Recent Communication Studies graduates are finding a variety of job opportunities available to them

As the sales and event coordinator at Jungle Jim’s International Market and Oscar Event Centers in Cincinnati, Izzy Gibbs (BSC ’24) works with corporate clients, wedding parties and other organizations to make their experience the best it can be. It’s a job she never imagined doing. But her bachelor’s degree in communication studies has given her the diversified skill set needed to be successful.

“I love being able to problem-solve and work hands on with guests and customers,” said Gibbs. “I took so many different classes in college that focused on so many different aspects of communication. I studied the psychology of people. Therefore, I can assess clients and address issues before they even come up. I can build relationships with the clients. I owe it all to my communication studies degree.”

Gibbs experience isn’t unique. Many recent alumni are finding that a communication studies degree prepares them for a variety of careers. The major equips students with strong oral and written communication, effective interpersonal and group communication skills, critical thinking, cultural awareness and adaptability, meeting planning, project management, and problem-solving/decision-making. The course work also teaches students to understand communication processes and build communication skills applicable across a variety of industries and settings.

“I was undecided during the COVID 19 pandemic on if I even wanted to go away to school with everything going on in the world. But I discovered communications as a great option because I could take the degree in so many different directions,” said Gibbs. “I felt like it would lead me in the direction I needed to go in and it did.”

Gibbs’ favorite class was public speaking. She says it helped her learn how to be comfortable in front of an audience and set her up for success for the rest of my college career.

“Communications has a reputation for being a really easy college degree program. But that is very far from the truth,” said Gibbs. “Communication skills are vital to any career field. Having the skills that Ohio University taught me has really set me up for success in the outside world. From the job interview to being able to work with people from different cultures and backgrounds, communication skills are key.”

Jacqueline Branch (BSC ’24) agrees with Gibbs about the versatility of the degree and how the communication skills acquired have set her up for success. Branch is originally from Arlington, Virginia and came to Ohio University because it had the communications program that would meet her needs.

“When deciding my major, I knew that I wanted to choose a major that was versatile and could be applied to any career path,” said Branch. “My favorite class was Gender, Race, and Class in Journalism and Mass Media with Bernard Debatin. This was a course that was not easy, and it challenged me. It challenged my thinking and helped me to formulate opinions on issues regarding gender, race, and class.”

Branch is currently a recruiter at Insight Global, a staffing and professional services agency that recruits and places people in the healthcare field, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“Everything that I learned in my communications courses, I have been able to apply in my current role as a recruiter. I am constantly interacting with different types of people and utilizing the communication tactics that I have learned,” said Branch. “The biggest thing that I consistently use in my profession is being a better communicator. Learning about different communication styles and interpersonal skills has been crucial to contributing to my success.”