communication, Evangel University.
What type of skills will young Communications Managers need?
Melinda Booze: Today's communication graduates will need adaptive storytelling skills. In a communication environment that is noisy and insistent, the graduates that will stand out are those who can demonstrate to employers and clients that they can identify an audience's needs, wants and values and craft messages that connects with and engages that audience. This involves all the requisite hard and soft skills, such as technological proficiency, writing, speaking, a love of learning, flexibility, creativity and more. The skill that is perhaps less emphasized or practiced is careful listening. The outcome of careful listening is valid research that informs meaningful stories that communicate. -Melinda Booze, assistant professor of communication, Evangel University.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Manager?
Michael Mercer: I hope the graduate has done at least one internship that's journalism-related or at least called on the graduate to show their journalism skills, especially writing. Not just any writing but writing aimed at conveying information in its simplest form. If the graduate has not done a previous internship, be prepared to do one, even as a freelance writer or unpaid volunteer to show how determined and skillful you are just to get your foot in the door.
What Communications Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Mercer: A journalism graduate wanting to take a gap year should find opportunities to write mainly. If he or she can't land an occasional freelance opportunity during the gap year, at the least do a blog or write self-assigned pieces that meet publishing standards. Because journalism is so people-oriented, any job or opportunity during the gap year that exposes the graduate to people and telling their stories, even if it's marketing-, sales-oriented or PR-oriented, would be OK.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Communications Manager job market given the pandemic?
Michael Mercer: I think the job market might continue to be tough going into 2021. Until the vaccine is widespread many of the industries hard hit by Covid will have a slow recovery, and I would not be surprised if there is a tentative approach to hiring. However, many businesses have learned how productive employees can be when working remotely, and they have also discovered the cost savings when people work from home. I would predict that more jobs will be able to offer work-from-home options than before the pandemic.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Manager?
Dr. Jeannette Kindred Ph.D.: Seek out people in your field who you admire and start building professional relationships (this also builds your network). Ask questions and accept constructive feedback, to show that you are willing to learn and grow. Continually reflect on what you are doing and consider if the work is important and meaningful for you-if it's not, then why are you doing it? Finally, always find ways to give back to your community, through your voice or your actions. Especially in these difficult times in our country, we need people working together to better communities more than ever.
What Communications Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jeannette Kindred Ph.D.: Networking! And by that I do not mean learn how to "schmooze" to get a job. Networking should be looked at as a lifelong mindset, and should be authentic. No matter where you are in your career, ask what can you do to enlarge your network and more importantly, how can you give to your network? The Forbes article "Lose the Schmooze: Seven Ways to Make Networking Genuine" offers some wonderful advice. I have my capstone students read it every semester.
(Forbes)
Students can enhance their networks online (via LinkedIn for example) and also through joining professional organizations and attending networking and other in person events. In the pandemic, however, this may not be possible. Students can still maintain an online presence and join professional organizations connected to their majors, and start to build connections. These organizations may even be offering virtual events in 2021.
Jeyoung (Jenny) Oh Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of CommunicationUniversity of Michigan-Flint
Department of Communication Studies
What general advice would you give to a Communications Manager?
Jeyoung (Jenny) Oh Ph.D.: If you work from home, it could be hard to separate your work time from your personal time. Make sure to take some time off to take care of yourself. It is important not only for your work performance but also for your well-being. Also, remember that there are many people who are there to support you, so do not hesitate to ask for help and ask questions. Be proactive and reach out to your colleagues. Set a virtual coffee time with your colleagues or manager to get to know them. If possible, join as many virtual workshops provided to you as you can. Those will help you understand the culture of your organization, and it will also be a great way to get to know your colleagues.
What Communications Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jeyoung (Jenny) Oh Ph.D.: Anyone with internet access can learn many different skills. Many resources are free. The skills you should learn highly depend on the specific field you'd like to work in. For example, if you are interested in market research, then I recommend you take a statistics or data analytics course on online course sites, such as Coursera or Udemy. If you are interested in graphic design, a photography or Illustrator course will be helpful. It is also important to stay updated in your field by following various online sources. For instance, if you are interested in advertising, keep up with publications such as Ad Age, and if you want to work in public relations, I recommend that you keep an eye on the websites of the Public Relations Society of America and the Institute for Public Relations for the latest news.
Graduates can also enhance their skill sets and put them into practice by engaging in different experiences, such as volunteering with organizations in their field. With the ongoing pandemic, many organizations are seeking virtual help from volunteers. For example, if you volunteer in a social media marketing project for a nonprofit organization, you get to create a social media campaign to increase awareness of the initiatives of the organization. This experience can hone your skills in creating and managing online content. To search for these kinds of opportunities, you can use sites such as VolunteerMatch or AllForGood. It would be a great chance for you to apply what you have learned in class to make society better in this novel pandemic. You can also engage in a remote internship for a similar experience.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Communications Manager job market given the pandemic?
Jeyoung (Jenny) Oh Ph.D.: The biggest trend we will see in the job market is definitely the surge in remote work. Companies have started to realize that remote work does not negatively influence the productivity of workers. As a matter of fact, some studies have indicated that employees tend to remain productive while doing remote work. With all these changes, many companies are now hiring those who can work remotely. In other words, the increasing demand for remote work provides new opportunities beyond the restrictions of physical location. If you have the skills and talent that a company needs, your location will no longer be a deciding factor.
What experience really stands out on Communications Manager resumes?
Elizabeth B. Rogers: Any hands-on experience you have had in your field of study is what employers are looking for when looking at new graduates. Having a good GPA is always a plus, but the real experience is irreplaceable. Internships, jobs, summer programs, etc., are great ways to gain this experience while in school. I know that many internships/jobs wer cut short, changed, or never happened in the spring and summer of 2020; we can't change that. However, many companies are learning how to navigate the pandemic, so I would say put feelers out now for this upcoming spring and summer. Real job experience is a major thing a company looks for. If you also have experience working in the pandemic, that will make you stand out. Companies know that working in a pandemic is hard, and if you have already done it, that is something that companies want to know about. If you have not had a job/internship or your job/internship got interrupted, think of what you did that gave you experience. Were you in clubs? How did your leadership/membership in those clubs change? How did you continue to succeed in the new world? It does not always have to be real work experience, but think of ways to show you have experience in a dynamic group setting that looks like (or is) a "job" within itself.
When tailoring your resume to each job, look at your experience and the verbiage you use to describe it. You want to include bullet points in your experience section with action words from the job listing that honestly describe your professional experience. Give real, tangible, concise examples of what you did using vocabulary from the job listing. For instance, if the job posting says, "Seeking a dynamic, team-player, who is ready to work in a fast-paced environment," and let's say you were describing your internship with a local company: you could say, "Worked in a dynamic team-based environment to create social media content that called for user interaction to see how our customers were responding to the pandemic. Based on feedback from posts created, our branch offered curbside pickup with increased profit by 60% from the previous month." Be ready to show your employer in the interview how you did this, but this shows an employer you know what you are doing and can succeed even in new and challenging situations.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Communications Managers?
Elizabeth B. Rogers: The drastic change in the workforce post-COVID-19 will bring both opportunities and challenges to those who are graduating from college and looking for careers. One significant opportunity for those seeking jobs in a coronavirus market is that the traditional office has completely transformed or changed virtually everywhere. The conventional cubicle or office has been replaced with remote positions that allow employees to work from home, or anywhere they have access to the technology they need to complete their job effectively.
Also, in college, students who are navigating the pandemic will have time to learn how the market is changing continually and will have the opportunity to make themselves more competitive given the current situation. However, there will be challenges for employers and employees (both potential and hired) as pandemic-focused organizations continue to navigate the ever-changing world. Employers must learn how to work with their employees, who will be juggling multiple roles not traditionally seen, long after vaccines are widely available.
Flexibility, innovation, and motivation will be critical for employers to learn. For graduates seeking a job, I challenge them to look at how the company they are applying for handled the pandemic. How a company dealt with the pandemic indicates how they will likely manage you once you are hired. One of the most considerable and lasting impacts of this pandemic on the workforce, I would say, is expectations. Employees and employers alike will need to examine what they want in a workforce and search for that in the job market.
What type of skills will young Communications Managers need?
Elizabeth B. Rogers: Adpatilbilty. It has become apparent now, maybe more than ever, that employees are expected to do their jobs well, no matter where they are completing their tasks. New job candidates will need to show with concrete evidence that they can adapt in situations that are new or uncommon. Many recent graduates can use their transition from traditional to remote learning as significant evidence of their ability to adapt. Many students thought they were going home for a few weeks in March and then spent the rest of the spring semester online. What changes did you make when the school went virtual that helped you succeed? How did you ensure you not only got your work done but also took care of yourself? What did you learn about yourself, your habits? Many students survived a tough transition, and that is something not only to applaud but use when you are selling yourself to potential employers in interviews. Employers want to know you will adapt, so be ready to tell them how you adapted during your experience with pandemic learning.
Teamwork. You must work as part of a team. However now, consider not only traditional teams but also virtual teams. I can tell you when my teaching and staff role got moved fully online last March, I relied on my team more than ever before. I work in a team environment every day, but when virtual was all we knew, teamwork became vital for not only my success but the success of my students, co-workers, and ultimately the institution. I know students hate group projects, but group projects are the closest things to the "real" workforce some students experience. Take group work seriously so you can learn how to excel in a group setting. How do you work in a team (both traditionally and virtually)? Are you reliable? Are you a leader or a follower (both are great)? Do you manage your time wisely so you can brainstorm, work, and revise? Being part of a team was always part of the workforce, so be ready to work in teams traditionally and virtually.
Technology skills. As I am sure many of you have seen, technology is becoming an extension of all work types now. It is not enough now to say you can work the Microsoft Office Suite and can type quickly. Companies need to know that you can manage technology in real ways, especially when you are not in the office. I would suggest students take an entry-level computer class at their organization as an elective, at the very least, to have some traditional training in all things tech. If your institution does not offer computer courses, I would suggest taking a free online course to earn a certificate of some kind. Students want to list real, tangible, and legitimate computer knowledge on their resumes to make them competitive.