Career Pathways for Visual Communication Graduates: Moving Beyond Animation and Design

After completing a degree in visual communication, graduates often seek additional education to enhance their skills and expand their career opportunities. However, it's essential to explore options that align with your interests and career goals—especially for those who excel in writing and speaking but are not interested in animation, media, or traditional design roles.

Exploring Technical Communication

One compelling option to consider is a Master of Science in Technical Communication. Technical communication is the practice of effectively communicating complex ideas and information to diverse audiences. This field blends visual communication, writing, and speaking skills to create user manuals, online help systems, and other types of instructional documents.

A master's degree in technical communication can provide a solid foundation in communication theories, technical writing, and user experience design. Coursework often includes:

Technical writing User experience design Visual communication Project management Human-computer interaction

This degree can be highly beneficial for visual communication graduates who enjoy writing and have strong communication skills. It can open doors to careers such as technical writer, technical editor, documentation manager, and content strategist.

Exploring Rhetorical Studies

Another relevant field to explore is rhetoric, which focuses on the art of persuasion and the effective use of language. A master's program in rhetoric can deepen your understanding of communication theories and provide you with advanced skills in writing and speaking. Rhetorical studies often cover:

Communication theory Public speaking Argumentation Relevant ethical issues Applied rhetoric in various contexts

With a master's degree in rhetoric, you can pursue careers as a communication consultant, speechwriter, public relations executive, or researcher in communication-related fields. This program can help you develop skills in persuasive writing and speaking, which are valuable in both marketing and research settings.

Business and Management Focus

For those with an interest in business and management, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with a communication focus can be an excellent choice. An MBA in this context can integrate your strong communication skills with business expertise. Key benefits of this path include:

Business strategy and management Market research and analysis Public relations Communication for leadership and marketing Entrepreneurial skills

By pursuing an MBA with a communication focus, you can combine your visual communication and writing skills with business acumen. This combination is highly sought after in corporate and organizational settings, where effective communication is crucial for success.

Exploring Writing Specializations

If your primary interest lies in writing and you want to specialize in this area, consider pursuing a master's degree focused on writing. Depending on your specific interests, you might explore:

Creative writing Technical writing Copywriting Journalism Content marketing

For example, a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing can provide you with a deeper understanding of storytelling, narrative techniques, and the craft of writing. Alternatively, a Master of Arts (MA) in Technical Communication or a specialized program in medical writing can offer you the opportunity to focus on specific forms of writing that may align with your interests and career goals.

Industry Exploration and Career Commitments

Before committing to a master's program, it's wise to gain some practical experience in different industries. Consider getting an entry-level job in an industry that interests you. This can help you determine if a graduate degree is necessary or if you can move directly into a career. Exploring different sectors early on may either refocus your education or completely change your career trajectory.

For instance, you might start your career in a digital marketing agency, corporate communications department, or public relations firm. These roles can provide you with hands-on experience in writing, communication, and problem-solving, which can ultimately shape your future education and career path.

It's also important to remember that a master's degree is not just a place to explore new options but should align with your career goals. Choose a program that complement your strengths and passions, rather than just looking for something different to do.

In conclusion, for visual communication graduates who excel in writing and speaking but are not interested in animation, media, or traditional design roles, there are several strong options to consider. Master of Science in Technical Communication, Master of Arts in Rhetoric, and Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a communication focus are all viable paths. Additionally, exploring industry jobs can provide valuable insights into which direction to take your education and career.

Keywords

visual communication writing technical communication rhetoric MBA