How to Become a Communication Officer

A communication officer is a mid-level position at a company's external communication department or at a public-relations (PR) firm. The officer helps write and release information about the organization or its clients to the media. In order to become a communication officer, you'll need to meet certain educational and professional requirements. Read on to learn what they are.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Bachelor's degree in communications or a similar field

Become a Communication Officer

1. Go to college for your bachelor's degree in communications, journalism or public relations. You want to focus on classes that help you develop your written and spoken communication. If possible, try to minor in business or marketing.
2. Set up an internship with a public-relations firm. Unfortunately, no matter how good your grades are, most PR firms won't hire you if you don't have any experience. An internship helps you make connections within the PR industry and learn how other PR professionals started their careers.
3. Ask your internship hosts whether they'll hire you as an entry-level communications associate after you graduate. The company may be able to help you get in touch with other PR companies in the area if it cannot hire you.
4. Research local PR firms if you live in an urban area. Call their human-resources departments, briefly introduce yourself and ask whether you can submit an application for employment. If you want to become a communications officer, you're going to have to start as an entry-level associate and work your way up.
5. Take on challenging assignments during your first few years working in public relations. Many PR companies promote from within and if they see that you're ambitious, they're more likely to consider you for promotions. Many people become communications officers after 2 to 3 years in the business.
6. Learn about the different ways to manage a client's reputation online. More and more, communications officers have to adapt to the new Internet marketplace. Being familiar with how to set up a website and track target audiences can give you a boost in the job market.

Tips & Warnings

• Public-relations firms aren't the only businesses that hire communications officers. Any company that has a news department will employ at least one officer.
• During an election year, you can get some communication experience by volunteering for a political campaign. Local, state and national candidates all require communications officers, many of whom are recent graduates and volunteers.
• You can gain experience by volunteering your communication skills to small companies and community groups that can't afford to hire a public-relations firm.

Who Can Help:

• Earn an Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix
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