Communications

**__An Overview of the Degree:__** "A college degree in communications is based on the Greek and Latin studies of language and rhetoric, and how they could be used as tools to benefit all of society. These ancient teachings are the foundation for many modern societies and form the core of studies in communications, linguistics, archeology, religion, philosophy, art history, fine arts, sociology, ancient history, and law." --http://www.worldwidelearn.com/online-education-guide/business/communications-major.htm Communications can lead someone down many different career paths. One person could be managing Brad Pitt's image and another could be covering a government scandal. However, all of these jobs require advanced knowledge of communication. It is a good choice for someone if he or she wants to help others, teach or inform, is perpetually curious, or if he or she writes and speaks well. Many jobs require some form of communication. It would be an excellent idea to have a communications degree and another degree, for one's opportunities would only increase. A degree in communications can be used in many different ways, as shown with the jobs below.
 * __...Communications__**

**Job 1: Negotiator**

HOW DO NEGOTIATORS GET JOBS?
Negotiators can be self employed, work under a firm, be in the law enforcement or health services industry, or in the legal field. It all depends on the type of negotiator and the negotiator's preferred methods of work.

WHAT DO NEGOTIATORS DO?
"While negotiating they persuade and handle all opportunities. There are four different types of jobs: independent consultancy, working for a business negotiating company, crisis negotiator, and legal negotiating. The role of a negotiator remains the same, regardless of the industry. The negotiator uses discussion techniques to get rid of differences, resolve conflicts, and find a mutually agreeable solution." --http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-different-negotiator-jobs.htm

**WHAT DO THEY GET PAID/HOW LONG DO THEY WORK?**
Usually, negotiators from real estate to real life crisis their pay is made off of their commissions ranging from 6% to 75%.”Most negotiators work part time, with a regular full-time career during the day. Negotiators charge an hourly or daily rate, depending on how long they estimate the conflict resolution process will take. Hourly rates vary based on experience, and can range anywhere from $50 to $400 an hour. Negotiators charge clients for the time spent in the mediation session, as well as prep time before the session.” --[|http://www.ehow.com/about_6719759_job-description-negotiator.html#ixzz1t3zPNILr]

WHAT'S COOL ABOUT BEING A NEGOTIATOR?
Negotiators help people which can certainly be cool. “Negotiators help people to resolve disputes. Conflicts often occur in business or family situations, and responsibility and fairness are not always obvious to those involved. A negotiator gets the two sides to work together to discuss possible solutions and reach an agreement. The negotiator clarifies any misunderstandings and suggests alternative solutions when the parties can't agree. When the parties are in agreement, the negotiator will draw up a written agreement and both parties will sign it. Once signed, the agreement can be legally enforced.” --[|http://www.ehow.com/about_6719759_job-description-negotiator.html#ixzz1t3zetUhe]

WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE WOULD BECOME NEGOTIATORS?
“The primary responsibilities of a negotiator are to listen to both sides of a dispute, ask questions...propose potential solutions to the conflict and write the resolution documents. A negotiator must understand the interests and the goals of both parties in order to propose realistic solutions.” --[|http://www.ehow.com/about_6719759_job-description-negotiator.html#ixzz1t40LHXLL]

"People who report the greatest satisfaction in negotiator jobs enjoy helping people, problem solving and working independently. Successful negotiators keep a level head under pressure, are able to work with long hours as needed, and keep excellent written documentation." --http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-different-negotiator-jobs.htm

A negotiator should be someone who likes to find compromises, preserve peace between two parties, help others, and solve arguments with words. A good negotiator can remain calm even if their inner feelings are the opposite. They must also be able to stay neutral to prevent themselves from favoring one side and becoming biased. **Job 2: Publicity Manager**

HOW DO PUBLICITY MANAGERS GET JOBS?
A publicity manager gets his/ her job by applying for an interview, and then if you get selected, you may or may not get calls from companies or individuals saying that they want you to work for them. You may have to work your way up in a department before you can have a job of major significance.

WHAT DO PUBLICITY MANAGERS DO?
A publicity manager, also called a public relations manager, work with individuals or companies in order to help them earn a favorable press in the media.

WHAT DO THEY GET PAID?
The average yearly salary of a publicity manager is $50,000 a year as of April 24, 2012. The salary trend over the past two years has skyrocketed.

WHAT'S COOL ABOUT BEING A PUBLICITY MANAGER?
There are many things that are cool if you are a publicity manager. You can have a chance to work with celebrities. You can also help an undiscovered talent become a big star. It is a very rewarding job.

WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE WOULD BECOME PUBLICITY MANAGERS?
The type of people who become publicity managers are people who have good communicating and people skills because then you can influence media members to say and write good things about your clients. You also must be very organized because you need to be able to contact sources very quickly. Public relations managers should also be aware of how people might "see" a company or individual. **Job 3: Actor**

HOW DO ACTORS GET JOBS?
Actors usually get hired by producers of a production. Usually, it is after an audition. In an audition, the actor must perform for producers and anyone else who decides the cast of a production. Actors can have agents who get them work and represent them in when it comes to contracts.

WHAT DO ACTORS DO?
Basically, Actors pretend to be a character in any kind of production. They can appear on theater, radio, television, video, or motion pictures. Not all actors are popular. Sometimes, many actors work as extras, in supporting roles, or in small plays.

WHAT DO THEY GET PAID/HOW LONG DO THEY WORK?
As of May 2008, actors earned $29.05 per hour. Of course, the popular actors of block buster movies earn more. Actors also can earn royalties, or a small amout of money every time a their production is used. According to http://www.bls.gov/k12/music01.htm,

"Most acting jobs only last a short period of time—from 1 day to a few months—which means that actors can have a long time between jobs. Some actors have other jobs in order to make enough money. Actors work long and irregular hours. They may do one show at night and another during the day. They also might travel with a particular job. Evening and weekend work is a regular part of an actor's life. Actors should be in good physical condition."

Actors get to pretend to be something that they may not be and watch or hear what life for them would be like if they were that thing. Also, because actors work so hard on productions, watching the finished piece can be very rewarding to many actors--perhaps more rewarding than the paycheck.
 * WHAT'S COOL ABOUT BEING AN ACTOR?**

WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE WOULD BECOME ACTORS?
Of course, people who love to act should definitely pursue a career in acting. But acting requires much patience. One does not simply become an instant hollywood star after college. Actors must work their way up to getting noticed. Also, talent can help actors play different parts. Pronunciation is important too. (Not just correct pronunciation, but //incorrect// pronunciation as well--actors might work with a trainer to learn a foreign language/develop an accent in order to ply a character.) **Job 4: Journalist**

**How do journalists get jobs?**
Journalists usually work for a specific news company. Journalists are asked to "cover" a story, which means research it and report it. Journalists do research on events that could be international, national, or local and write stories or report the news. Getting paid depends on how much the journalist works. If the journalist is experienced enough they can get a specific amout of pay. The way journalists ask questions and gather their information is also a factor of how much you can get paid. If you work for the New York Times or a big fashion magazine there will be differences on how you will be getting paid opposed to someone getting paid who writes on a small local newspaper. And it also depends on how long you’ve been a journalist. If you’re a journalist for a longer time period, you can earn more money. Being a journalist can get you to have adventures in different parts of the world and meet famous people. Journalists are also like investigators, as they may not get the full story in a single interview, which could lead them to having to piece together a story from the interviewees' different perspectives Journalists have to be flexible. New news can pop up at almost any time, which could lead to journalists having to take a plane to the Middle East on Christmas. People who enjoy history and writing classes might fit in well as a journalist because they report new events through writing. Sometimes, journalists might meet individuals who will be in every history textbook twenty years later. Also, people who have strong opinions on topics would like a job as a journalist because they get to tell of events and possibly give their opinions on it (this usually happens in the editorial of a newspaper.) Also, people who like investigating and research would make a good journalist because journalists have to get the full story before they can write an article on it.
 * What do journalists do?**
 * How much to journalists get paid?**
 * What’s cool about being a journalist?**
 * How long do they work?**
 * What sort of people would become journalists?**