Meteorology Career Map

Awareness

First Year

• Understand that effective communication is essential in all industries to build and maintain relationships with diverse audiences.
• Recognize that the field is divided into two distinct but complementary tracks: Advertising and Public Relations.
• Develop an awareness of the highest ethical and professional standards required of communication leaders in a global society.
• Learn that students must complete a minor as part of the 120-hour degree requirement.

Middle Years

• Identify the differences between the Advertising emphasis (media planning, creative strategy) and the Public Relations emphasis.
• Become aware of specialized communication topics such as branding, visual messages, and digital media analytics.
• Understand the importance of "W" (Writing) designated courses in developing professional-level writing proficiency.
• Recognize that the program focuses on personal interests through an integrated curriculum and hands-on involvement.

Last Year

• Understand how all previous coursework comes together in the Strategic Campaigns capstone course.
• Recognize the value of a professional and creative portfolio in demonstrating skills to potential employers.
• Stay informed about the graduation requirement of at least 120 total semester hours.
• Acknowledge the role of communication law and ethics in professional practice before entering the workforce.

Exploration

First Year

• Explore student media opportunities through JagMedia, which includes The Vanguard newspaper, JagTV, and WJGR 97.1 The Prowl radio.
• Investigate student organizations like the American Advertising Federation (AAF) and the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).
• Engage with the USA Department of Communication to learn about the various industries where graduates find employment.

Middle Years

• Attend meetings and networking events hosted by communication-specific student organizations to build professional connections.
• Explore different industry settings for potential internships, such as nonprofits, agencies, private businesses, and government entities.
• Research the "Tideline Agency," a student-run creative firm, to understand how to apply classroom knowledge to real-world clients.

Last Year

• Network professionally with department groups and industry partners such as Airbus, Baldwin EMC, or Ingalls Shipbuilding.
• Attend career fairs and events to learn about diverse career paths like sports communication, media relations, or digital strategy.
• Connect with alumni who have gone on to work for major organizations like Google and PUMA.

Preparation

First Year

• Focus on building core proficiency in writing and creative problem solving as these are foundational to both tracks.
• Establish a strong academic foundation in general communication studies before specializing in a concentration.
• Begin exploring the "Involve South" platform to track participation in student groups and leadership roles.

Middle Years

• Complete an internship to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings and gain hands-on experience.
• Select an emphasis (Advertising or Public Relations) and begin taking specialized courses like Media Planning or Branding.
• Develop technical skills in social media management and data analysis through dedicated coursework.

Last Year

• Enroll in the Professional Studies Internship (CA 496) to secure exposure in your chosen career field.
• Compile a professional and creative portfolio (APR 471) that showcases branding, digital media, and campaign execution skills.
• Complete the Strategic Campaigns course to simulate the experience of developing a full communication plan for a client.