Graduate Program - Beyond the Master's Degree

Professional Employment

Those who will be seeking professional employment following graduation should carefully monitor job announcements and work with the Business, Liberal Arts and Sciences Career Services. These will provide an indication of the types of positions available. Students who lack substantial professional communication experience should strongly consider adding an internship to their graduate program. Most journalism jobs give strong priority to those who have significant professional experience.

Strive to match qualifications desired by employers. For example, the ability to use the Internet is required for many professional positions. Ensure that you have this expertise. Many higher level positions are also strategic in nature – they include a strong component of communication management, campaign design, evaluation and other components. Experience in these areas may improve your chances of qualifying for these positions.

In general, build upon the strengths that you already possess. If you possess valuable international credentials, search for companies and jobs that can use your skills and appreciate them. If you have newspaper reporting experience, use that as a base to build toward qualifying for a higher level newspaper position, or to transfer to other areas that look favorably on prior professional reporting experience. Many jobs in public relations, for example, are seeking individuals with two or more years of professional reporting or similar experience.

Did you know?

The Reading Room has a media room with a DVD player, VCR, telephone, typewriter and an audiocassette player.