Career Summary

It would be virtually impossible for a modern man to imagine the world without books, magazines, newspapers, television, radio, movies, advertising, internet, etc. All these venues represent the various means and mediums of communications. Communication is a process by which we acquire knowledge, state our views, express feelings, reach out to each other, and ultimately, exchange information. Throughout history, the capacity to communicate effectively has been considered a trait of an educated person as well as a gauge of his/her intellectual development and ability to influence others. In the information age of today and tomorrow, individuals who are capable of articulating their ideas competently while demonstrating essential analytical skills and a broad knowledge of social, cultural, and business aspects of communications, are more likely to succeed professionally. Graduates who excel in communications have traditionally been the beneficiaries of the best employment prospects. They are highly valued by employers for their transferable skills. As an interdisciplinary field of study, Communications encompasses a wide range of occupational specialties such as: Public Relations, Radio-TV-Film, Mass Communication or Journalism, Rhetoric, Interpersonal Communications, Advertising, Theatre, Organizational Communication or Communication Education. Academic programs and areas of emphases vary by college.

There is an ample number of career options for graduates trained in the theory of communication. Certain positions require an advanced degree. For instance, to become a college-level instructor, one has to obtain a doctoral degree, although in some cases, community colleges will hire a candidate with a master’s degree.

Program Description

The GCC Speech/Communication Associate in Arts degree curriculum is aimed at helping individuals develop important skills in such areas as language, listening, assertiveness, conflict resolution, nonverbal behaviors, group problem solving, and cross cultural communication. Program participants are introduced to the art of effective public speaking, including the organization and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches impromptu. The program is also designed to provide students with an understanding of various factors affecting everyday human interpersonal communication and basic argumentation and debate principles. Theories of discussion with emphasis on group productivity and oral communication in a group setting are reviewed as well.

Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s degree should consult with an academic and/or transfer counselor to discuss university transfer requirements.

Key Skills and Characteristics

• Outgoing personality, enthusiasm, natural propensity to engage and persuade others.
• Ambitious, self motivated, goal oriented, striving for perfection, work well under pressure.
• Creative with words, artistic imagery, sounds, and other media effects.
• Advanced written communications, reporting, editing, public speaking, and presentation skills.
• Keen understanding of human psychology, social and cultural diversity.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical ability.
• Enjoy researching and investigating information and data.
• Willingness to multitask using different skills.
• Independent, yet capable of successful collaboration with co-workers.
• Computer literacy, high-tech savvy, and knowledge of mass media production techniques.

Related Career Titles

Advertising
*Advertising or Marketing Specialist  *Copy Writer  *Account Executive  *Sales Manager *Media Planner or Buyer  *Creative Director  *Public Opinion Researcher
Electronic Media/Radio-Television/Broadcasting
*Broadcasting Station Manager  *Director of Broadcasting  *Film Librarian  *Film Editor  *Community Relations Director  *News Director or Writer or Announcer or Anchor  *Technical Director  *Advertising or Sales Coordinator  *Media Buyer  *Market Researcher  *Actor  *Casting Director  *Producer  *Stage Manager  *Talk Show Host
Public Relations
*Publicity or Advertising Manager  *Press Agent  *Lobbyist  *Corporate Public Affairs Specialist  *Fund Raiser
Technology/Communication
*Communication Technologies Trainer  *Closed Circuit TV Producer or Director  *Systems Analyst *Technical Copywriter  *Language Specialist * Speech Synthesizer * Cognition Researcher *Webmaster *Photographer
Communication/Government
*Public Information Officer  *Speech Writer  *Legislative Aid  *Campaign Manager  *Press Secretary
Education
*Language Arts Coordinator  *High School Speech Teacher  *Forensics or Debate Coach  *Drama Instructor or Director  *College or University Professor  *Educational Researcher  *Audiovisual Specialist * Public Affairs Director
Journalism
*Reporter *Editor  *Newscaster  *Author  *Copy Writer  *Publisher *Newspaper Editor  *Columnist *Editorial Writer
Business/Communication
*Human Resources Manager  *Employment Specialist  *Public Affairs Officer  *Industrial or Labor Relations Representative  *Negotiator  *Director of Corporate Communication  *Mediator  *Interviewer