Communications majors are well suited for work in public relations. A public relations specialist works to project a positive image of the company he works for. Public relations workers are often employed by consulting firms and corporations, according to the World Wide Learn website.
Those working in this field will spend their time doing research, gathering information and writing materials such as pamphlets, press releases, reports or promotions that help to present the desired image. PR specialists also step in when a public relations crisis arises or when a new product or service is about to be released to the public.
Publicists perform many of the same duties as public relations specialists, but they deal with individuals. Those in the publicist profession often work for political candidates or other public figures such as celebrities to maintain a good image for their client.
Publicists work to gain positive media attention for the person they work for. This may require contacting news and other media organizations to schedule the client for interviews or sending information about new projects to stir interest from the public.
The publicist is also skilled in making the best of a bad situation. When bad publicity happens, the publicist’s job is to spin it into the most positive light possible.
Reporters work for television, print or online media and often have communications degrees, according to the Rutgers Career Services website. These professionals also can have degrees in journalism, but some schools offer a communications degree with an emphasis in journalism as opposed to an actual journalism major.
Reporters conduct interviews and gather information and data so they can write articles or scripts that will be published or broadcast on a local, national or international level.