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Job outlook for internal communications managers in the United States
Are internal communications manager jobs in demand?
Internal communications manager job and salary trends over time
Internal communications manager jobs over time
Internal communications manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 916 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 818 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 799 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 823 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 764 | 0.00% |
Average internal communications manager salary over time
Internal communications manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $89,180 | $42.87 | +4.2% |
| 2025 | $85,545 | $41.13 | +1.3% |
| 2024 | $84,439 | $40.60 | +1.8% |
| 2023 | $82,970 | $39.89 | +0.6% |
| 2022 | $82,467 | $39.65 | +0.1% |
Internal communications manager jobs by state
Most common states for internal communications managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 647 | 93% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,880 | 22% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,444 | 21% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,247 | 21% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 206 | 21% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,341 | 18% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 125 | 17% |
| 8 | Vermont | 623,657 | 107 | 17% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 92 | 16% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 162 | 15% |
| 11 | Alaska | 739,795 | 109 | 15% |
| 12 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 580 | 14% |
| 13 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 193 | 14% |
| 14 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 144 | 14% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 752 | 13% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 473 | 13% |
| 17 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 408 | 13% |
| 18 | California | 39,536,653 | 4,886 | 12% |
| 19 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,489 | 12% |
| 20 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 652 | 12% |
Most common cities for internal communications managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burlington | 1 | 4% | $115,473 |
| 2 | Englewood | 1 | 3% | $76,754 |
| 3 | Lexington | 1 | 3% | $115,732 |
| 4 | Little Elm | 1 | 2% | $81,128 |
| 5 | Allen | 1 | 1% | $81,100 |
| 6 | Frederick | 1 | 1% | $87,200 |
| 7 | Hawthorne | 1 | 1% | $124,464 |
| 8 | San Diego | 2 | 0% | $116,234 |
| 9 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $95,278 |
| 10 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $85,247 |
| 11 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $87,438 |
| 12 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $116,123 |
| 13 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $98,646 |
| 14 | Dallas | 1 | 0% | $82,089 |
| 15 | Houston | 1 | 0% | $84,044 |
| 16 | Jacksonville | 1 | 0% | $80,249 |
Internal Communications Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of internal communications manager experts
Grand Valley State University
Macalester College
Michigan Technological University
University of Wisconsin -- Madison
Michigan Technological University
University of the Incarnate Word
Dominican University of California
Southern Illinois University
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Saint John's University
Penn State University, Brandywine
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Luther College
Morehouse College
Indiana University Northwest
University of the Incarnate Word
Randolph-Macon College
Calvin University
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Auburn University at Montgomery
Alex Nesterenko Ph.D.
Professor and Graduate Program DirectorGrand Valley State University
School of Communications
What skills stand out on Internal Communications Manager resumes?
Alex Nesterenko Ph.D.: If one is considering hiring an experienced ICM, one will look for applicants with college/university baccalaureate degrees in appropriate fields of study, with preference given to individuals with graduate degrees again in appropriate fields of study. However, an experienced individual's track record is of central importance: do they have the sort of successful track record that would qualify them for the job they have applied for?
What is required is evidence of success, which must be identified on the individual's resume and attested to by the individual's key references at previous places of employment. In this regard, in addition to a college/university degree, one would be particularly attentive to evidence of:
-Having successfully facilitated constructive dialogue in an organization
-Created/enhanced effective information channels in an organization
-Problem-solved significant issues resulting in organization members feeling more informed and feeling that they better understand one another
-Having contributed to the betterment of the organization's culture
-Professional certification, such as in project management or other relevant areas
In addition, one would look for the following character traits, which would presumably be revealed in interviews and attested to by the individual's key references.
-Projects a sense of calm and maturity
-Projects openness and empathy toward others
-Has leadership capabilities
-Has a strong work ethic
While not necessarily an exhaustive list, these are the sorts of things that one should look for when hiring an experienced ICM.
A college graduate with no professional communication experience could find employment working as an assistant to the ICM, the department head; or, as previously mentioned, they might apply for an ICM position in a start-up company or in a small NFP organization. In this situation, one would look for the following as evidence of being a good fit:
-A college/university degree in an appropriate field
-At least one field-relevant internship that included responsible duties
-Demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment
-Demonstrated excellent writing skills
-Demonstrated excellent public speaking and presentation skills
-Demonstrated experience with social media
-Demonstrated analytical skills
The kinds of character traits one looks for in an experienced ICM, one also hopes to find in an entry-level hire. Any of the following would be thought to be a considerable plus or advantage in terms of an applicant's candidacy for a position:
-Projects a sense of calm and maturity
-Projects openness and empathy toward others
-Has leadership capabilities
-Has a strong work ethic
What soft skills should all Internal Communications Managers possess?
Alex Nesterenko Ph.D.: The following soft skills are central to being a successful ICM:
-Attentive listening
-Problem-solving
-Critical thinking
-Creative thinking
-Time management
-Being a team player
To these, one could add the following character qualities:
-Projects a sense of calm and maturity
-Projects openness and empathy toward others
-Has leadership capabilities
-Has a strong work ethic
One might likely include yet other soft skills. However, the above list characterizes the soft skills one would surely want to see in an ICM.
There is no universal agreement on what are or are not "soft" and "hard" skills. Generally, however, hard skills are understood to be skills that one can learn. For example, one can learn to be a more capable writer or researcher. On the other hand, soft skills are understood to be social skills, character traits, and attributes that evolve over a person's lifetime. In this regard, it is doubtful that one can be quickly taught to be more open, and yet, a person can become more open to others over time with a willingness to pursue it. While learning is surely involved, change is largely attributable to the individual's efforts and is less a product of formal education. However, formal education can hasten the development of soft skills. For example, the individual seeking to become more open to others could avail themselves of various courses at a university that could help them understand and appreciate greater openness.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Internal Communications Managers?
Alex Nesterenko Ph.D.: The following seem to be in line with the nature of IC and what the ICM regularly does. These are in addition to a college/university degree:
-Public speaking skills
-Presentation skills
-Research and analytical skills
-Writing, editing, proof-reading skills
-Computer skills-data analysis, spread sheet, graphics, etc.
To these, one might also find the following desirable in an ICM candidate for a job:
-Professional certification, such as in project management
Other hard skills could be desirable, but the list above suggests the kinds of hard skills typically required of an ICM.
What skills will help Internal Communications Managers earn the most?
Alex Nesterenko Ph.D.: A person's career usually involves increased levels of responsibility over time. Therefore, at any point in one's career trajectory, different skills ("soft" or "hard") might be emphasized and will take prominence. To answer the question "what skills will help you earn the most," one assumes that an individual intends to stay in the field for a considerable period and is striving to (eventually) take on a lead role as the head of an IC department, which carries with it a manager, director, or greater title.
In this connection, if one takes on a lead role in IC, soft skills will likely be emphasized, leaving hard skills to those acting as assistants to the ICM. A person who has recently graduated from college/university will need to demonstrate both soft and hard skills to understand that they will be initially heavily relied upon for their hard skills by the ICM. As the entry-level person matures in their role, they will be more often tapped for their soft skills, and, as they move into roles with greater responsibility and more elevated titles, they will likely become more reliant upon their soft skills.
Michael Griffin Ph.D.
Associate Professor (NTT)Macalester College
Departments of Media & Cultural Studies and International Studies
What soft skills should all Internal Communications Managers possess?
Michael Griffin Ph.D.: High levels of general reading and writing proficiency. Critical thinking and analytic abilities.
What skills stand out on Internal Communications Manager resumes?
Michael Griffin Ph.D.: Probably on-the-job writing experience--a portfolio of written work in strategic communications.
What skills will help Internal Communications Managers earn the most?
Michael Griffin Ph.D.: I have read several articles recently discussing the fact that there seems to be an inverse relationship between social compassion and empathy and earnings.
Dr. Maria Bergstrom
Academic Advisor:Humanities and Modern Languages, Lecturer: Writing and Literature, Humanities Internship CoordinatorMichigan Technological University
Department of Humanities
What soft skills should all Internal Communications Managers possess?
Dr. Maria Bergstrom: I think it always helps to have experience working with diverse teams--and of course, that includes social/cultural/ethnic/racial diversity, but also working with people of different age groups, perhaps, or people from different technical areas. Our humanities students at Michigan Tech, for example, work on a lot of teams with students in engineering, and I think being able to bridge those different ways of knowing and different ways of thinking about products and processes can be a real strength. Also, the ability to listen empathetically and think about how other people might make different assumptions in a given situation than you do is valuable. It helps you be a better colleague, better leader and also helps you design and communicate with a more nuanced understanding of your audience.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Internal Communications Managers?
Dr. Maria Bergstrom: I think experience with a variety of platforms for communication is important--can you use a variety of digital tools and software, and are you able to think about how communication looks different in those different spaces? So, for example, can you use Google Suite or Microsoft Teams and maximize your efficiency and effectiveness because you are using all the tools available in those platforms? I also think an understanding of data analytics, search engine optimization, and other ways of tracking how your audiences are interacting with your communication platforms is important and will continue to be important.
What skills will help Internal Communications Managers earn the most?
Dr. Maria Bergstrom: What I hear from alumni is that solid writing skills translate into promotions and opportunities almost no matter what specific field you are in. If you can write well and adapt your writing to different situations, that pays off in many ways. I also think people with the ability to look around and envision what could be better (in their project, in their workgroup, in their company) are more likely to be given more responsibility and move into leadership positions. It's important not to be so focused just on the specific job you have to do that you don't keep that bigger picture in mind and think about how you can contribute to it.
Robert Glenn Howard Ph.D.
Director, Digital Studies & DesignLab, Professor, Department of Communication Arts, Affiliated FacultyUniversity of Wisconsin -- Madison
Department of Communication Arts
What skills stand out on Internal Communications Manager resumes?
Robert Glenn Howard Ph.D.: For Communication Officer's resumes, the key skill is, of course, communication. That covers a huge range of specific skills, from designing and executing social media campaigns to interviewing people to designing and creating digital media. While technical skills can be learned, the central skill is the ability to succinctly and clearly see what needs to be said to whom and to do it best.
What soft skills should all Internal Communications Managers possess?
Robert Glenn Howard Ph.D.: Soft skills are always key in any professional context, and they are often the sort of thing you can convey to a potential employer by giving a good interview: one that shows you can listen and respond verbally at the moment.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Internal Communications Managers?
Robert Glenn Howard Ph.D.: Technical skills for communication officers include using social media platforms, using digital media software to create graphic, video, and audio content, understanding and doing some basic coding. Understanding the use of metadata tagging, social media marketing techniques, and database design and how those structures work can be assets.
What skills will help Internal Communications Managers earn the most?
Robert Glenn Howard Ph.D.: In the end, technical skills are the thing that will take you the furthest. While important, what's way more important is to foresee, imagine, and come up with solutions to problems and means to expand the goals of the institution you are working for. Doing the hard coding isn't what will take you to the top; it's leading others to do bunches of hard coding that then can come together into a global solution or global strategy that benefits your institution.
Dr. Stefka Hristova Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Digital Media, Humanities, Communication, Culture, and Media Undergraduate Program Director, Co-Leader for Tech Forward Education for the 21st Century IDEA HUB GenEdMichigan Technological University
Communication, Culture, & Media Undergraduate Program
What skills stand out on Internal Communications Manager resumes?
Dr. Stefka Hristova Ph.D.: Communication is a central block for building a community. Through communication on interpersonal, group, organizational, and public levels, we can co-create shared cultures. As such, communication is at the core of our personal, professional, and social worlds. Being a good communicator entails not only the ability to speak and write/design but also expertise in being a good listener and careful reader of multimedia content. Communicators can create a common ground, and as such, they are indispensable to organizations that seek to have a meaningful engagement with the public.
Dr. Trey Guinn
Associate Professor and Program DirectorUniversity of the Incarnate Word
Communication Arts
What skills stand out on Internal 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 Internal 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 Internal 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 Internal 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.
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Communications, Coordinator, Online Learning and Development, Chair of the Communications and Media Studies DepartmentDominican University of California
Communication and Media Studies
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Internal 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 Internal 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 general advice would you give to an Internal 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).
Justin Young
Assistant LecturerSouthern Illinois University
School of Communication Studies
What skills stand out on Internal 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 Internal 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 Internal 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 Internal 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 Internal 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 Internal 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.
Nancy DiTunnariello Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorSaint John's University
Mass Communication
What skills stand out on Internal 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 Internal 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 Internal 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 Internal 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.
Hans Schmidt Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Communications, Coordinator, Schreyer and Cooper Honors ProgramsPenn State University, Brandywine
Communications Department
What skills stand out on Internal 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 Internal 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 Internal 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 Internal 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.
Vicki Sauter Ph.D.
Professor of Information Systems and TechnologyUniversity of Missouri-St. Louis
Information Systems Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Internal Communications Manager job market given the pandemic?
Vicki Sauter Ph.D.: The most important trend is that we are all going to have problems going back to work. We are accustomed to the flexibility, the clothing trends, etc. If that is true, employers need to look for self-starters and self-motivators who can be productive home workers.
In terms of disciplines, I think the new hot jobs will be in supply chains and cybersecurity. We have certainly seen the impact of breaks in the supply chains and breaks into our computing files. We will all need to think along these lines: "How can we be sure our computers are safe when many people are not very good at keeping passwords and other security mechanisms? Is your system secure?"
What soft skills should all Internal Communications Managers possess?
Vicki Sauter Ph.D.: The major soft skill needed by all graduates is communication, and net etiquette (netiquette), especially by younger workers. These workers are on the computer or the phone at all times. They don't distinguish between professional communication and personal communication. That combined with most communication happening in text, in Zoom, etc. They need to understand that you cannot rely upon emoticons and abbreviations to get your points across to the boss or the customer.
Associated with this is a need for comfort with computers, software, and fast changes in both.
How have salaries changed over time for Internal Communications Managers?
Vicki Sauter Ph.D.: Students in IST and cybersecurity are increasing. Supply is low, and demand is high.
Sarah Wilder Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorLuther College
Communication Studies Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Internal Communications Managers?
Sarah Wilder Ph.D.: I don't see how there won't be some sort of enduring impact. If you're asking about the individuals or the career field or all of the above, I suspect the impact of the pandemic will be far-reaching. This has been a life-altering experience on many levels. That being said, I believe humanity continues to show its resilience and that as we navigate the changes, sometimes traumas, of this experience, we also learn and grow from it. Individuals now have a better sense of themselves, their needs, and their goals having had to navigate a pandemic. Further, graduates have been forced to become more adaptable in every way and this will likely carry over into various careers. That these individuals know how to shift quickly between modes of communication may be an expectation and a benefit for them that they can. These graduates can interact face-to-face but have also learned how to interact via mediated channels of communication. Being able to do this, and do it competently, changes the expanse of the workforce. So, from personal to professional facets of their lives, I suspect there will be some lasting impact.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Internal Communications Managers?
Sarah Wilder Ph.D.: That's an interesting question for a degree like Communication Studies that doesn't have a designated career like other fields. Some positions of our recent graduates include anchor, producer, occupational therapist, director of career development, attorney at law, librarian, graduate student, social worker, marketing manager, and director of training, to name a few. So really what certifications or licenses are helpful will be position/career specific. As far as courses, I recommend a breadth of courses that prepare individuals to interact and communicate competently as well as think critically. This could mean taking an interpersonal communication course to better understand the nuances of truly empathic, competent communication with others, particularly in a diverse workforce, to taking a course on argumentation to better understand how to effectively present ideas and critically interact with a larger society's positions on complicated ideologies.
What will help Internal Communications Managers increase their earning potential?
Sarah Wilder Ph.D.: Honestly, it's probably the Communication Studies degree itself. Research indicates as much as 70% plus of long-term success in a career is tied to soft skills and that's where graduates of Communication Studies excel. Individuals with this degree are critical thinkers, adaptable, have strong people skills, and obviously, are excellent communicators. Hard skills are necessary. A person has to be able to do the "job" at hand. That being said, if you and another employee can both perform the basic job duties, but you are also adaptable, able to interact with coworkers, train others, make clients feel comfortable and confident etc., you are going to be the one that is promoted, offered new career opportunities, brought into important decision-making positions, and so on. I just had a conversation with an optometrist and she said almost none of her technicians have science or medical backgrounds. She's ready to train the hard skills of the equipment and exam procedures, but she needs to hire people who are excellent communicators, intelligent, and work well with others. The benefits of being able to communicate effectively are never-ending.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Internal Communications Managers?
Matthew Lange Ph.D.: During the COVID-19 pandemic international trade was able to continue but tourism, study abroad, and in-person business negotiation all but ceased due to quarantine and lockdown restrictions. When our lives shifted online, certain sectors of the economy were crippled, while others continued remotely with adjustments.
As the pandemic subsides, we will face a different work environment now that many employers and employees have grown accustomed to online working/learning. While most German educators will return to face-to-face instruction, schools and universities now have a greater infrastructure for online education and potentially greater acceptance by learners and teachers.
For those in professional tracts who augment their careers with German language skills (think business students with a second major in German), renewed freedom of movement will allow employees to work in and travel to German-speaking countries once again thus opening up greater employment opportunities. At the same time, new possibilities have emerged due to the shift to remote work.
In addition to the COVID pandemic, graduates of 2021 and beyond will also find a stronger Germany within the European Union due to Brexit. After kicking the proverbial can down the road for years, a hard negotiation deadline forced the British hand at the end of 2020. As a result of the Brexit, the UK has lost its representation in the European Parliament, and we have already seen international corporations moving their operations from London to other cities such as Amsterdam, Dublin (presumably to keep English as the local language), Frankfurt, and Paris. Frankfurt is particularly attractive to the financial sector, because the European Central Bank is there.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Internal Communications Managers?
Matthew Lange Ph.D.: Specific credentials are often a prerequisite to a particular career path. In the field of education, primary- and secondary-school teachers need licensure in their state of employment to teach in public schools, and those requirements are covered in the undergraduate education program. If one moves to another state, however, the new state's Department of Education (or Public Instruction) has to grant new licensure in its state. In contrast, professors and instructors at the post-secondary level require no teaching credentials. Instead, the college or university stipulates a PhD, MA or even simply BA.
The vast majority of German majors/minors learn the language and culture to apply that knowledge to their primary field of study, most often in business or the sciences, to expand their work, study, and research options. Some opportunities have minimum language proficiency expectations, however. Instead of taking applicants self-evaluations of language proficiency (the term "fluent" means different things to different people), employers can rely on standardized tests such as the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) or Writing Proficiency Test (WPT), which were developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). German language programs aim to produce graduates with proficiency at the intermediate-high or advanced-low on the ACTFL scale, which ranges from novice-low to distinguished, since that is simultaneously the expected minimum set by the respective state Department of Education for teaching licensure. One can also look beyond the US border to various tests at the Goethe Institut, which evaluate the four modalities of listening, reading, speaking, and writing. These tests evaluate according to the Common European Reference Framework (CERF) that ranges from A1 to C2. German universities require B1 on the CERF scale to enroll directly in university.
Most important for a well-rounded education, of course, is a study abroad experience. By being "a stranger in a strange land" one develops negotiation techniques and problem-solving skills when dealing with linguistically- and culturally-ambiguous situations. Studies have shown that study and work abroad increases creativity and flexibility, which are crucial for personal and professional growth.
What will help Internal Communications Managers increase their earning potential?
Matthew Lange Ph.D.: Several articles over the past few years have noted the salary bump for employees with second-language skills. A 2014 report in The Economist entitled "What is a language worth?" indicated, for example, that German proficiency can add a 3.8% bump to your earnings, as calculated by MIT economist Albert Saiz. This increase can come directly from employers who pay a premium for language skills, or the employee can benefit from a larger pool of opportunities that are simply inaccessible to monolingual speakers.
But while many graduates increasingly like to consider return-on-investment (ROI) of a course of study or set of skills, let us not forget that quality of life is important as well, even if it is difficult to quantify. Learning another language and its culture exposes one to another value system that might prefer, for example, more vacation time over increased salary.
Dorothy Ige Campbell
Professor of Communication Emeritus, Founder & Former ChairIndiana University Northwest
Department of Communication
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Internal Communications Manager job market given the pandemic?
Dorothy Ige Campbell: The emphases on graphic design and emerging media are in demand more than ever in an increasingly virtual world. New workers who have some Public Relations and persuasive communication backgrounds will have an edge. Those who work or go to school in diverse environments and have cross-cultural training during this time of civil rights demands are also suited for the new era. Jobs in Communication have decreased a bit (see below).
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Internal Communications Managers?
Dorothy Ige Campbell: A bachelor's degree in Communication is considered ideal for non-academic jobs. For undergraduate degrees, a Communication degree paired with a Minor (such as Business) can be ideal, and that has not changed. Those who wish to teach Communication in secondary schools often complete a four-year degree with a major in Education which stresses teaching methods and childhood development, with an emphasis in Communication. Courses in Drama and English also help secondary teacher preparation in Communication.
For graduate education and academic faculty positions in higher education, a Masters in Communication or a related field for part-time teaching for Junior College teaching of Communication courses is usually required. A Ph. D. is usually required for tenure-track, full-time faculty positions in Communication. Courses in statistical research, theory, then specialty Communication courses (such as Health, Religious or Strategic Communication, and so on) are usually required. At all levels, there is an increased emphasis on diversity in the curriculum.
How have salaries changed over time for Internal Communications Managers?
Dorothy Ige Campbell: In general, changes in salaries vary widely by the type of institution (large Research-1 versus a smaller Teaching Campus); rank (part-time versus tenure-track positions, etc). In general, social science fields like Communication salaries tend to fall midway between higher paying science-related fields and lower paying humanities fields. The Chronicle of Higher Education at jobs.chronicle.com as well as the College and University Professional Association (CUPA) at www.cupahr.org and the National Communication Association www.natcom.org are the best sources for specific information on salaries in the various fields. While the newest data is yet being formulated, because of uncertainties about Covid and enrollment drops at some smaller campuses, we expect the demand for new positions to fall slightly, and with less negotiating for higher salaries. Per the NCA website "Communication positions increased by 130 percent from 2009 to 2018-19, before decreasing by 26 percent in 2019-20. . . the weakest year for employment in Communication since 2011." In addition to generalist positions, "Specialists in Strategic Communication/Public Relations/Advertising remained the most sought after." This was followed by "Journalism . . . and Mass Communication/Media Studies/Film Studies." These positions were followed by "Digital/New/Emerging Media, Health, Communication Technology and Intercultural/International/Global Communication."
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Internal Communications Manager job market given the pandemic?
Taylor Collins Ph.D.: The pandemic has largely accelerated and amplified many labor market trends that were already
underway. We're seeing markets consolidating, more remote work settings, and more automated
processes. Moving forward, there are likely to be fewer small business job openings while corporate
positions should significantly grow. Graduates should also expect that they will no longer be competing
solely with other local graduates for entry-level jobs. Labor market competition is going to continue to
become more national, or even international.
The pandemic also seems to have accelerated the rate of AI investment, with research by Stanford's
2021 AI Index Report finding that total global investment in artificial intelligence increased by 40% in
2020. This doesn't necessarily mean that jobs for business economics students will disappear however,
as strong job growth over the next decade is projected in many fields hiring our graduates. But it does
mean that much of the work may look different. Employers will be looking for more than just plug and
run data junkies. Workers who can support the power of automation are likely to find stable job
prospects, and that requires competence in creative problem solving, the capacity to critically analyze
and interpret data outputs, and a social skillset that will facilitate large scale collaboration and
teamwork.
What soft skills should all Internal Communications Managers possess?
Taylor Collins Ph.D.: One thing I've heard from several managers recently is a frustration with the lengths they've had to take
to maintain engagement from their employees in this new work-from-home reality. Many workers who
were reliably plugging away when in the office quickly lost their drive without a direct supervisor looking
over their shoulder, and this change has been one of the biggest challenges of efficient remote work.
Moving forward, I expect firms to correct for this frustration by placing a premium on self-starters.
Individuals who can be reliably counted on to complete their tasks, even when they are not kept under
the direct watchful eye of a manager, will be particularly valued. To meet this demand, students need to
use their college experience as an opportunity to build and craft a sense of self-motivation.
M. Thomas Inge Ph.D.
Blackwell Professor of HumanitiesRandolph-Macon College
Film Studies Program
What technical skills for an Internal Communications Manager stand out to employers?
M. Thomas Inge Ph.D.: We learn from the textbooks of life and practice. What employers look for are students who not only reflect current knowledge but move it beyond to new frontiers.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Internal Communications Manager job market given the pandemic?
M. Thomas Inge Ph.D.: When I graduated from Randolph-Macon College in 1959, I was one of 600 students. I wanted to be a writer and literary critic, but the closest thing we had were majors in the liberal arts. Majors in English and Spanish opened my world view, but today more than 1200 view for places in the sciences and technology. Randolph-Macon has become a mega-college and conveyor of the latest information and research like no other in the United States. Books and language work side by side in laboratories and with computers to provide the best education possible.
"What can you do with a degree in the novel or medieval studies?" Just about anything if you attend a school that takes a full perspective on life.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Internal Communications Manager job market given the pandemic?
LaShone Manuel: Some skills graduates should possess will be excellent communication skills (written, verbal). Persistence, relating to determination and hard work ethic. And lastly, I recommend students expand on their technical skills.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Internal Communications Managers?
Dr. Derek Johnson Ph.D.: Departments like ours are aware of the added challenges created by the pandemic and we've been taking steps to help our students find opportunities while also helping employers to overcome the challenges of continuing to provide needed experience. Given the uncertainty around in-person work, we've been trying to generate online internships that allow students to connect with employers in safer ways. At the same time as we address the current crisis, we are also working to address long-standing barriers to access that have limited work opportunities based on social status, geography, the ability to support one's self, and more. Virtual internships can help with that, but there's more work to do to make sure everyone has equal opportunity to succeed and to manage the crises we face.
What soft skills should all Internal Communications Managers possess?
TeWhan Hahn Ph.D.: Writing skills including email writing, being able to work in teams, and knowing the workplace etiquettes.