I'm a high school junior considering a communication major in college, but I'm also interested in serving in the military. What kinds of military jobs could I pursue with a degree in communications?
There are several military roles that your communication studies would lend itself perfectly to. Here they are spread across different branches:
1. Public Affairs Officer: In the Air Force, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard, the Public Affairs Officer's job is to tell the military's story to the public. This involves managing communication strategies and delivering the news to both the external and internal military audience.
2. Intelligence Officer: Communication studies are very useful in the intelligence field. Officers in these roles must analyze and collect information from a wide range of sources, and then effectively communicate this information to commanding officers.
3. Signal Officer (Army): Signal Officers deal with the Army’s communication systems. They are responsible for the integration of all aspects of communication, making sure everyone stays informed at all times.
4. Multimedia Illustrator (Army): This role involves developing multimedia presentations with a variety of visual communication tools like digital media and video.
5. Information Systems Technician (Navy): They handle all telecommunication needs of the Navy, from telephone and teletype to data and systems administration.
6. Officer Candidate School (OCS): Any major can apply to OCS for all branches (Navy, Army, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps). After OCS, you'd earn a commission as an Officer, in which strong communication skills are vital.
Whether you see yourself working on the technical side (like the Signals Officer) or the strategic side (like the Public Affairs Officer), there are various options for you in the military. Remember to talk with a recruiter from the branch you're most interested in to get more detailed insights and tips on how to best prepare yourself for a career in the military with a degree in communications.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.