Explore UAB

careersIn a recent national survey of corporate recruiters, 86 percent identified “effective communication” as the most important professional skill they were looking for in prospective employees. Think about it: different jobs require you to do very different tasks. But what do they all have in common? Communication. This is why communication consistently is identified as one of the top skills employers seek in job candidates, regardless of industry.

If you desire a career in fields such as public relations, broadcasting, or journalism, we have specializations for you. But we also offer classes addressing almost every career imaginable. You can take classes on topics as diverse as nonverbal communication, communication in romantic relationships, visual media production, and public relations strategy. You will learn about effective presentations, social networks, media criticism, and news reporting. Whether you are a scientist or a salesperson, a medical researcher or a musician, desire a career in politics or sports marketing, communication skills will be an essential part of your job; and we are here to help you acquire and master those skills.

Below is a small sampling of some of the professions our majors go into:

  • Business
    • Manager
    • Personnel Recruiter
    • Human Resources
    • Training and Development
    • Admissions Counselor
    • Benefits Administrator
    • Sales Representative
    • Public Information Officer
    • Negotiator
    • Customer Service Representative
    • Newsletter Editor
    • Human Resources Manager
    • Event Coordinator
    • Mediator
    • Buyer Chief
    • Executive Officer
    • Economic Development
    • Nonprofit Manager
  • Journalism (print or electronic)
    • Producer
    • Writer
    • Copy Writer
    • Reporter
    • Editor
    • Newscaster
    • Author
    • Script Writer
    • News Service Researcher
    • Technical Writer
    • Acquisitions Editor
    • Media Interviewer
    • Broadcast Journalism
  • Advertising
    • Media Planner
    • Media Buyer
    • Creative Director
    • Media Sales Representative
    • Public Researcher
    • Advertising Specialist
    • Marketing Specialist
    • Copy Writer
    • Account Executive
    • Manager
  • Public Relations
    • Publicity Manager
    • Advertising Manager
    • Marketing Specialist
    • Lobbyist
    • Public Affairs Specialist
    • Account Executive
    • Development Officer
    • Sales Manager
    • Media Analyst
    • Media Planner
    • Creative Director
    • News Writer
    • Development/Fundraising
    • Event Management/Consulting
    • Public Opinion Researcher
    • Nonprofit Event Specialist
  • Broadcasting & Digital Media
    • Station Manager
    • News Director
    • Research Director
    • Floor Manager
    • Multimedia Journalist
    • Reporter
    • Video Editor
    • Writer/Producer
    • News Writer
    • Creative Specialist
    • Market Researcher
    • Content Producer
    • Promotions Manager
    • Creative Services Director
    • Show Director
    • Programming Director
    • Traffic Director
    • Videographer
    • Announcer
    • Production Sound Mixer
  • Professional and Graduate Programs
    • Communication
    • Mass Communication
    • Public Health
    • Law/Business
    • Health-related Professions

How We Help You

The faculty in the Department of Communication Studies take preparing you for your future very seriously. You will receive hands-on training for your future professions in many of our classes, such as Public Speaking (CMST 101), Newswriting and Reporting (CMST 210), or Conducting Public Relations Campaigns (CMST 442). Classes such as Communications and Teamwork (CMST 310), Organizational Communication (CMST 311), Communication Leadership and Management (CMST 315) and Interviewing (CMST 309) are specifically designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the workplace. In fact, you’ll find that most of our curriculum has a strong, practical emphasis that prepares you for the communication challenges that lie ahead.

Where Should You Start?

Start your search here at UAB. To talk about professional opportunities in Communications, make an appointment with Jacquelyn S. Shaia. You can reach out to her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (205) 934-3877.

HireABlazer LogoCareer and Professional Development Services has job and internship listings, job fairs, resume builders, and many more resources for UAB students. We recommend that you take advantage of all that they have to offer.

In addition, there are plenty of other websites that can help you with your career search. Start with one of these: