To become a communications coordinator, there isn’t a set formula to follow, but focusing your education and work experience on marketing, journalism, or business are good places to start. Most employers demand a university diploma, and many schools have internship placement offices where you can look for work in communications or public relations while still in school. Getting a job in one of these companies is a good way to get a feel for the type of work you’ll be doing as a coordinator and can also help you build a reputation in the field. You can also improve your editing skills and gain experience writing for business and the media to make yourself more appealing as a candidate doing a variety of small things. Whether you’re looking for your first job or hoping for a promotion, reaching out to industry leaders to learn about their jobs and make yourself known can be beneficial.
Education and Training in Formal Settings
This type of job is almost always reserved for those who have completed a university education, so the sooner you decide you want to work in communications, the better. In the field of communications, several colleges and universities offer certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs. These programs’ classes focus on the core skills that most coordinators and other communications professionals need to know, and they may also include some hands-on experience, such as internships or networking events with industry leaders.
While many schools offer communications majors and degree programs, you do not need to be a communications major to work in this field. Although it is still recommended that you take journalism, English, and public relations classes to lay the groundwork for a career as a communications coordinator, many companies will hire anyone who meets the minimum requirements as long as he or she appears to be a good fit for the job. Publishing, writing, and editing courses are also frequently beneficial. Most business studies courses, particularly integrated marketing, consumer behavior, and brand management, are also beneficial.
The Importance of Extensive Experiences
Because your primary focus as a communications coordinator will most likely be on increasing a company’s presence or improving its public image, it’s a good idea to gain as much experience in advertising or marketing as possible. The majority of coordinators write content for their company’s various publications and website. Working at your university’s magazine or newspaper, or in the events department, can give you valuable experience that will look great on your resume.
Working as an officer in a club or volunteering to organize events can also provide you with the type of leadership experience that employers seek. Planning production schedules, organizing marketing campaigns and press conferences, and planning company events or industry-related conventions are some of the other core job responsibilities. Hiring managers will typically want to see proof that you have enough relevant experience to succeed in the communications field in general. The best way to plan for success is to do everything you can to prepare ahead of time.
Coordinators interact with coworkers and clients through emails, meetings, and other special events, so interpersonal skills, also known as “people skills,” are crucial. Most businesses prefer a communications coordinator who can work independently while also contributing to special projects as part of a team. Any experience you gain working with a team like this will demonstrate to a potential employer that you are ready to work in this field.
Practical Experience
Finding a job as a coordinator right out of school isn’t always easy. Many companies prefer or require communications coordinators to have at least one year of related experience, as well as three or four years of experience working in a more competitive environment. This may necessitate taking a job with a lower status — as an associate or junior team member, for example — until you’ve amassed enough relevant experience to be promoted.
While you’re still getting your degree, you can sometimes get the skills and experience you need doing marketing internships and entry-level work, which can help you jumpstart your career. A career as a communications coordinator can lead to higher-level positions like communications specialist, marketing or media manager, or marketing director. After gaining the necessary experience and skills, you can work in a variety of settings, including businesses, nonprofit organizations, the media and entertainment industries, hospitals, government offices, and universities.
Concentrate on Editing Skills
Having a background in journalism can also help you land a job as a communications coordinator. The marketing coordinator usually writes company press releases and articles for company newsletters and brochures after coordinating information. You may also be required to write speeches in other situations, such as political campaigns. Because you may be required to review articles or other published work written your staff, proofreading and copyediting experience is usually a plus. Working at your high school or college newspaper as a reporter would be an excellent way to prepare for this aspect of the profession.
The Advantages of Networking
Many people believe that knowing people on the inside is the best way to get noticed communications firms. Meeting industry leaders is an important part of breaking into the field because they will have the connections you need to advise you on where to apply, introduce you to other professionals, and possibly serve as a professional reference. Simply contacting people in your city or town can be a good place to start, and many are willing to give students or other young professionals seeking advice “informational interviews.” Conferences and industry meetings are also good places to learn about new trends and meet people who share your passions.