Communication specialists perform a wide range of duties that contribute to the achievement of the goals of their organisations. These professionals often combine aspects of advertisment, public relations and media to achieve successful results. A communications specialist is one of the most interesting career paths open to students of English, Literature, Communication, Public affairs - and many others from the department of Art & Humanities!
So who is a communications specialist?
A communications specialist can work in the field of public relations, mass media or promotions to attract public attention to the company’s products or services. They can also work with marketing, sales, and public relations teams to develop strategies that help build and promote brand reputation in consumer markets. Communication specialists apply a wide range of techniques and methods that help them maintain a positive image of companies and achieve business goals. These specialists can also be public representatives of their organisations, as they coordinate work with industry professionals, mass media and the public to achieve success.
What does a communications specialist do?
A communications specialist builds and maintains relationships between his organisation, the media and the public (or even within the company, i.e. internal communications manager). They often work in public positions and represent their organisations. To carry out their work, specialists rely on a range of communication skills, including writing and public speaking skills. Some job responsibilities specific to communications professionals include:
- Coordination of communication and advertising activities with business goals in mind;
- Communicating information about processes, strategies and results to managers and stakeholders;
- Development and publication of press releases, case studies or commercial proposals coordination of events, public speeches of company executives and business leaders, planning and initiation of communication and advertising campaigns;
- Measuring the effectiveness of campaign strategies and improving approaches as needed;
- Managing accounts of organisations in social networks and maintaining a positive public image in these networks;
- Make presentations and inform teams, managers, shareholders and the public about the company’s news, updates and offers;
Requirements for the career of communication specialists.
The following requirements and qualifications in order to become a communications specialist:
Education
A bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Literature is usually the first step to obtaining an entry-level position in this field. Other options for a degree include public relations and marketing, as both of these majors support careers in communications and advertising functions. Although it is not a mandatory requirement to start a career in this field, having a University diploma in the specialized field of communications, public affairs, public relations or marketing can help you advance and further develop in your role.
Certification
Professional certificates are also available for communication professionals who plan to move up the career ladder. For example, the Communication Management Professional (CMP) certificate is available for professionals who are looking to enhance their chances to be promoted to senior positions. Another option is the Strategic Communication Management (SCM) certificate, which demonstrates business and strategic communication skills at the executive level. Most employers may not require professional certificates, but obtaining advanced degrees in your field can help you expand employment opportunities and highlight your qualifications among other candidates.
Required skills
Communication specialists combine effective communication skills with interpersonal communication skills to achieve successful results for their organizations. Written communication, public speaking and the ability to listen to feedback are several aspects of communication that these specialists rely on when doing their work. The ability to solve problems, think creatively and organize the workflow are also essential skills for a career as a communications specialist.
FAQ about the profession of a communications specialist:
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Where can communication specialists work? Communication professionals can find jobs in many industries, working in public, private, non-profit and government organisations. They can work in sales, finance, technology, healthcare and in the corporate environment, supporting the missions and goals of their organisations’ brands. Regardless of the industry in which they work, specialists act as public representatives of their companies and work to maintain profitability of the brand.
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How much does a communications specialist earn?
The average salary of a communications specialist in the country is £47,678 per year(according to glassdoor), but it can vary depending on several factors. For example, your location and place of work may affect how much you earn, along with your specific qualifications and level of experience. Some specialists specialising in specific forms of business communications may also observe fluctuations in income levels, since highly specialised roles may have a higher earning potential than the roles of generalists. -
What is the difference between communication specialists and public relations specialists?
Although communication specialists and public relations specialists have some overlapping characteristics, communication specialists often take on more responsibilities. Both professions focus on promoting the brand’s public image, but communications specialists often perform other tasks in addition to their advertising activities. For example, communications specialists can oversee internal business communications activities for their organisations, including the distribution of corporate-wide announcements, newsletters, reports, seminars and presentations. These responsibilities reflect the additional control that communications professionals may have, while many public relations professionals rarely focus their work on these processes. -
In what areas can communication specialists work?
The field of communications is a broad field of activity that includes many types of communications for business and advertising activities. This means that specialists can specialise in several areas of communication, including corporate, mass and strategic communications. Other specialisations in this field may include digital and electronic communications, radio broadcasting, intercultural communications, industrial relations, corporate communications and multilingual communications.