Organizational Communication

Organizational Communication is an area of study that examines the complex communicative behaviors which occur in organizational settings. Students pursuing the Organizational Communication emphasis of the Communication major have a variety of courses to choose from which prepare them for careers in management, personnel, human relations, and training and consulting. Organizational Communication can compliment other majors as a minor or as a second major.

What will I learn from studying Organizational Communication?

Knowledge:

Graduates of the Organizational Communication program have an understanding of organizations on both the large and small scale. They have the ability to analyze organizations and make recommendations for improvements using their understanding of different types and levels of communication.

Skills:

  • Meet deadlines and work under pressure
  • Relate to people of varying backgrounds
  • Good listening, clarifying and questioning skills
  • Computer skills
  • Analytical skills and excellent critical thinking skills
  • Solve problems and make decisions
  • Research skills

What are some of the interests and values related to Organizational Communication?

  • Determination and motivation to succeed
  • Work in a team environment and manage your responsibilities
  • Think on your feet and work well with others
  • Willingness to continually learn
  • Desire to be of assistance to others
  • International experience
  • Intellectual curiosity

What are related student and professional organizations?

Student:

Professional:

What career fields are related to the Organizational Communication Degree?

Potential Employers:

Graduates can work in a variety of private organizations and businesses. They can also work for government agencies, for political parties, for politicians, financial institutions, economic development firms, and universities and colleges. Organizational Communication graduates find jobs in public relations firms, advertising agencies, and marketing firms. In addition, there are job opportunities available in non-profit organizations like the United Way and the American Red Cross.

Potential Job Titles:

  • Lobbyist
  • Human Resources
  • Training
  • Marketing
  • Organizational Development
  • Assistant Marketing Associate
  • Public Information Officer
  • Management
  • Staffing
  • Internal Communications
  • Consultant

What are some jobs held by UW – Eau Claire Organizational Communication graduates?

  • Sales , Quad Graphics
  • Organization and Human Performance Consultant , Andersen Consulting
  • Manager, Human Resource Development , Donaldson Company
  • Employee Development Specialist , Royal Credit Union, Eau Claire, WI
  • Human Resources Representative , Carver County, Le Sueur, MN
  • Senior Training Specialist , Deluxe Corporation, Hudson, WI

How can I learn more about Organizational Communication?

Department

Career Services:

  • Meet with a career counselor
  • Take interest inventories and self-assessment tests
  • Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing

Career Discovery Center:

  • Real People Working in Communications , Jan Goldberg
  • Resumes for Communications Careers , The editors of VGM Career Horizons
  • Careers in Communications , Shonan F.R. Noronha
  • Careers in Communications and Entertainment , Leonard Mogel
  • Great Jobs for Communications Majors , Blythe Camenson
  • Top Careers for Communications Graduates , Checkmark Books

Internet:

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Organizational Communication?

Internship

Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career. To find an internship in Organizational Communication that suites your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships. Contact your advisor or the Communication and Journalism department chair about enrolling in CJ 498 to obtain academic credit for your internship.

Directed Studies or Independent Study Class

By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting. Contact your advisor about enrolling in CJ 399, 495 or 499.